Export Vulcan (.bdf) Block Model

This screen is shown when exporting a Vulcan block model file in .bdf ASCII text format. This file contains the underlying geometry for a Vulcan block model. Optionally, a supporting 'definition' file can be created, containing the rotation and origin information for the block model.

This is the first of two property screens displayed when exporting this data type. See Export Vulcan Block Model (.bdf) Data File.

Activity steps

  1. Review the file name and location of the file to be exported. Select Change to pick a different name or path.
  2. Choose whether a Block Definition File (.bdf) will be created.
    • Use an existing Block Definition File - useful if a standard block definition is used, and a .bdf file already exists. Select this option and pick a .bdf file.
    • Create a new Block Definition File - store the current block definition in an external .bdf file during export. Select this option and specify a file name and location.
    • Do not use or create a Block Definition File - export model data without a separate definition file.

  3. Vulcan block models can contain alphanumeric fields, that is, fields that contain text data such as lithological names.  In the Vulcan software these fields are referred to as ‘name type variables’. A limitation of the Vulcan software’s export option is that when an ASCII data file is created integer values are substituted for the actual text.  In order to solve this problem the Vulcan Block Model DSD uses a look-up table to match the integers to the correct text value.  The resulting block model therefore contains the actual text and not an integer substitute. See Vulcan Driver Category.

    Choose whether to update or create a Variables Definition File:

    1. Update an existing definition file - update an existing look-up table (.txt) during export. If selected, click Change to locate the file to update.

    2. Create a new definition file - create a look-up table text file by clicking Change to set a file name and location.  This may be useful when transferring a block model to Vulcan from another mining software package.

    3. Do not use or create a definition file - export without creating or modifying a look-up table.

  4. Click Next.

  5. The Export Vulcan Block Model (.bdf) Data File screen displays.