Block Model Creation and Manipulation

Creating Block Models

Block models are created by the following general methods:

output from an underground or open pit optimizer
filling perimeters (closed strings) with cells
filling wireframes with cells
estimating grades into a block model prototype
generation from a set of XYZ data.

The block modelling process usually starts with the creation of a block model prototype, which contains information about the spatial position, orientation and extents of the model, as well as the size of the parent cells. It only contains a data definition i.e. the table does not contain any data records. This model prototype is then used as input into one of the Processes/Commands which then generates block model cells.

The following table lists the more commonly used processes and Commands used to create block model prototypes and block models:

Process/Command	Description
PROTOM	Generates a block model prototype i.e. data definition
PERFIL	Fills perimeter(s) (closed string) with block model cells
TRIFIL	Fills wireframes with block model cells
WIREFILL	Automatically generates a block model prototype and then fills a wireframe will block model cells
IJKGEN	Calculates IJK values for an existing model with XYZ values for cell definitions using a prototype model. Recalculates IJK values when expanding a model. For this, it is only necessary to define the new origin, number of cells etc. using PROTOM before using IJKGEN.
create-model-prototype	Generates and previews a block model prototype
model-from-multiple-wireframes	Generates block models from multiple wireframes
	Sorts table records on field IJK
	Sorts table records on field IJK

Having a block model sorted on the IJK field is a prerequisite for:

using many of the block model combination and manipulation commands/processes
loading the block model into Studio

Many of the above listed model creation Processes/Commands generate an output block model with records already sorted on IJK.

Sorting a block model on the IJK field is done using MGSORT with the @ORDER parameter set to '1' (the default) i.e. ascending order.

Combining Block Models

The order in which block models are combined is important. The following diagram shows the sequence in which individually modeled features need to be added in order to create a composite block model:

The following processes and commands are used to combine block models:

Process/Command	Description
ADDMOD	Combines two block models
SLIMOD	Splits model cells along boundaries defined by a new prototype block model. This is needed in order to combine two block model that do not have the same data definition.
MGSORT	Sorts table records, e.g. on the IJK field

Before models are combined, they need to be sorted on the IJK field.

Manipulating Block Models

Block models are typically manipulated in order to:

optimize the model cells i.e. reduce the number of subcells e.g. after two models have been combined
place the block model in a new model prototype space
modify block values e.g. correct numeric flag values after optimizing or regularizing a block model

The following processes and commands are used to manipulate block models:

Process/Command	Description
PROMOD	Optimizes the number of subcells in a block model
REGMOD	Generates a regular celled (i.e. no subcells) block model
SLIMOD	Splits model cells along boundaries defined by a new prototype block model. This is needed in order to combine two block model that do not have the same data definition.
MDTRAN	Translates and/or rotates a block model into a new prototype space
MGSORT	Sorts table records on the IJK field
EXTRA	Is a general purpose EXpression TRAnslator that allows you to transform the contents of Datamine files by modifying fields and creating new ones which can be based on the values of existing fields
SETVAL	Inserts a user-defined value into a given field either during copying of a file or as an in-place operation.
edit-model-cell-values	Allows block model cell values to be interactively edited in the Design window.

The DatamineTable Editor can also be used to edit data definitions and table data.

	Related Topics
	Dynamic Evaluation Report Introduction Block Model - Default Density Overview Default Density Block Model Size Limits