Capturing
lithology and structural data by digitizing or using
digital photographic images is done in full 3D with
attributes of strike and dip. Loacation of Surfaces is
obtained from existing survey of crest,toe and bench data
or locations from bearings from 3 surveyed targets around
the pit. If sub-metre GPS data is available then this
could be used as well.
Standard digital photographs taken at aproximately normal
to the surface to be mapped are "draped" onto
the surface and then used in conjunction with "real
time" mapping.
The resulting "intelligent" data is output as
ASCII string files which conform with site legends,
string numbers and standards.
This process can be applied to walls, benches and faces
of any shape/orientation - even curved walls and ramps.
The advantage of digital photographs and mapping is that
a record of each surface is retained for future reference,
even after it has been mined.
Benefits:
1. True 3D intelligent data with strike and dip provides
better understanding of
the geometry controlling the orebody to assist modelling
and interpretation. - generally leads to better resource
targeting.
2. A permanent digital record of mapping even after
benching, stripping or development extensions mean walls
or faces no longer exist.
3. 3D structural data is obtained for analysis and
engineering to help minimise dilution, maximise recovery
and reduce unit cost.
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