Author(s): Tao Lin and Danielle Landy, CSIRO Division of Information Technology, GPO Box 664, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia, Matthew O. Ward, Computer Science Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, William L. Power, CSIRO Division of Exploration and Mining, PO Box 437, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia

Source: Proc. of Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Minerals Industries, Brisbane, Australia, July 1995.

Abstract: Geological structures are irregular and intricate, so creating a geological block model is a complicated process. A software system can only partially automate this process, since geological knowledge and experience are required. Therefore, the interaction of a geologist is critical for such a system. This paper discusses some useful advanced functions for enhancing the visualisation and manipulation of geological block models: flexible attribute display, multiple views, auxiliary display objects, and geologically sensitive operations. It also describes some experiments to explore the effectiveness of these functions and presents sample output. Most existing geological block modelling systems are implemented in an ad hoc way which greatly reduces their reusability and extensibility. These deficiencies may be improved by using the generic framework for geologicalblock modelling systems, based on object-oriented technology, presented in this paper. A modelling process based on drill hole data is discussed as a case study.