Analysing structures and surfaces
Geotechnical experts will welcome enhancements to tools for analysing structures and surfaces in the upgraded Maptek I-Site geotechnical module.
Streamlined geotechnical analysis, enhanced modelling and new CAD tools will be delivered in I-Site Studio 6 later this year. New right-mouse menu functionality makes for smarter, faster workflows overall.
The release marks 15 years since Maptek began developing unique spatial modelling software which works directly on 3D scan data. Preserving all of the important detail for modelling and analysis gives users confidence that results are an accurate spatial snapshot of a site.
Geotechnical tools
Survey data plays a vital role in identifying areas of structural weakness that can affect mine planning and operational decisions.
The interactive stereonet is linked directly to the 3D scan view. Users can highlight and view areas of concern in the stereonet and on the laser scan simultaneously. Plane and intersection creation helps with structural analysis.
A new option outputs spacing between sets of discontinuities for statistical modelling. Creating solids from discontinuities helps determine wedge shape, size and volume. Dynamic adjustment of discontinuities extends shapes to assess their potential impact elsewhere in the pit.
New ‘waviness’ analysis produces a histogram of variations in apparent dip. Standard deviation can be derived to report on stability analysis.
Automated cell mapping includes user-defined cells for structural mapping, statistical analysis and reporting.
A new geological modelling menu splits a surface based on geological domains and CAD boundaries.
The kinematic analysis tool has been dramatically overhauled. The user simply drags and drops a discontinuity onto the kinematic analysis slope orientation fields to automatically display failure zones.
A new stereonet viewer is fully customisable for background colour, point and line size. Users can display tangent planes as great circles and specify an xyz location as it is populated on the stereonet.
CAD geometry
New CAD functionality for creating geometrical shapes from complex 3D point cloud data streamlines drafting of haul roads and ROM pad layouts.
A new action plane can be added to views to easily create 2D features in their accurate location.
Improved 3D line creation and offset tools allow users to create simple 3D geometry with control over length, bearing and grade. Tasks like completing a stockpile toe at a known RL or adding points on a ramp at a known grade are simpler than ever.
Snapping tools and a better graphical indication of relationships to neighbouring geometry enhance the CAD experience.
I-Site Studio 6 is due for release in December 2015.
I-Site Survey Solutions
NOW
Deploy your scanner 24/7
Use your I-Site laser scanner for typical survey during the day and monitoring at night. The Sentry laser-based system tracks surface movements at night and now operates underground. Monitor development headings and stopes and work safe. Use your laser scanner 24/7 and pay off your investment sooner.
NEW
Versatile laser scanners
Get all of your survey reporting done safely with one laser scanner. Fast accurate cavity surveys. Seamless underground drive and tunnel mapping. Stockpile volume pickups. All with the new versatile I-Site 8200 laser scanner. Features include new 3-point resection for backsighting and compatibility with Drive and Sentry.
NEXT
Advanced software tools
Next on the agenda for I-Site Studio is addressing discontinuity solid modelling, stability analysis and stereonet tools for geotechnical analysis. New geological modelling options. Upgraded CAD tools for creating geometric shapes. Right-click shortcuts and interactive viewing of 3D data will further enhance user experience. Look for I-Site Studio 6 in December 2015.
