An interactive three-dimensional mine modeling, visualization and information system

• Main Author: Jiang, Yaohong Dennis
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-1998
• Subjects: Mining
• ISBN: 9780612319349; 0612319342

The mining industry has long waited for an effective system that highly integrates mine modeling, visualization and information management into one single 3D environment. Such a system requires simultaneous data handling and graphical capabilities. It is not just a database problem, since most mining data are 'graphical' and best represented by drawings with attributes associated. Neither is it simply a CAD problem, for general CAD systems do not provide the ability to define and manipulate the three dimensional, heterogeneous properties of deposits, at least without third party plug-ins; they only produce drawings without attributes associated. What is required is the ability to interact directly with a vast amount and variety of mining data within a CAD-like environment. This thesis describes the methodology employed in the development of a stand-alone interactive 3-D mine modeling, visualization and information system referred to as GeoTech. GeoTech adopts a hybrid modeling scheme that combines surface modeling with solid modeling through sensible integration of a group of sophisticated computing techniques. These include extensible hashing as the database engine, 2D constrained/unconstrained Delaunay triangulation for topographical mapping, 3D surface triangulation for orebody shape construction, a Marching Cube algorithm for iso-surface generation for a specified attribute from a given block model, and linear octree encoding for efficient spatial searches and solid modeling. The system provides the required specialized data manipulation facilities within a 3-D CAD-like user environment, within which mining applications can be built with instant access to various types of mining data. As it stands, GeoTech features an intuitive, expressive GUI and an authentic 3D interaction and visualization environment with database support for a variety of mining data. It consolidates data on the screen: DDHs, geological and geotechnical data including faults and water pressure, topographical surfaces, cross sections, lithological zones, ore body shells, block models, mine openings including drifts, shafts and stopes, bench blasts, pit contours an surfaces, etc. The system can be used as an extensible framework to add any mining specific applications or modules. At present, five complete modules have been developed within this framework, including DDH management module, topographical mapping module, sectional modeling module, pit surface creation module, and 3D orebody modeling module. A sizable group of facilities have also been developed for underground mine layout. The first four modules of GeoTech were successfully installed in March, 1995 at Mont Wright Operations of Quebec Cartier Mining Co. They have been used as an effective modeling and visualization tool by mining engineers in the structurally complex open pit mine.