Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Journal of Sustainable Mining

journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jsm

Research paper

Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and

functional structure
Sebastian Iwaszenko*, Jo

zef Kabiesz

w 1, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
Central Mining Institute, Plac Gwarko

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Underground coal mining usually requires the development of a set of underground corridors (work-
Received 31 January 2017 ings). The workings fulfill many different functions. They are used for transportation, ventilation, dew-
Received in revised form atering and even escape pathways. The proposition of a formal representation of a working's structure
27 November 2017
for deep coal mining has been presented. The model was developed as a basis for the software system,
Accepted 7 December 2017
Available online xxx
support management and operational activities for longwall deep mine. The proposed solution is based
on graph formalism along with its matrix representation. However, the idea of matrix representation is
enhanced. Not only are the topological properties of workings structure considered, but also information
Keywords:
Mine structure
about their functions and spatial characteristic. The object model was designed and implemented based
Modeling upon the matrix idea.
Computer science © 2017 Central Mining Institute in Katowice. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open
Information representation access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction
The underground excavation of natural resources is a chal-
lenging and difficult process. Despite continuous advances in de-
posit recognition and underground mining technology
development, there is still space for improvements and the appli-
cation of new solutions. Coal is one example of underground re-
sources where extraction in deep mines is technologically
demanding and exposed to natural hazards. The term ‘deep mine' is
used here for underground mines using a system of shafts and
drifts for its operation.
A typical deep coal mine uses the longwall extraction method. A
system of shafts and headings is built to gain access to the deposit
and form pathways for people, material, and raw material trans-
portation. The workings are built both in coal deposits and the
surrounding strata, forming a complicated web of correlated con-
nections. Every working is designated to fulfill a certain role in the
mine's functioning and is equipped with the appropriate infra-
structure. Typical roles of this working include: transport, ventila-
tion, research, etc. During the time of mine functioning, its role can
change. As workings are built in rugged conditions, they are often
exposed to natural geophysical processes. Because of this, the
* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: siwaszenko@gig.eu (S. Iwaszenko), jkabiesz@gig.eu
(J. Kabiesz).
working can lose its parameters and functionality, and in the most
severe case, can be completely destroyed.
The knowledge of workings' spatial, functional and topological
properties is of crucial importance for mine operations. It becomes
even more important when accidents occur, as it is helpful for
rescue planning and management. Nowadays, mines are obligated
to track the working's parameters and history. However, it is rare
that the complete formal representation of workings structure is
used for this purpose. There are known IT applications in the coal
mine industry that support working structure management. Un-
fortunately, most of them are focused on visual representations
and, in fact, are of little more use than just visualization. Moreover,
there is a lack of a common information representation model for a
mine working's structure.
In this paper, the formal representation of a coal mine working's
structure is presented. The matrix representation of a graph was
used as the basic idea. It was assumed that the matrix structure will
hold references to the objects, which contain a set of working
properties. The presented model is capable of storing both spatial
and common data (eg. working function, ventilation parameters or
transport capabilities) and can be used as a basis for software so-
lution development. A simple implementation of the proposed
model was developed and tested as a ‘proof of concept’.
The application of computer science tools and methods to
model underground networks of workings, shafts, and geological
structures seems highly promising. However, it has to be noted that
there are relatively few scientific publications in this field. Most

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
2300-3960/© 2017 Central Mining Institute in Katowice. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
2 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8
computer systems and solutions used in the mining industry are
safety and production control oriented (Cheng, Cheng, & Chen,
2015). The systems dedicated to structure visualizations usually
focus on graphic and graphic representation. One can observe a lack
of appropriate information layer support. Moreover, the safety,
production planning, control system, as well as visualizations, are
hardly integrated (Kabiesz, Iwaszenko, & Trenczek, 2012). Though
their usefulness is beyond question, they could be utilized in a
much more efficient way. There is also very little information about
information systems that use contextual information and are
dedicated to coal mines, although there is some research in this
field (Xue, Chang, & Liu, 2014). The problems associated with the
development of underground coal mine structure models are also
poorly represented in the literature. This seems to correlate with
the lack of available software. Because of this, it is reasonable to
look for solutions in different areas, which have structure similar to
deep coal mine.
A deep coal mine is formed by a set of underground mine
workings. They have different sizes and spatial orientation, play
different roles in mine functioning and are equipped with a wide
range of infrastructure. Therefore, the following levels of its struc-
tural analysis can be considered:
d The spatial placement and orientation of workings, along
with their dimensions and shapes,
d The functional structure of deep mine workings e the role
each working plays in the mine's operation, how they con-
nect considering their function, and the potential function
exchange between workings (e.g. which workings can be
possibly used for ventilation)
d The infrastructure in workings, such as power lines, moni-
toring equipment, machinery, and working protection.
d Current characteristics of the workings' state, the measure-
ments results, equipment operation, etc.
Despite the level of analysis, it is suggested that the working
structure is viewed as a set of corridors or just connections forming
a special kind of network. Similar structures have been modeled in
the past. As a discipline, which is particularly similar to under-
ground workings, road networks and corridors can be considered
when carrying out this analysis (Febbraro & Sacco, 2004; Lupton &
Bolsdon, 1999). Other fields where network structures are modeled
are information technology (Ermolin, 1999; Kim & O'Grady, 1996)
and electronics/telecommunications (Rhee & Park, 1997).
No matter which area, the representations used can be essen-
tially reduced to a graph. Sometimes this graph takes the form of a
tree or can be easily reduced to a form of a tree (Ermolin, 1999). In
more complicated structures graphs with more complex topologies
are used (e.g. Petri networks (Febbraro & Sacco, 2004)). A matrix
(e.g. admittance matrix in circuit theory (S
anchez-Lo
pez,
Ferna
ndez, & Tlelo-Cuautle, 2010)) is also occasionally used for
graph representation.
Object-oriented analysis and design play an important role in
contemporary software development. Object-oriented methods are
also applicable in modeling networks and graph structures. They
can be found in many different fields of application, for example,
object-oriented methods were successfully used in the modeling of
computer networks with high bandwidths. Objects were used to
represent both the devices on the network nodes and the con-
nections between them (transmission lines) (Rhee & Park, 1997). In
addition, this technique was used to describe the transfer taking
place between the points (nodes) of the network. The individual
objects implement finite automata functionality. Object-oriented
techniques have also been used in road network and road trans-
port modeling (Lupton & Bolsdon, 1999), where object methods
Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
were used along with Geographic Information System (GIS) tech-
nology. They represented both the hierarchy of the roads and their
connections' structure. One of the most important aspects of the
representation is the relationship between domain model objects
and objects used for visualization. Another important aspect is the
way the links between the nodes of the graph and the graph's edges
are represented. In literature, two main methods of graph structure
representation are used. The first uses objects only for representing
graphs nodes. The edges are represented by references held by each
object representing the node. This solution is similar to the repre-
sentation of data structures as lists or trees. The second solution
represents both nodes and edges as objects. The nodes hold the
references to edge objects. Matrix graph representation is usually
used when the nodes are not represented as objects and the only
information associated with the edges is their weight (Kim &
O'Grady, 1996).
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Model assumptions
Every deep mine consists of a complicated network of under-
ground workings. They are crucial for mine operation. Each work-
ing plays an important role in the structure of the mine. There are
workings dedicated to ventilation, transportation of ROM (Run-of-
Mine) and equipment, transportation of people, research, longwall
formation, etc. Moreover, the workings each have unique place-
ment, dimensions, and shape. They are also connected with each
other. It was assumed, that a developed model domain will include
following entities:

Set of all workings in the mine

Set of the workings' properties

Relationships between the workings along with their type

Geometry (working placement, dimensions, and shape)
The relations between workings can take many different forms.
They include, but are not limited to, a physical connection. It is
assumed that a ‘relationship' describes any kind of direct rela-
tionship that can exist between two given workings, e.g. the pos-
sibility to make a connection during a rescue operation. The
workings do not need to be connected to make such an operation
feasible. The relationship can also be characterized by a set of
properties, for example, the time necessary to make a physical
connection between two workings.
It was assumed that the developed model is stationary; it is a
snapshot of mine structure at a given time. This assumption is not
very limiting. The time domain can be divided into periods within
the changes to the mine structure are so small, that can be
neglected. Then, a set of models, representative for selected periods
of time, can be used to describe the evolution of the mine's struc-
ture. It is also possible to connect the property's sets with time.
However, in this paper time dependent changes are not considered.
The mine structure model is based on the following paradigms:

Object methods are suitable for representing mine structure

The graphs are an appropriate general idea of representing deep
mine workings' structure. The nodes, as well as the edges,
should store information dependent on the function they
provide.
Because of the possibly large amount of relationships that are
necessary for mine representation, it is preferable to use other than
referential graph representation.
 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8
2.2. Structural model
The structural model of mine workings describes their roles,
connections, operational parameters and relationships. Each func-
tion of the working is associated with a set of its attributes (prop-
erties). For example, when considering transport function a set of
important properties could be the cross-sectional area of working,
the width at the narrowest point, and the availability and type of
communication infrastructure (conveyor belt, track). An analogous
set of properties associated with the function can be attributed to
their relationship. The structural model does not include spatial
information about the workings.
The objects were used for modeling workings and the re-
lationships between them. The primary role of objects is to collect
sets of properties. It is proposed that each of the objects repre-
senting a working is able to present a list of functions performed by
the working. Moreover, a subset of its properties associated with
the indicated function should also be outlined by the object. It is
proposed that a set of properties, de facto, define working functions.
The working realizes a given function in the mine structure if, and
only if, it has a set of properties associated with the function.
Therefore, checking if the working performs its chosen function
means checking if the function's characteristic properties' set is
included in the working's properties' set.
The aforementioned idea can be easily represented using object
methods. Defining Object-representation workings and the re-
lationships of objects-representation makes use of the mechanisms
of inheritance and application of Liskov's substitution rule (Liskov
& Wing, 1993; Liskov, 1988).
For representing the functional structure of workings and re-
lations between them the idea of “abstract working” was used.
“Abstract working” is an entity that represents workings realizing
one and only function. It defines all properties relevant to this
selected function. A set of abstract workings for every identified
function was designed. The real working model represents the
actual working in mine structure. As the real working usually
perform more than one function, they are constructed as a
composition of abstract workings. The properties' set of a real
working is a union of properties sets defined for all abstract
workings components. The properties' set is further extended to
the characteristics typical for the working. ‘Characteristics typical
for the working’ means a set of properties not related to any of the
functions of the working, but still necessary for the working
description (e.g. Name). For example, a real working which has
ventilation and transport functions will be represented as a com-
bination of the ventilation working abstract and transportation
working abstract. Depending on the context, it can be used as either
of them. It is also preferable to define an abstract base working e
the one that represents functionality and the property core for all
other workings. It was decided that the abstract workings will be
implemented using an abstract class. The real workings should
inherit from the appropriate set of abstract classes. According to the
cited substitutions rule, wherever a working would be expected to
be used in general, any working represented by the class inheriting
from the abstract class can be used. Similarly, it would be possible
to use a working providing a specific function instead of an abstract
working, as long as its class inherits from the abstract working class
representing this function. The UML (Unified Modelling Language)
static diagram depicting the class hierarchical structure for work-
ings is presented in Fig. 1.
In the same way the relationship between workings is modeled,
each relationship combining two mine workings has properties
inherited from abstract relations. Abstract relations represent an
elementary type of relationships that may exist between workings.
Each abstract relation holds a collection of properties determined
Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
3
by its type. As in the case of workings, a single abstract class parent
relationship should be defined. Such a solution allows the object of
the class derived from the abstract class to be used in places where
the abstract class is expected. A UML static diagram depicting the
class hierarchical structure for relations is presented in Fig. 2.
A directed graph was chosen for modeling the workings
network structure. It is suggested that nodes represent workings
and the edges are used to describe relations. Though it may seem
counterintuitive, such a representation has many advantages. For
example, it makes representing different kinds of relations be-
tween workings extremely straightforward. It is required that
workings only have binary relations. The nature of relations and
graph construction allows the matrix to be used as a structural
representation. The elements of the matrix relations and the rows
and columns are indexed by workings. The element located at the
intersection of the column and row describes the characteristics of
the relationship between the workings corresponding to the
indices of rows and columns. There are in fact objects representing
real relations stored in the matrix, thus forming an object matrix
structure. The rows and columns reference real workings' objects. It
is assumed here that the matrix in a general case would represent a
directed graph. In fact, there is no reason why the relation r con-
necting workings x and y in xry order is the same as the relation r0
operating in the reverse order yr0 x. It is expected that the proposed
matrix is dense. The reflective relations will be placed along the
main diagonal of the matrix. An example of the matrix is presented
in Fig. 3.
Constructing the structural model representation for a given
deep mine requires the following steps:
1. Defining a list of roles or functions fulfilled by the workings.
2. Defining a list of properties connected with each role/function.
The properties should be described as a composition of their
name and domain (e.g. property name: ‘Working width’, prop-
erty domain: positive real number)
3. Elaborating a set of all workings considered in the model. Each
working should have its roles listed.
4. For each working, its relationship with other workings should
be identified and described.
5. For each working the values for the defined properties have to
be identified (e.g. property name: ‘Working width’, property
value: 3m).
6. For each relationship, its properties' list should be described.
7. An object matrix should be constructed:
a. Workings should form indexes for matrix
b. For every two workings wi, wj a relation rij should be placed in
the matrix at (wi, wj). The values for relation properties have
to be provided.
At the end of the process, the object matrix representing the
structural model of the deep mine is constructed. The properties
and relations identified are strictly connected with the expected
scope of the model. There is no predefined set of properties or re-
lations which has to be obligatorily included in the model.
2.3. Spatial model
Workings not only have properties that are implied by the
function they fulfil, they also have a set of properties associated
with their spatial character. Each of the workings can be treated as a
geometric object with a location in space and specific dimensions.
Due to the nature of the workings shape in the mining plant, it is
proposed that the location of the working be described using a
three-dimensional Euclidean space. Individual workings can be
represented spatially as fragments of a polyline, defined by limiting
4 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8

Fig. 1. Workings' class hierarchy diagram.

Fig. 2. Relations' class hierarchy diagram.

Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8 5

2. A working bend at polyline break points. It is assumed that at

w1 w2 w3 … wn
each bend an additional cross section is constructed. It forms
w1 r1 r2 … rk two truncated prisms, on both sides of the bend.

w2 r3 r1 … Determination of the spatial relationships between the work-

w3 r2 r1 … ings can be carried out using the methods of analytic geometry of
… … … … … spatial information is proposed is the relation of physical connec-
wn rk-1 r1
Fig. 3. Example of the object-matrix e a representation of deep mine workings
structure. The matrix is indexed by wi objects representing workings and its elements
are a ri objects, representing relations.
points (the ends of the working) and a list of points that determine
the breakpoints. Along the polyline, at least one cross section has to
be defined. A set of cross sections give sufficient data to restore the
three-dimensional shape of the working. Although the working has
no sense of being directed (the concept of the beginning and end of
the working are conventional and do not come from its nature), the
points describing the course of the working should form a list
(Fig. 4). The route of the working is easily obtained by joining the
points with sections, in the order they are listed. This is also the first
step in a working's shape reconstruction. The cross sections,
describing the working shape, should be defined at selected points
along a working's polyline. Each cross section forms a polygon.
Additionally, a point in the interior is chosen to define the place
where a working's defining polyline pierces the cross section along
with a vector defining the cross section's upwards direction. The
information allows the appropriate placement of a cross section on
the poly line representing the working course. The reconstruction
of a working's shape in cross sections is performed by treating each
two consecutive cross sections as the base of a prism and then
triangulating its lateral surface. However, two cases have to be
considered:
1. A working's beginning/end. If the cross-section polygon is not
defined at the working's ends, the cross section nearest to the
beginning/end is used. This is always possible, because each
working must define at least one cross section.
three-dimensional space. The only relationship for which storing
tion between the pits. This connection is characterized by its co-
ordinates (the connection point has to be common to both
workings). It is also proposed that object representing relationship
store the connection type (“X”, “T”, “Y”). While this information
may be determined by the position of the assemblage point, it
would require additional computational effort. It is recommended
that the coordinate system (frame), used by the mine in under-
ground surveying in visualization world space, be used. Visualiza-
tion of mine structures can be realized based on GIS technologies
available (two-dimensional map) or by using three-dimensional
imaging technology. The first solution is better for imaging the
network structure of the workings for the mine staff to support
daily operations. The development of a three-dimensional visuali-
zation version requires the development of dedicated software
based on the selected graphics’ library. Such a solution enables
imaging of the relative position, size and proportion between the
workings. It is in fact the natural next step in representing the
structure of the mine. Simultaneously, it would be the first step in
the transfer of existing mine visualization into virtual reality.
2.4. Context information and Internet of Things (IoT)
Context aware applications and of contest information in ap-
plications is an idea that first came into use from the mid-nineties
and these are usually mentioned along with mobile computing
(Schilit, Adams, & Want, 1994). Context aware systems should be
automated, highly available, capable of working in a real time
regime and with a high level of customization (Xue et al., 2014).
Though context aware systems influence mostly mobile applica-
tions they can also be useful when using local information to
modify or change the interpretation of globally available data. The
first real application of context aware systems was the active badge
project (Want, Hopper, Falcao, & Gibbons, 1992); the system
automatically forwarded phone calls. Context information is also
important in the case of mine structure. As the context information

Fig. 4. The idea of a working's spatial information representation.

Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
6 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8
can be characterized as user and physical (Schmidt, Beigl, &
Gellersen, 1999), it was assumed that in the case of a developed
solution for a deep mine, only the physical context information will
be considered. It is proposed that the information is stored as an
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) application document. The
document should contain a part which can be used as a metadata.
In this part a short characteristic of the data type used is presented
as well as basic directives (hints) on how to present the data. It is
required that each piece of context information is tagged with its
spatial range (point, working or mine). The spatial range defines the
scope of the influence of the context information. For example,
working range means that context information is valid and should
be provided for the whole selected working. Similarly, the point
range means that information is only for a limited neighborhood
near a given point. Context information in that way can represent
any working equipment, machinery or measurement unit. The
context information can be used by the system in both a passive
and active way (Chen & Kotz, 2000). Though using the context
information in a passive way requires no more information than
specified above, the active way is more complicated. The main
difficulty comes from the poor specification of context information.
In fact, it is reasonable to assume that context information can be of
almost any nature. Therefore, it is almost impossible to implement
a universal way of processing this information. Instead, it is pro-
posed that every piece of context information can be coupled with
metadata defining:
 What kind of information (events) is important for the object
described using context information entity
 What kind of information (events) can be emitted by the context
information entity
 The specification of the component capable of dealing with the
context data.
The governing information system should ensure resources
allow event subscription (event broker). The services for setting up
information exchange channels should also be provided. Finally,
the service infrastructure for creating and hosting the components
should be provided. Appropriately used context information should
significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of a deep mine.
The effective use of context information lies in the efficient
communication and availability of the current data. Both re-
quirements can be fulfilled by adapting the paradigms of the
Internet of Things to the underground environment. Highly indi-
vidualized and interconnected devices are bound to exchange in-
formation between one another (Atzori, Iera, & Morabito, 2010;
Ray, 2016). It is expected that every device mounted underground
should be equipped with at least basic communication support.
Though using standard internet protocols in deep mine environ-
ment is almost impossible, there are solutions which can be used
instead. One of the most promising is the Software Defined
Network (Kreutz et al., 2015; Xia, Wen, Foh, Niyato, & Xie, 2015).
Some authors already proposed its application as a base platform
for the IoT communication in the modern world (Martinez &
Skarmeta, n.d.). The solution proposed for coal deep mines should
follow the conceptual model described by Aloi (Aloi et al., 2016). In
the underground environment, devices do not have equal access to
communication media. It is obvious, that priority should be given to
the monitoring systems directly responsible for controlling safety
conditions underground. Other devices, gathering information on
machinery working conditions, material and people movement
underground and other environmental parameters can run in
mostly unconnected modes. They should be given access to the
communication infrastructure depending on its availability. It is
suggested that a method called “data mule” should be considered
Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
as a principle for gathering data from the sections of a mine which
lack other appropriate communication support. Miners and mobile
equipment should be used for this purpose. Workers equipped with
mobile devices can communicate using other mine IoT infrastruc-
ture and upload internal memory supplied data. After connecting to
the mine communication infrastructure, the data from mobile de-
vices carried by miners is uploaded to databases. The proposed
deep mine structure representation is suitable for monitoring and
simulating such data transfers in mines.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Model implementation
The proposed model was implemented using Visual Studio 2015
Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The software was
divided into four components:
- Mine structure model library
- Spatial visualization library
- Graphics assets library
- Application
All components were implemented with Cþþ and C# languages.
The class abstractions were provided by the use of interfaces (ab-
stract base classes). The code intensively uses polymorphism as
well as Liskov's substitution principle. A short description of
implementation concepts is presented in the following sections.
3.1.1. Mine structure model library
A mine structure model library implements the model
formalism described in the previous section. The Drift and Rela-
tionType class were defined as the basis for the workings' and re-
lationships’ representation. Both classes contain a set of Trait
objects. A Trait class represents a property that a working or rela-
tionship can have. The Drift object also holds a list of fulfilled
functions as well as information necessary for visualization. The
Drift and RelationType objects are combined into the Drif-
tRelationMatrix object. The DriftRelationMatrix object uses a dic-
tionary internal representation for holding Drifts and RelationType
objects. This enables a given relation to be accessed by overloading
the indexing operator. The DriftRelationMatrix class is the imple-
mentation of the object matrix described in the previous section. It
is equipped with accessors and methods that help with the oper-
ation on its data. For example, a Dijkstra algorithm was imple-
mented for the shortest path search within the graph represented
by DriftRelationMatrix.
3.1.2. Spatial visualization library
The visualization of mine structure was implemented using
DirectX and the XNA Game Studio library. Both libraries are
developed and shipped by Microsoft. DirectX forms the base for
development of 2D and 3D graphics procedures. XNA Game Studio
delivers set of higher level functionality, aimed at rapid application
development. The workings are represented as a list of vertices (a
polyline). For simplicity, it was assumed that only limited cross
section shapes are defined. Their parameters and placement are
stored, along with polyline, in the same format (collection of
vertices). The visualization code builds a working's graphical rep-
resentation on-line, using stored vertices. The spatial information,
necessary for visualization, is provided by Drift objects. Visualiza-
tion code displays the virtual mine as a 3D graphic. It is possible to
zoom in and out, move around the structure and rotate it in all
directions.
 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8
3.1.3. Graphics assets library
The component stores the graphics' primitives’ definition
necessary for appropriate visualization. This is helpful for the
Spatial visualization library. The examples of stored assets are
textures, fonts and effect definitions.
3.1.4. Application
The application is responsible for interactions between the user
and software. It presents the mine model to the user and responds
to user commands. The application was dedicated for Microsoft
Windows systems family.
The contextual information representation extensively uses re-
flections and dynamic object creation. As previously described,
context information can take many different forms and will require
different forms of handling by the information system. It was
assumed that the information is mainly passive e the system will
store it and present it in an appropriate place in the coal mine
structure, but there is no built in functionality in the software to
directly interact with the context information. However, extension
points were designed and implemented allowing adding func-
tionality in run time environment. The context information can
(though does not have to) specify its group or provide metadata
allowing the creation of a component that is capable of appropri-
ately using and presenting the data. The test software specifies the
sockets, where created components can be plugged in. It also
provides a basic infrastructure for the component in order to notify
other components about events, subscribe to events and visualize
the context data. The main system itself does not interpret or
transforms data in any way. It just provides support to basic ser-
vices allowing the integration of components dedicated to pro-
cessing the context information. Therefore, the system is elastic and
can be easily extended to new types of contextual information. The
contextual information can be spatially connected with a point in
the working, to the working, to the mine or to other contextual
information. The contextual information can be presented to the
user of the system or, in a real mine, transmitted to the workers
underground.
3.2. Model test
The presented model has been tested using artificial mine data.
The mine workings consisted of three walls, one shaft and a set of
accompanying pits. There were five workings defined in the shaft
bottom, the small shaft, five inclined drifts and the directional
working. For each working, spatial information was provided.
Seven functions were defined for the working:
- Base (Name: string)
- Ventilation (Cross-section [m2]: double)
- Transport (Minimal size [m]: double, Cross-section shape:
string, Transport technology: string, Curvature: double, Haul-
age: string, Material transport: bool)
- Water (Technology: string)
- Excavation (Excavation system: string, Infrastructure descrip-
tion: string)
- Other (Function name: string)
In the parenthesis, a definition of properties tied with the
function were enlisted in the form<property name>: <property
domain>. The functions along with the values for their properties
were assigned to each working.
The functionality of the model was tested by finding the shortest
path between given workings in the working's structure according
to specified relationship criteria. The tests were performed for the
relations of “Physical connection” and “Transport connection”. Two
Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
7
workings have a “Physical connection” relation if there is any kind
of direct connection between them. Two workings are in “Transport
connection” if a kind of transportation media exists in both work-
ings and materials or people can be transported between these
workings. The algorithm found a proper path in both cases for the
different combinations of start and end points. Other tests were
performed to show how the user can be supported with informa-
tion contained in the model. For this purpose, the system per-
formed a search for workings containing a given property, a
working with given function and for the list of workings connected
by a given relation. All tests resulted in providing the appropriate
set of information. The model fulfilled the requirements.
The mine structure was visualized using 3D graphics (Fig. 5). All
graphics were generated using spatial data stored in objects rep-
resenting mine workings. The visualization enables the following:
the structure to be observed from different perspectives, obtaining
of information about visualized objects and the depiction of
selected workings or relationship properties.
3.3. Model usability
The proposed model can be used to represent activities and
interrelated aspects of different parts of mine operation. Both re-
lations and workings can be represented by objects combining
structural traits' characteristics for a fulfilled function. As an
example, a longwall working can be considered. Let's assume, the
working fulfills three functions: excavation, transport, and venti-
lation. Each function requires the provision of values for specific
properties. In the case of excavation function, the excavation sys-
tem must be defined and the infrastructure system must be pro-
vided. Similarly, ventilation function requires the provision of a
cross section's area. When the model is created for a selected mine,
all information for the defined properties must be provided. The
model, therefore, is capable of supporting a mining engineer by
providing information. This information can also easily be extended
to include, for example, the equipment list for a given working or
data from mine monitoring systems.
The use of object oriented methods for relation description
presents another opportunity. The different types of relations can
be easily modeled using inheritance and composition of properties'
sets. As previously mentioned, the matrix is a representation of a
graph. Therefore, all graph algorithms can be used. However, a
relation can represent any kind of working associations and is not
limited to a physical connection. This makes the modeling of mine
transport networks possible. The proposed model can also be used
to aid the mine structure design process.
4. Conclusions
The paper presents the problems which arise during the
formalization of deep mine structure. It is proposed that an object
matrix be used for mine structure representation. The object matrix
is, in fact, a representation of a graph used as a mine structure
model. The nodes of the graph are used for mine workings' repre-
sentation, and for the relations between mine workings, the edges
are used. The workings and their relations are defined using object
design methodology. The workings' functions are represented by
sets of properties and function names. For relations and workings, a
concept of abstract relations and abstract workings were used.
Therefore, the objects representing real workings and real relations
are in a way ‘composed’ of abstract ‘parts’. The visualization was
performed using DirectX and the XNA Game Studio library. The
workings, represented as a polyline with defined cross sections are
drawn as prisms. The prisms' shapes are calculated at runtime. The
context information uses reflection to create components that help
8 S. Iwaszenko, J. Kabiesz / Journal of Sustainable Mining xxx (2017) 1e8
Fig. 5. 3D visualization of mine workings' structure (screenshot).
its transformation and visualization. The main application works as
a platform for contextual components, helping with integration
and information exchange. Upon the experiences gathered, the
following conclusions were formulated:
 The proposed graph based model ensured the appropriate
representation of sophisticated deep mine workings' structure.
 Using edges as relations' representation allowed many different
relations to be described while preserving the graph's nodes set.
It makes operation on mine structures much easier.
 The object matrix idea worked very well as a representation of a
graph. With a proposed set of access methods, it enables easy
navigation through the structure and makes implementing the
graph's algorithms straightforward
 A 3D visualization of the mine workings' spatial structure is
much more comprehensive than a 2D one.
 The use of context information allows a real integrated infor-
mation system for the deep mine to be built and would certainly
help to improve mining safety
References
Aloi, G., Caliciuri, G., Fortino, G., Gravina, R., Pace, P., Russo, W., et al. (2016).
Enabling IoT interoperability through opportunistic smartphone-based mobile
gateways. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 81, 74e84.
Atzori, L., Iera, A., & Morabito, G. (2010). The internet of things: A survey. Computer
Networks, 54(15), 2787e2805.
Cheng, B., Cheng, X., & Chen, J. (2015). Lightweight monitoring and control system
for coal mine safety using REST style. ISA Transactions, 54, 229e239.
Chen, G., & Kotz, D. (2000). A survey of context-aware mobile computing research.
Technical Report TR2000eT2381. Dartmouth: Dept. of Computer Science,
Dartmouth College.
Ermolin, Y. A. (1999). Mathematical modelling for optimized control of Moscow's
sewer network. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 23(7), 543e556.
Febbraro, A. D., & Sacco, N. (2004). On modelling urban transportation networks via
Please cite this article in press as: Iwaszenko, S., & Kabiesz, J., Model proposal for representing a deep coal mine spatial and functional structure,
Journal of Sustainable Mining (2017), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsm.2017.12.002
hybrid Petri nets. Control Engineering Practice, 12(10), 1225e1239.
Kabiesz, J., Iwaszenko, S., & Trenczek, S. (2012). Narze˛ dzia informatyczne do
_ n
go

rniczych [Information tools for
zarza˛ dzania systemami prewencji zagroze
mining threats prevention systems management]. In J. Kabiesz (Ed.), Zarza˛ d-
zanie prewencja˛ zagroz_ en
go

rniczych wspomagane narze˛ dziami informatycznymi
(pp. 72e90). Katowice: Central Mining Institute.
Kim, C., & O'Grady, P. J. (1996). A representation formalism for feature-based design.
Computer-aided Design, 28(6), 451e460.
Kreutz, D., Ramos, F. M., Verissimo, P. E., Rothenberg, C. E., Azodolmolky, S., &
Uhlig, S. (2015). Software-defined networking: A comprehensive survey. Pro-
ceedings of the IEEE, 103(1), 14e76.
Liskov, B. (1988). Keynote address-data abstraction and hierarchy. ACM Sigplan
Notices, 23(5), 17e34.
Liskov, B., & Wing, J. M. (1993). Family values: A behavioral notion of subtyping.
Cambridge: DTIC Document.
Lupton, K., & Bolsdon, D. (1999). An object-based approach to a road network
definition for an accident database. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems,
23(5), 383e398.
Martinez, P., & Skarmeta, A. (n.d.). Empowering the Internet of Things with Soft-
ware Defined Networking. FP7 European Research Project on the Future Internet
of Things.
Ray, P. (2016). A survey on Internet of Things architectures. Journal of King Saud
University-computer and Information Sciences (in press) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
jksuci.2016.10.003.
Rhee, Y., & Park, S. J. (1997). Object-oriented modelling and simulation for broad-
band network design. Simulation Practice and Theory, 5(5), 405e424.

nchez-Lo
Sa
pez, C., Ferna

ndez, F. V., & Tlelo-Cuautle, E. (2010). Generalized admit-
tance matrix models of OTRAs and COAs. Microelectronics Journal, 41(8),
502e505.
Schilit, B., Adams, N., & Want, R. (1994). Context-aware computing applications, 8-9
December 1994. In Mobile computing systems and applications, 1994. WMCSA
(pp. 85e90). Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE.
Schmidt, A., Beigl, M., & Gellersen, H. W. (1999). There is more to context than
location. Computers & Graphics, 23(6), 893e901.
Want, R., Hopper, A., Falcao, V., & Gibbons, J. (1992). The active badge location
system. ACM Transactions on Information Systems (TOIS), 10(1), 91e102.
Xia, W., Wen, Y., Foh, C. H., Niyato, D., & Xie, H. (2015). A survey on software-defined
networking. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 17(1), 27e51.
Xue, X., Chang, J., & Liu, Z. (2014). Context-aware intelligent service system for coal
mine industry. Computers in Industry, 65(2), 291e305.