Support - Frequently Asked Question

Modelling Hangingwall and Footwall Surfaces

Applies to: Surpac (all versions) Knowledge Base ID: KB20001

Publish Date: 21/03/2012
Last Review Date: 21/03/2012
Category FAQ
Sub-Category Application

Issue:

How can I model hangingwall and footwall surfaces in Surpac?

Additional Details:

Hangingwall and Footwall surfaces can be created from information coded within a drillhole database in
Surpac. This process is most widely used when dealing with stratified deposit types and is a common pre-
requisite to commodity estimation procedures. This article demonstrates how hangingwall and footwall
surfaces can be created for a lithological unit coded in a drillhole database. Before this procedure is
undertaken, ensure you have a drillhole database connected in Surpac with the following information coded:
 Intervals of lithological codes
 Points of structure

Resolution:

1. For the hangingwall, extract the data from the specific codes in the database to a string file by
choosing Database > Extract > Sample data from the menu.
The Extract sample data form is displayed.
2. In the ‘Location’ field, type a name for the hangingwall data, for example ‘hw’, then under ‘Sample
coordinate point’ select ‘top’.

The Select the assay table to process form is displayed.

3. From the ‘Table name’ drop-down list, choose the database table that contains the intervals you
want to extract, for example ‘geology’.

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 The Extract composited grades form is displayed.
4. In the ‘Field name’ area, use the drop-down lists to select one or more fields in which the code is
stored, for example ‘rock’.
The Define the method for processing time independent samples form is displayed.
5. In the ‘Method’ drop-down list, select ‘all samples’.
The Define query constraints form is displayed.
6. For each sample in the ‘Field Name’ drop-down list, select the fields from step 4, and in the
‘Constraint Value’ field, type the code that defines the hangingwall boundary, for example ‘QV1’.

7. Choose to restrict the operation to certain holes, or leave the form for the ‘collar table’ blank to
include all holes.
Surpac extracts the data and displays the number of holes processed in the Status Window. A
new string file is created: hw1.str.

8. Repeat process steps 1-7 for the footwall data, but type ‘fw’ for the ‘Location’, and choose ‘bottom’
in the ‘Sample coordinate point’ section.
Surpac extracts the data and displays the number of holes processed in the Status Window. A
new string file is created: fw1.str.
9. To create a DTM file for the hangingwall, open the hangingwall string file (hw1.str) in Graphics.
Triangulation (DTM) files can now be created for both the hangingwall (e.g. hw1.dtm) and footwall
(e.g. fw1.dtm).
10. Choose Display > Display properties > Recall from the menu.
The Drawing styles form is displayed.
11. In the ‘Filename’ field, select a point style to apply to the hangingwall string file.

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12. Save the active layer .
13. Choose Surfaces > Contouring > Begin Contouring from the menu.
The Load grid defaults file form is displayed.
14. In the ‘Grid defaults file’ field, select the ‘grid.ssi’ file.
The Graphical display of data form is displayed.
15. Click Continue.
16. To define the grid extents, choose Surfaces > Contouring > Contouring area > Define
extents from the menu.
The Enter data/mesh options form is displayed.
17. To define the grid step size for each axis, click the Calculate grid mesh size.
The ‘Y grid step size’ and ‘X grid step size’ fields are automatically filled.
Note: You can optionally enter new values.

The Enter grid mesh parameters form is displayed.

18. Accept the values, and click Apply.
In Graphics, Surpac draws a rectangle that covers the gridding area.

19. Select the gridding estimation method you want to use by choosing Surfaces > Contouring >
Estimate grid values > By triangulation from the menu.
The Select string file source form is displayed.
20. In the ‘Location’ field, select the hangingwall string file, leave ‘Constrain data?’ cleared, and click
Apply.

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 A regular grid is generated at the previously defined spacing. This grid is located in the
‘grid_display’ layer.

21. In the Layers frame, right-click on the grid_display layer, and select ‘Make active’.
A check mark is displayed next to the active layer.

22. Save the grid to a new string file, for example grid_hw1.

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23. Reset Graphics .
24. To open both string files (hw1.str and grid_hw1.str) in the same layer, hold Ctrl and drag the
files into Graphics.
The *main graphics layer is highlighted red in the Layers frame.
25. Apply a point file to the string file by choosing Display > Display properties > Recall from the
menu.
The Drawing styles form is displayed.
26. From the ‘Filename’ field, select a point style to apply to the string file.

27. Save the active layer to the hangingwall string file, for example hw1.str, and click Yes to
overwrite the existing file.
28. To create a surface from the points, choose Surfaces > Create DTM from Layer from the
menu.
The Create a DTM From a Layer form is displayed.
29. Accept the settings, and click Apply.

30. Save the active layer to the hangingwall file, for example hw1.dtm, and click Yes to overwrite
the existing file.
31. Repeat steps 9-30 to create the footwall string and DTM files.
Two DTM files should now be created - one for the hangingwall and one for the footwall.

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