Surveys

What in mXrap is referred to a “Survey Sources” are any files that contain geometrical data used in CAD software.  The file formats that can be imported into mXrap include, dxf, dtm and str. pnt and Map3D *.inp files.

It is recommended that a mXrap survey directory be setup under a "Data folder" within the root folder. For example, C:\mXrap\root_Folder\Data\Surveys. As mine plans are regularly updated, developing a standard naming/date convention is also beneficial.

Configuring a new survey source

Select Setting Window->Tools->*New->* New Survey Source.

  1. Browse for Survey Directory (see figure below)
  2. Increase the depth of the scan and Refresh to ensure that the required levels are captured.  The depth of the scans limits mXrap to look for “survey files” in the sub-folders up to the number of levels specified. This enables the user to set up the survey directory in a logical manner, for example, Within surveys there is be a "Geology folder" within geology there is a separate folder for Faults, Porphyry, Ore and within these folders, folders for different areas of the mine. This would correspond to a file "depth" of 4 levels. Scanning to a depth less than 4 will cut of the bottom folders in the directory "tree".
  3. Set default appearance options and input configuration options (see figure).  The configuration options assigned to any branch of the tree will apply to the lower levels of that branch, unless it is overrode with its own configuration.  For example, if new folders with survey files are added after the configuration of the survey set, the files in that folder will inherit the properties of the other branch.
  4. Rebuild Cache. The Cache is a very efficient way for mXrap to store data for future use.  mXrap will read the survey files and perform some processing on it and will save the results to its own cache file. When rebuilding cache a progress bar will appear followed by an operation summary detailing what files have been read and if there have been errors in reading files.  The Cache can be rebuilt for all the survey files or for individually selected files.  After any changes in the data files were made, these changes will only be reflected in mXrap after rebuilding of the Cache.
  5. Save the Survey configuration file in an appropriate category.
  6. View in 3D and verify that Input configuration is correct.
  7. Fix incorrect coordinate definition.  Dxf and str.DTM files use different ordering of the coordinates.  As a result it may be necessary to flip the coordinates for all or some of the survey files around.  Set the default XYZ configuration by choosing the “default trunk of the tree and choose the appropriate settings. Choose any of the lower branches of the tree and override the settings for that branch.  The cache must be rebuilt for any changes to the coordinates to take effect. Orientation can be checked by using a 3D view containing the surveys and reference information (e.g. events or sensors) then zooming to the extents (Pressing R in the 3D view).

General layout of new survey source.  

Appearance, Input Config and Decimation tabs.

Example of incorrectly located surveys before and after x and y columns are swapped.  

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