Grid files

Understanding and working with grid files

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Grid files
About grid files
A grid file is a specific file type for storing regular data. Typically a grid file
consists of one or more grids or grid file values. In addition, each grid can
contain one or more subgrids.
In conventional mapping, a grid is a network of horizontal and vertical lines
superimposed on a map or plan and is used to aid in specifying or locating
points. In Minescape, grids provide a mechanism for storing data at specific X
and Y locations. For example, the depth of overburden at specific locations can
be stored using grids. They also enable Minescape to represent data in a regular
rectangular pattern. In this format, the data can be more easily and quickly
interpolated.
Grids consist of regularly spaced, parallel sets of orthogonal grid lines. The
intersection of orthogonal lines creates grid cells. In Minescape grids, the size of
each cell is identical.
Minescape allows non-gridded data to be imported and interpolated so that it
may be represented by, and stored as a grid file. Interpolation of data into a grid
occurs via a grid Spec. A grid file may be exported, copied, merged and output.
Grid file values in a grid file

Grid file value 3

Grid file value 2
Grid file value 1

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Grid files have a dedicated data source server which starts up when you first
access to a grid file. A message pop-up appears to notify you that the server is
being started. The server provides read/write access and validation support to
the various grid files in the current project. Once started, the grid server remains
active until Minescape is terminated.

Grid conventions
Grid Specs
Grid file data is stored at each grid node with a grid Spec determining the density
of data stored in a grid. If a large cell size is defined, the density of data is lower
than that of a grid having a smaller cell size.
The data to be gridded can be entered at the same time that the grid is created
or in a subsequent operation.
A grid defined to store data for a specific data item can be used to store values
for other data items provided that the same grid Spec is used to enter the data.
Therefore, the values of a number of different data items can be held at each grid
node in a single grid. If a different grid Spec is used, another grid is created.
Minescape allows the values of up to 800 data items to be held at each grid node
and 20 grids of different grid Specs to be held in a single grid file.

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Grid concepts
A Minescape grid consists of a number of square grid cells arranged in
orthogonal rows and columns separated by grid lines. The intersection of each
orthogonal grid line is known as a grid node.
Components of a grid
Grid node

Grid cell
Grid rows
Grid lines

Grid columns

Grids store spatial data in a regular format, at the grid nodes. Grid values are
created by interpolating the original data onto the network of grid nodes. The
evenly-spaced distribution of grid file data allows it to be quickly accessed by
Minescape. However, some resolution may be lost when using grids.
The number of rows and number of columns in a grid do not have to be equal.
For example, a grid containing 70 rows and 38 columns can be specified. Grid
cells are always square. The width of a grid cell is defined in current LENGTH
units. The maximum size of a grid is limited only by the available disk space.
Note: Row and column numbers refer to the number of grid lines.

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Subgrid concepts
Grids can be rotated to align with the data distribution and they can have a
patchwork of overlapping subgrids that can have a different cell size to the main
grid. Subgrids are specified within (or outside of) an area enclosed by a
bounding or domain polygon.
Grids and subgrids
Grid with domain superimposed

Domain polygon

Subgrid A

Subgrid B

Grid origin and orientation

The position of a grid is determined by its grid origin and its orientation is
determined by its rotation angle. By convention, the grid origin defines the
position of the bottom-left corner of the grid. The rotation angle defines the angle
subtended between the grid and the X axis. It is specified as a positive value
anticlockwise from the X axis. Grid origin and orientation are specified in a grid
file grid Spec.

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Grid file structure

Overview
A grid file consists of:
A Grid file headerwhich stores the grid extent and number of grids in the
file.
Grid headerswhich specify for each grid in the grid file:
The list of Z values stored at each grid node
The number of subgrids associated with the grid
The maximum number of Z values that will be stored at each node.
Subgrid headerswhich specify the grid Spec.
Data values of Z data.
Notes:

1. A particular Z value name can only exist for one grid in the grid file. It may then be
defined by multiple subgrids of different orientation and densities using domain polygon
bounding, but all within one grid.
2. The maximum number of Z values that can be stored at a grid node is set when a grid
is added to the file. It cannot then be changed. The absolute maximum is 800 Z values

3. As domains are defined for a subgrid, they consequently restrict all Z values defined for
the associated grid in the file. Hence, limiting an existing Z value with domains will cause
the value to be extracted from the current grid and added to a new grid, (and hence,
subgrid). All grid and subgrid manipulation at this level is automatic.

Grid file header

A grid file header contains:
The sheet extent of the grid datathese need not be specified and are not
used.
The LENGTH unit used for storing grid location data.
The number of grids in the grid file.
The date last modified.

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Grid headers
A grid header contains:
Grid Name (up to 16 characters)
Grid Description (up to 32 characters)
Date Created
Maximum number of node Z values for subgrids defined in this grid
Current number of node Z values for subgrids defined in this grid
Current number of subgrids in this grid
List of Z value definitions, consisting of:
Z value nameup to 16 characters
Z value descriptionup to 32 characters
Z value typeInteger or Real
Z value unit categorya valid unit category
Z value unitthe unit in which the associated data values are stored in the
grid file
Z value interpolatorthe name of the interpolator that was used to evaluate
the grid.

Subgrid headers
The subgrid header contains:
Subgrid nameup to 16 characters
Subgrid descriptionup to 32 characters
Date created
Grid Spec parameters:
Origin (X,Y coordinates)
Number of rows and columns
Cell size
Rotation angle.
Domain polygonup to 1000 vertices
Minima and maxima for each Z value.

Data values
The values at each node are stored in column orderfrom column one to the
number defined for the subgrid. Each node stores the maximum number of
values for the grid.

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Working with grid files

Accessing
Grid file operations can bet accessed through the Minescape Explorer. The
Minescape Explorer can be opened by selecting PageCurrentMinescape
Explorer from the Menu Bar or by selecting the Minescape Explorer
button from the Tool Bar.
Listing grid files
A list of the grid files created for the current project only (i.e. grid files in the
project grids directory).
To display this list, open the Grid files
folder in the Minescape Explorera
list of grid files for the current project is displayed in the Grid file panel.

Open the grids

folder
Grid files

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Creating
Creating a grid file
A grid file must be created before output can be sent to it. It can be created in
advance or as required (without the need to backtrack).
A grid file may consist of one or more grid file values (grids) and can be created
with or without defined grid file values. If grid file values are not set up on
creation of the grid file, the grid Spec must be supplied when each value is
added. If grid file values are entered at the time of grid file creation, the grid Spec
should first be created.
To create a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Select the Grid files

form Menu Bar.

folder and select the Create

button from the

Alternatively, highlight the Grid File field in your current form and select
Create from the form Fields menu, or right-click in the Grid File field and
select Create from the pull-down menu.

The following form opens:

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Grid file name

and units

Select the
Create button

Values at
grid nodes

Select the Grids

folder

Grid Spec
to use

Complete the following fields:

Enter a unique Grid file nameotherwise an error will occur when the
module is run.
Select a Grid distance unit for the grids from the pull-down selection list
(default is the current LENGTH unit).
Optional Values at each Node are the data items (named Values) to store
at each node.
If any grid values are supplied for the grid file, select or create a grid Spec.

Select the OK or Apply.

The form is dismissed and the module GRIDCREATE is invoked. The specified
grid file is created in the project grids directory as <grid file name>.grd. This
grid file can be accessed at any time from within the current project.

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Creating/adding grid file values

To add new values to an existing grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Expand the Grid files hierarchy

displayed beneath the folder.

Open the grid file

folder to which you wish to add a grid file value.

Select the Create

buttonthe following form appears

the list of grid files for the project are

Expand
the
hierarchy

Open
the
folder

Complete the following fields:

Enter the name of the output Grid file or select from the pull-down selection
list
. The grid file must already exist.

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Enter the name of a valid Grid Spec or select from the pull-down selection list.

Enter the Values together with their corresponding Description, Unit

Category and Unit or select from the pull-down selection lists. These values
should not already exist in the grid file.

Note: This module creates a surface definition with the same name as the grid value name. If a
surface of this name already exists, it is overwritten.

Select OK or Apply to add the specified value to the grid file.

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Creating a grid Spec

A grid Spec specifies the extent, orientation and maximum values for a grid.
Grids are defined by an X, Y origin and a number of rows and column at a
specified cell size and rotation.
To create a grid Spec:
Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Specs

folder and highlight the gridspec label.

Select the Create

button.
Alternatively, select the Grid Spec field in your current form and select
Create from the Fields menu,
or right-click in the Grid Spec field and select Create from the pull-down
menu.

The following form opens:

Select the
gridspec
label

Select the
Create button

Open the
Specs
folder

Pick polygon for

grid size and
orientation from
CAD window

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Complete the following fields:

Sheet namethe name of the Spec which is to be used to define the sheet
limits i.e. east, north, west, south) for the data. If left blank, no limits are
used.
Grid Spec Namethe name of the Spec to be used to define the grid. This
defines the grid origin, cell size etc.
X origin of gridthe grid X or easting origin from which column
numbering is to commence.
Y origin of gridthe grid Y or northing origin from which row numbering is
to commence.
The number of Rows and Columns to create in the grid over the area
defined by the grid limits (mandatory).
The Cell size (in current LENGTH units) of each cell (mandatory).
The grid rotation angle (Rotation of grid).
The Maximum values at a grid nodewhen a grid is created, the number
of values entered must be less than or equal to the maximum number
specified for the grid Spec used. Up to 800 values can be stored at a grid
node.

Select OK or Apply to create the grid Spec you have specified.

Note: Polygons for grid size and orientation can also be Picked from the CAD window using the
button.

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Determining the number of rows and columns

To calculate the number of rows and columns for a grid Spec, use the following
formulae:
Number of rows = ((MAX Northing - MIN Northing)/Cell size) +1
Number of columns = ((MAX Easting - MIN Easting)/Cell size) +1
For example, if the cell size is 500 and the grid limits are:
Eastern Limit:
654000.00
Western Limit:
648000.00
Northern Limit:
7410000.00
Southern Limit:
7396000.00
No. of rows = ((7410000.00 - 7396000.00)/500) + 1 = 29
No. of columns = ((654000.000 - 648000.00)/500) + 1 = 13

Creating a sheet Spec

A sheet Spec defines the X and Y limits of a rectangular area.
To create a sheet Spec:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Specs

panel.

Select the Create

button.
Alternatively, select the Sheet Spec field in your current form and select
Create from the Fields menu,
or right-click in the Sheet Specs field and select Create from the pull-down
menu.

The following form opens:

folder and highlight the sheet label in the Speccat

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Select the
sheet
label

Index

or
Pick polygon for
sheet size from
CAD window

Select the
Create button

Open the
Specs
folder

Complete the following fields:

The sheet Spec Name.

The North, West, East and South boundary of the data. If these fields are
left missing, the limits of the data set are used.

In some modules (such as MAGBASEGRID) all limits MUST be specified.

IMPORTANT

Select OK or Apply to create the sheet Spec you have specified.

Note: Polygons for sheet limits can also be Picked from the CAD window using the
button.

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Creating an interpolator Spec

Interpolators are used to calculate Z values at particular X, Y locations based on
a known dataset. A selection of interpolators are available for use by Minescape
modules. These differ in characteristics such as data honouring, line honouring,
trend honouring and/or extrapolation. Some interpolators are not simply
methods for evaluating Z values, but techniques for interpolating an entire grid of
Z values over a variable field.
The available interpolators in gridding are:
CONTOUR
FDM
FEM
HEIGHT
INVERSE
LINE
PLANAR
POLYGON
SECTION
SPLINE
TREND
TRIANGLE
The recommended interpolators to use when gridding various data types are:
Interpolator

Section
Spline
FEM
FDM
PLANAR
HEIGHT

Data Types
Line string datalarge volumes (e.g. survey). Smoothing
not required
Contour datalarge volumes.
Contour datasmall volumes

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Interpolator (contd)

FEM
FDM
SPLINE
LINE
FEM
FDM
FEM
FDM
LINE

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Data Types (contd)

Point datairregularly distributed (clustered)
Point dataregularly distributed (not clustered)
Line string and point string datalarge volumes.
Line string and point string datasmall volumes.

The following table summarises the parameter requirements for the various
interpolators
Note: Unused parameters are ignored.

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Interpolator

Height
Inverse
Polygon
Trend
Planar
Contour
Line
Section
Spline
FEM
FDM
Triangle
See:

Home

Inverse
Distance
Power

Surface
Polynomial
Order

Glossary

Index

Search
Radius

Anisotropy

Sectors

Interpolators for full details on interpolation.

To create an interpolator Spec:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Specs

Speccat panel.

Select the Create

folder and highlight the interpolator label in the

button.

Alternatively, select the Interpolator field in your current form and select
Create from the Fields menu,

or right-click in the Interpolator field and select Create from the pull-down
menu.
The following form opens:

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Select the
Create button

Open the
Specs
folder

Select the
interpolator
label

Complete the following fields where applicable:

The interpolator Spec Namedefault Specs are available through the

fields pull-down menu.

The Interpolator typeselect from the list of available interpolator types

via the pull-down menu.

Inverse distance powerdetermines the weighting of data points

according to the distance from the X,Y location and within the search
radius.

Surface polynomial orderthe interpolator order that defines the shape

of the surface that has been interpolated from the weighted data points.

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Search radiusthe search radius used, in current units (may be left

blank). This value is used to control the extent of the polygons around the
edge of the data.

Anisotropywhen a dataset is used, each point may be interrogated and

weighted accordingly. As weighting is commonly a distance-related value,
the inclusion/exclusion of each data point is usually dependent on a
distance or search radius. A search radius represents a circular
acceptance area. This is not always valid as some surfaces are more
variable in one directionso an oval or ellipse is needed to present data of
equal weighting. Circular weighting is known as isotropic while elliptical
weighting is anisotropic. The ellipse has the direction of major variability as
its major axis.
- X:Y ratioIf sector searching is to be performed during interpolation, a
direction bias can be applied in the form of an X;Y radio. Enter the ratio
as the Y proportion, where X is assigned a value of 1.
- DirectionIf interpolation is to be biased, the bias direction is a bearing
where 0 is north.
- Number of sectorsthe number of sectors to be searched during
interpolation.
Note: Sectors should not be used unless specifically required by the data.

Select OK or Apply to create the interpolator Spec you have specified.

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Importing
Uniformly-spaced grids can be imported into Minescape. The types of data can
that can be imported are listed belowthese options are available in Minescape
by selecting one of the tab-dividers shown in the following example form.
ASCII

grids data from an ASCII file.

CPS-III

grids data in CPS-III format.

Dump

grids data from a Minescape Dump file.

M2 Structural

grids Miner2 structural model values for all seams and

surfaces (i.e. Topography, Base of weathering, Seam roof,
seam floor, seam parting etc).

M2 Grid

grids Miner 2 single surface grids.

M2 Topo

Miner2 topography model.

M2 Quality

Miner2 quality modelup to 100 qualities x 60 seams.

To import data into a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

Select the Import

folder.
buttonthe following form appears:

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Select the
required grid
import operations
Select the
Import button

Open the
Grid files folder

Select the type of data that you want to import by selecting the appropriate
tab. For example, if you want to import data in ASCII format, select the ASCII
tab-divider.

Enter the appropriate parameters in the form fields including the grid file into
which the data is to be loaded.

Select OK or Apply to import the data.

Note: Select the tab-divider names listed under Importing for information on the various
form fields.

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Exporting
Grid files can be exported to the file types listed belowthese options are
available in Minescape by selecting one of the tab-dividers shown in the following
example form.
ASCII
exports gridded data to an ASCII file.
Dump
exports gridded data to a Minescape Dump file.
M2 Grid
exports gridded data to Miner 2 single surface grids.
To export data from a Minescape grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

following form opens:

folder and select the Export

buttonthe
Select the
required grid
export operation

Select the
Export button

Open the
Grid files
folder

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Select the data format that you want to export to by selecting the appropriate
tab. For example, to export data to a Dump file, select the Dump tab-divider.

Enter the appropriate parameters in the form fields including the grid file that
you want the data exported from.

Select OK or Apply to invoke the module which exports the data.

Note: Select the tab-divider names listed under Exporting for information on the various
form fields.

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Deleting
Deleting a grid file
To delete a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

foldera list of current grid files for the project is
displayed in the Grid file panel.

Select the grid file (by left-clicking) or multiple grid files to be deleted in the
Grid file panel. (Left-click again to deselect).

Select the Delete

several options:

Select
Delete
Open
the Grid files
folder

Delete
without
confirmation

buttona confirmation pop-up appears giving you

Select the
grid file(s)
to delete

Delete with confirmation

Delete Alldeletes all grid files highlighted in the Values panel. No further
confirmation is requested.

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Deletedeletes individual grid files, requesting confirmation for each

delete operation.

Ignoredisregards a Delete request in the highlighted list and moves on

to the next.

Cancelcancels the delete operation.

Helpprovides help on the deletion operation.

Select one of the above options to delete the grid file(s) and its data from the
current project.

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Deleting grid file values

To delete grid file values:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Expand the Grid files hierarchy

displayed beneath the folder.

Open the grid file

folder from which you wish to delete the grid file value
a list of current grid file values for the project is displayed in the Grid Value
panel.

Select the grid value (by left-clicking) or multiple grid values to be deleted in
the Grid value panel. (Left-click again to deselect).

Select the Delete

the list of grid files for the project are

buttonthe following form appears.

Select
Delete

Expand
the
hierarchy
Open
the
folder

Select the
grid file value(s)
to delete

Select OK or Apply to deleted the selected values from the current project.

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Editing
Grid files can be edited using grided, Minescapes powerful grid file utility. This
utility enables multiple grid files to be opened simultaneously. Within an open
grid file you can examine all grids and subgrids in that file.
See:

The grided grid file utility for full details on the use of grided.

Viewing
To view a grid file value or multiple values in the CAD window:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Expand the Grid files hierarchy

displayed beneath the folder.

Open the grid file

folder containing the grid file value to be viewa list of
current grid file values for the project is displayed in the Grid Value panel.

Select the grid value or multiple grid values to be displayed from the Grid
value panel.

Select the View

A new window is opened in the CAD window displaying the selected values
(see following example).

the list of grid files for the project are

button.

Grid values can also be viewed by dragging-and-dropping them onto

the CAD window (see following example).

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Select
View

OR
drag-and-drop
the grid value
onto the CAD
window

Select the
grid value(s)
to view

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Renaming
Renaming a grid file
To rename a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

foldera list of current grid files for the project is
displayed in the Grid file panel.

Select the grid file to rename.

Select the Rename button. A pop-up dialogue appears asking you to rename
the selected file.
Select
Rename

Select the
grid file
to rename
Open
the Grid files
folder
Enter
new name

Enter the new name for the grid file and select OK.

The file is renamed as <filename>.grd

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Renaming a grid file value

To rename grid file values in a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Expand the Grid files hierarchy

displayed below the folder.

Open the grid file

folder containing the grid file value to be renameda
list of current grid file values for the project is displayed in the Grid value
panel.
Highlight the value to rename by left-clicking its label.
Select the Rename
button the following form appears.

Select
Rename

Expand
the Grid files
hierarchy

Open
the
folder
Select the
grid file value
to rename

Complete the following fields:

.
the list of grid files for the project are

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Enter the new name for the grid file value(s) and their corresponding
descriptions.

To update corresponding surface definitions select the Update grid surfaces

check boxthe grid value in any grid surface definitions using this grid file and
a renamed grid value are updated. This operation may take some time as
every grid surface is checked.

If the Rename surface box is selected, any surfaces named after their grid
value (i.e. the surface has no prefix) are renamed to the new grid value name.

Note: The Rename

not used.

surface option cannot be used if the Update grid surfaces option is

Select OK or Apply to rename the values.

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Copying
Copying a grid file
To copy a grid file:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

in the Grid file panel.

Select the file you want to copy by left-clicking on its label. (Left-click again to
unselect).

Select the Copy

button. The dialogue pop-up appears, requested the
destination name for the copy. A directory location can be entered if, for
example, it is to be copied to another project.

Select
Copy

folderthe current grid files for the project are listed

Select the
grid file
to copy
Enter
new name

Open
the Grid files
folder

Once you have entered the file name, select OK. The file is copied to the
specified file name and directory location if given.

Note: A grid file cannot be copied while it is being used by a module or in a CAD window.

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Reporting
The following reporting options can be selected to generate information/reports
on selected grids:
Report

Generates a report on the internal structure of a grid.

Information from the grid file header, grid headers and subgrid headers is reported.

Grid Info

Displays information on a selected grid value to the screen.

The information includes value details, limits and grid Specs
used.

Value List

Lists the grid values for a grid file. The description, units,
minima and maxima are also displayed. The information can
be output as a report.

Statistics

Generates report statistics for selected grid values in a grid

file. The number of values number of missing values,
minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, skewness
and kurtosis are reported.

To generate one of the above reports:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

in the Grid file panel.

Select the grid file for which you want to generate a report.

Select the Info

Select the appropriate tab-dividers (listed above).

folderthe current grid files for the project are listed

buttonthe following form opens:

In the following example, the Grid Info tab is selectedthe report information
has been generated to the screen.

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Select
Info

Open the
Grid Files
folder

Select the
grid file
to report on

When you have entered the necessary parameters, select OK or Apply to

generate the report.

Note: Select the tab-divider names listed under Reporting for information on the various
form fields.

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Graphical output operations

The following operations can be performed on grid filesthese options are
accessed in Minescape by selecting the Graphics option from the page Menu
and
Bar (shown below in red) or by opening the Minescape Explorer
selecting one of the tab-dividers (shown below in blue) and shown in the
following example form.
Base Grid

GraphicsAncillariesBase Grid

Generate a base grid drawing into a design file. The grid may
have both major and minor grid lines/markers.
See also: Creating a base grid
Contour

GraphicsContour and select the Grid radio button

.
Generates contours into a design file as graphical objects
using XYZ data from a grid file value.

Post

GraphicsPostGrid

Generates posting into a design file at each grid node for the
grid values supplied.
Mesh

GraphicsMeshGrid

Generates a world coordinate mesh into a design file using a

grid file value.
Section Grid

GraphicsAncillariesSection Grid

Generates section base grids or orientation grids. These can

also be generated at the time sections are generated (on the
same layer). The advantage of using this module is that the
grids are output to different layers to that of the data
sectionsthere is also greater control over the size of the
grids.
Grid Structure

GraphicsAncillariesGrid

Draws the structure of all grids in a grid file in a design file.

Grid cells for a grid value can also be drawn.

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To access these graphical output operations using the Minescape Explorer:

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

in the Grid file panel.

Select the grid file for which you want to generate graphical output.

Select the Graphics

Select the appropriate tab-dividers (listed above).

folderthe current grid files for the project are listed

buttonthe following form opens:

In the following example, the Contour tab-divider is selected.

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Select
Graphics

Select the
grid file

Open the
Grid files
folder

When you have entered the necessary parameters, select OK or Apply to

generate the report.

Note: Select the tab-divider names listed under Graphical output operations for
information on the various form fields.

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Processing
When additional data becomes available for a specific data item, that data can
be used to update existing gridded data. This operation is expected to be
associated with one or more polygon domains. Each domain must be created as
a polygon in a design file. The element ID of the polygon can be specified either
by graphically selecting the required polygon element or entering it directly. Each
polygon can be identified as inclusive or exclusive.
If the new data is to be gridded with a different grid Spec to that of the original
value, this is the UPDATE case. If the new data is to be gridded with the same
grid Spec as the original value, this is the PATCH case. Smoothing may
optionally be applied at the domain boundaries.
The options available for processing (or updating) grid file data are listed
belowthese options are available in Minescape by selecting one of the tabdividers shown in the following example form.
Data

Interpolates ASCII file data into a grid file value. The file must
contain X, Y, Z values in order but the data need not be
uniformly spaced. Before the data can be interpolated, a grid
Spec and an interpolator Spec need to be defined. Each grid
file value may have a different grid Spec within different areas
of the grid, i.e. a subgrid.

Tables

Interpolates table file data into a grid file value. Before the
data can be interpolated, a grid Spec and an interpolator
Spec need to be defined. Each grid file value may have a
different grid Spec within different areas of the grid, i.e. a
subgrid.

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Designs

Interpolates design file data into a grid file value. Before the
data can be interpolated, a grid Spec and an interpolator
Spec need to be defined. Each grid file value may have a
different grid Spec within different areas of the grid, i.e. a
subgrid.

Triangle

Interpolates triangle file data into a grid file value. Before the
data can be interpolated, a grid Spec and an interpolator
Spec need to be defined. Each grid file value may have a
different grid Spec within different areas of the grid, i.e. a
subgrid

Surface

Interpolates surface expression data into a grid file value.

Before the data can be interpolated, a grid Spec and an
interpolator Spec need to be defined. Each grid file value may
have a different grid Spec within different areas of the grid,
i.e. a subgrid.

Blocks

Interpolates block solid data into a grid file value. Before the
data can be interpolated, a grid Spec and an interpolator
Spec need to be defined. Each grid file value may have a
different grid Spec within different areas of the grid, i.e. a
subgrid.

Inclusion

Processes a grid file value, indicating whether a grid node is

inside or outside a polygon.

Expression

Updates a grid file value using an MXL expression. The

calculated value can replace the original data or be written to
a new grid file.

Note: Most MXL expression modifications on grid file values can be better
achieved by gridding surface expressions.

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In Fill

Fills holes or gaps in a grid file value which are caused by

insufficient data being available for the specified interpolator
to create points within the defined area.

No Miss

Removes all missing values from a grid including holes in the

grid and missing values at the periphery of the grid.

Surfaces

Resamples one or more surfaces according to a grid Spec

and stores them in a grid file as grid values.

Processing grid file data

To process grid file data:

Select ModelGrids from the Menu Bar.

or

Open the Minescape Explorer

Open the Grid files

folder containing the grid file to be processeda
list of current grid files for the project is displayed in the Grid file panel.

Select the grid file to be processed.

Select the Process

button.

The following form opens.

Select the appropriate tab-divider. In the following example, the Data tab is
selected.

Grid files
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Select the
grid file
to process

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Select
Process

Open the
Grid Files
folder

When you have entered the necessary parameters, select OK or Apply to

process the data.

Note: Select the tab-divider names listed under Processing for information on the various form
fields.