Montaj Geochemistry System

montaj Geochemistry
Extension for Oasis montaj v6.3
TUTORIAL and USER GUIDE
www.geosoft.com
The software described in this manual is furnished under license and may
only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of the license.
Manual release date: 19/04/2006.
Written by, Nancy Whitehead. Please send comments or questions to

info@geosoft.com
Copyright Geosoft Inc. 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in
any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, reading, or
otherwise, without prior consent from Geosoft Inc.
Program Copyright Geosoft Inc. 2006. All rights reserved.
Geosoft and Oasis montaj are registered trademarks of Geosoft Inc.

GEOSOFT, Oasis are trademarks of Geosoft Inc.
Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Geosoft Incorporated
8th Floor
85 Richmond St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 2C9
Canada
Tel: (416) 369-0111
Fax: (416) 369-9599
Web Site: www.geosoft.com

E-mail: info@geosoft.com
Contents
Geosoft License Agreement 1
Finding More Help Information 3
Contacting Technical Support 3
montaj Geochemistry System 4
Chapter 1: Importing and Quality Control 5
Before you begin 5
Creating a Project 5
Working with the Project Explorer 7

Project Data 7
Project Tools 8
Loading the Geochemistry Menus (First time use) 8
Setting Project Information 10
Importing Geochemical Data 10
Using the Import Wizard to Import Survey Data 11
Using the Import Wizard to Import Assay Data 16
Merging and Verifying Data 21
Setting Assay Attributes 22
Importing Assay Attributes 23
Exporting Assay Attributes 24
Defining Minimum and Maximum Standard Tolerance Values 25
Extracting Standards and Displaying Standard Report 26
Extracting Duplicates and Displaying Duplicate Report 28
Updating the Master Database 30

Creating a Mask Channel 30
Setting montaj Geochemistry Preferences 31
Quality Control of Geochemical Data 32
Calculating and Saving Summary and Advanced Statistics 32
Using Dynamic Data Links 35
Search and Replace values in Database Channels 35
Sort Data Based on One Channel 36
Sort Data Based on Two Channels 37
Editing Data Values 37
Colouring channels 39
Colouring Channels using User Defined Colour Zones 39
Colouring Channels using a Zone File 40
Colouring Channels based on percentage breaks 41
To Remove Colours from a Channel 42
Protecting Channels 42
Applying Math Expressions 42
Chapter 2: Geochemical Data Analysis 44
Histogram Analysis 44
Using Basic Histogram Capabilities 45
Using Advanced Histogram Capabilities 47
Accessing the Histogram Analysis Tool 47
Probability Analysis 47
Multi-Element Pearson Correlation 49
Scatter Plot Tool 51
Before you begin 51

Using the Scatter Plot Tool 52
Button Controls 53
Masking 55
Saved Configurations 55
Triplot Tool 55
Using the Triplot Tool 56
Button Controls 59
Masking 60
Saved Configurations 60
Create a New Overlay Map 60
Chapter 3: Symbol Plotting and Analysis 61
Before you begin 61
Creating a New Map 61
Adding a Basemap 62
Interactive Colour Symbol Classification 64
Multi-parameter symbol plotting 70
Rose (or Sector) Symbol Plot 70
Symbol Plotting using Data from Two Channels 74
Two Channel Symbol Plotting 74
Principal Component and Factor Analysis 76
Quick Review of PCA and Factor Analysis 77
Comparison of PCA and Factor Analysis 77
Before Starting 77
Step 1: Data Verification 78

H i s t o g r a m A n a l ys i s T o o l 78
Scatter Analysis Tool 79
Math Expressions 80
Step 2: Applying PCA and Factor Analysis in Geosoft 80
Interpreting the Principal Component Analysis Log file 82
Step 3: Determining Geologic Significance 86
Step 4: How Variables Relate to Principal Components 87
Step 5: Mapping Factor Analysis Results 88
Chapter 4: Data Classification and Integration 90
Opening a Database 90
Displaying a Geological Grid 90
Creating Location Point Plots 91
Using Scatter Tool to Define & Post Masked Data 92
Classifying by Region 96
Sub-setting a Database 98
Map Editing and Cad Tools 100
Creating and Displaying a TIN Grid 100
TIN gridding using the Natural Neighbour method 101
Displaying a Grid on a Map 102
Chapter 5: SEMplot 104
Before you begin 104
Starting a New Project 104
Create New Project 105
Load SEMplot menu 105
SEMplot Menu 105
Working with SEMplot Data 107
Locate and Download Data using DAP 107

Display Sample Locations 109
Plot Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Total Grain Count Data 111
Importing SEMplot Data 114
Import ASCII data 115
Import XLS/Database 118
Import ODBC Database 119
Mineral Identification 119
Set Mask Channel 120
Plotting SEMplot Data 122
Create a Plot (Garnet - Gurney Plot) 122
Plotting Multiple Plots 125
Plot Options 127
Define Symbol Groups 128
Proportional symbols 130
Creating a New Plot Overlay 131
Create New Overlay Group 131
Create Overlay Map file from Overlay Group 132
Select by Mineral and Position 133
Filtering Data 134
Selection Rectangle 136
Selection Polygon 137
Select all Data 137
Export Database View 137
Preferences 137
Administrator level preferences 139

SEMplot Stage Calculations 141
Initial definitions: 141

1
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2
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11. YEAR 2000:

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3
Finding More Help Information

There are several other functions included in the Oasis montaj help system that may
be useful to your work. The entire documentation for the system is available through
the online help system. This electronic library of information enables us to constantly
update the information and provide you with the most up-to-date information
available.
The best way to find information in this system is to use the Search tab to perform a
full-text search of all help topics. If you still cant find the information youre looking
for, the Online Books help system contains complete Geosoft manuals and tutorials
in Adobe PDF format.
Contacting Technical Support
The list below provides contact information for Geosoft Technical Support around the
world.
North America Europe and North Africa

Geosoft Inc., Geosoft Europe Ltd.
85 Richmond St. W., 8th Floor 20/21 Market Place, First Floor
Toronto, Ont., Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Canada United Kingdom
M5H 2C9 OX10 OAD
Tel +1 (416) 369-0111 Tel: +44 1491 835 231
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Email: tech.za@geosoft.com
4 montaj Geochemistry System
montaj Geochemistry System

Welcome to the montaj Geochemistry extension for Oasis montaj. This system
provides comprehensive capabilities for conducting cost-effective and efficient
grassroots exploration programs, detailed target follow-up or drill target selection.
Designed to provide interactive, visual software tools for field and project geologists,
the geochemistry importing, editing, reviewing and analysis system provides a
versatile environment in which to apply your experience and knowledge while
staying in touch with original data and multi-disciplinary information.
This Tutorial and User Guide will direct you through the key steps necessary to
import and verify geochemical data. We will also show you how to develop strategies
for dealing with high volumes of geo-data and information. We will go through the
key steps necessary to classify data efficiently and eliminate less prospective areas
from investigation so that follow-up is focused and cost-effective. The montaj
Geochemistry system also provides a variety of data analysis tools including the
Histogram Tool, Pearson Correlation plot, Scatter plot Tool, Triplot Tool, Principal
component analysis and Multi-parameter symbol plotting.
Chapter 1: Importing and Quality Control

In this chapter, we will guide you through the key steps necessary to import and
verify geochemical data. The procedures in this chapter will show you how to:
Create a project (page 5)
Load montaj Geochemistry menus (page 8)
Set project information (page 10)
Import Geochemical data (page 10)
Merge and verify survey and assay data (page 21)
Extract standards and display standard report (page 26)
Extract duplicates and display duplicate report (page 28)
Updating the master database (page 30)
Set Oasis montaj preferences (page 31)
Use QC tools (page 32)
Search and replace values in database channels (page35)
Sort Data (page 36)
Colour Channel values (page 39)
Applying math expressions (page 42)
Before you begin
This tutorial uses sample data provided online with the montaj Geochemistry tutorial
at: www.geosoft.com/downloads/. Before you begin the tutorial, extract the data files
from the zip file to a working directory, such as D:\GeoDemo.
Creating a Project
To work in montaj Geochemistry requires an open Project. An Oasis montaj
"Project" encompasses every item in your working project; from the data files in your
project (databases, maps, and grids), to the tools used (including auxiliary tools such
as histograms, scatter plots etc.), to the project setup including the menus you have
displayed and whether you are working on a map or profile and the state in which you
left it the last time you used it.
The project also controls your working directory. Projects are saved as (*.gpf) files. If
you open an existing project from a directory, the system assumes that all your
project files are located in the same directory. To streamline your work, as well as
keep it organized, you may wish to make sure that your project file is in the same
directory as the other files you want to use. We recommend that each project you
work on have its own project (*.gpf) file. If you use a number of applications or add-
on tools in Oasis montaj that have different menus, you can use the project to display
only the menus you require.
6 Chapter 1: Importing and Quality Control
Important Note: Workspace files (*.gws) used in Oasis montaj prior to version
6.0 can be easily converted to Project files (*.gpf) simply by
opening them in Oasis montaj 6.0. On the Open Project dialog
(File|Project|Open) select File of Type as "Workspaces (*.gws)"
and when asked if you want to convert the old workspace into a
new Oasis montaj project file, select "Yes". The workspace file
will be converted to a project file and all associated workspace
information will be transferred to the new project file. In addition,
the workspace file will remain untouched so that it can be opened
in previous versions.
T O C REATE A P ROJECT :
1. Start Oasis montaj.

2. On the File menu click Project and then click New. The New Project dialog is
displayed.
3. Specify a name and directory for the project. For example, name the project
Tutorial and specify the working directory as D:\Geochem.
Note: Oasis montaj assumes that your data is in the directory containing this
project.
4. Click the [Save] button. The system saves the project and indicates it is open by
opening the Project Explorer window, enabling the buttons on the Main toolbar
and adding menus to the menu bar. These are visual clues indicating that you are
ready to start working with the system.
Note: The current working directory name and Project are displayed on the title
bar.
Working with the Project Explorer
The Project Explorer tool enables you to browse as well as open any project item.
The project file (*.gpf) is used to keep track of all files and information related to a
working project.
The Project Explorer has two windows, the Data window that includes all data
files included in the project and the Tools window that organizes and maintains the
project tools. To access the Tools window click the [Tools] bar on the bottom of
the Project Explorer window. To return to the Data window, click the [Data] bar
on the top the Project Explorer.
P ROJECT D ATA
The Project Data includes all databases ( ), grids ( ) and maps ( ) opened or
created in the current project. The Project Explorer provides Data Tools that enable
you to keep track of project information, including the new data description tool that
enables users to add descriptive text to project items, which are then displayed with
the Data properties. Enhanced metadata capabilities provide access to the
"Properties" of all data items displayed in the Project Explorer using the Metadata
Browser.
Note: In previous versions, file information was maintained in the file system
and the user had to keep track of what the files were.
For more information on the Project Explorers Data Tools, see the online help topic
Project Data using the Search tab in the online help system (Help|Help Topics).
P ROJECT T OOLS
The Project Tools provide quick and easy access to all the tools available for working
with your data. There are three types, Tools, Toolbars and Auxiliary Tools.
Tools; 3D Tool, Project Explorer and Undo/Redo Map Edit Tool
Toolbars; Database Tool Bar, Map Tools Bar, Standard Bar, Map Edit Bar,
Polygon Edit Bar and Script Bar
Auxiliary Tools: Histograms, Scatter plots, Probability plots and Triplots
The Project Explorer enables you to show/hide the tools as needed, enabling you to
keep your Project as streamlined as possible.
For more information on the Project Explorers Tools, see the online help topic
Project Tools using the Search tab in the online help system (Help|Help Topics).
Loading the Geochemistry Menus (First time use)

Before you start working with the montaj Geochemistry system for the first time,
there are some setting changes you can make to the menus to ensure that the
Geochemistry menus are displayed automatically each time you start Oasis montaj.
First, you must set montaj Geochemistry as the default menu and then clear any
existing menus. You must then load the menu manually (you only have to do this the
first time you use the system).
T O S ET G EOCHEMISTRY AS Y OUR D EFAULT M ENU
1. On the Edit menu, click Settings and then click General. The Default settings
dialog is displayed.
2. In the Default menus box, click the [Browse] button to select the
geochemistry.omn file, and click the [Open] button to return to the Default
settings dialog.
Note: To select multiple menus, hold the [Ctrl] key as you select (highlight) the
menu files. The system saves the setting and in future will automatically load
the montaj Geochemistry (and any additional) menus.
3. Click the [Next >] button to display the More settings dialog and then click the
[Next >] button again to display the Internet Settings dialog.
4. Click the [Finish] button to save the settings.
Note: For more information on Oasis montaj setting, click the [Help] button on
the Default settings dialogs.
T O C LEAR E XISTING M ENUS
1. On the GX menu, click Remove all Menus to remove any existing menus.
L OADING THE G EOCHEMISTRY M ENUS M ANUALLY (F IRST U SE ):
1. Since the system is already running, the default menu is not yet active and you
must load the montaj Geochemistry menus manually.
2. On the GX menu, select Load Menu. The Load menu dialog will be displayed.
3. Select geochemistry.omn from the list of files and click the [Open] button. The
system displays three new menus on your menu bar (GeochemImport,
GeochemMap and GeochemAnalysis).
Note: If you want to modify your default menus again at a later time, you can use
the Default settings dialog box to change your settings. If you are really
interested in system configurations and want to see all of the system
settings you can open the Advanced Settings (Edit|Settings|Advanced) in
the Metadata Browser.
Setting Project Information

Whenever you begin a new montaj Geochemistry project, you will most likely want
to include information about the project with your data and maps. The Project
Information dialog box enables you to specify information such as: the company,
project name, a project description, scientist name, project date, and any additional
comments. This information is stored with the workspace.
T O E NTER P ROJECT I NFORMATION :
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click Project information. The Project information

2. Type the project information in the dialog box fields. You can add additional
comments to your project by clicking the [Comments] button. Note that, the
project comments can also be accessed/modified from the File|Project|Comments
menu.
3. Click the [OK] button when you are finished.
Importing Geochemical Data

In this section, we will introduce you to the key steps in importing geochemistry data
into the system and verifying the data prior to creating a master database. The basic
steps in this exercise include:
Import survey data
Import assay data
Merge and verify survey and assay data
Extract and display standards
Extract and display duplicates
Merge data with master database
Note: If your survey and assay data is already combined in one file then use the
GeochemImport|Import assays menu item to import your data. This will
ensure that the assay values are assigned to the 'ASSAY' class.
The import formats supported by the montaj Geochemistry system are as follows:
ASCII file any tabular ASCII file, which includes Excel CSV format files.
The ASCII file import wizard allows you to describe the data in the file.
Clipboard use this if the data has been placed on the clipboard in an
ASCII file format. This is intended to allow you to select the data from a
spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel and copy the data to the clipboard.
This option will create a temporary ASCII file of the contents of the clipboard
and use the ASCII file import wizard to let you describe the data.
Database the data is contained in a common Windows database format,
such as Microsoft Access, or dBase compatible files. A Wizard will allow
you to select the data to be imported.
acQuire point data - use this to import acQuire point sample information
from acquire database via ODBC connection.
This section and the following sections enable you to practice various tasks using
actual data sets. The data includes survey data (survey.csv) and assay data
(assays.csv).
Note: In this exercise, you will be working with two data sets, which include;
Survey date (i.e. X and Y locations, Sample numbers, (including Standards
and Duplicates) and Lithology codes) and Assay data (i.e. Sample numbers
with their associated assay values). The data sets used can be found in;
\Geosoft\Oasis montaj\data\geochemistry\. As described previously, you
should copy it to a working directory such as GeoDemo.
Using the Import Wizard to Import Survey Data
A field survey data set is a list of all samples in a planned geochemical survey project
together with sample locations, data standards and sample duplicates. The data may
also include geology, comments, field codes, or whatever other field survey
information is related to the samples. A field survey data set does not include
geochemical assays.
The field survey file must contain a Sample column together with any survey
information that is related to the sample. Typically, the following information is
contained in the survey file:
Sample, The sample name, which is a string of up to 16 characters. Every
sample must have a unique sample name
X, x coordinate location in local grid
Y, y coordinate location on a local grid
Duplicate, If the sample is a duplicate, this is a number that indicates the order
of duplicate samples. Duplicates are assumed to be in pairs based on the
duplicate order 1,2 are duplicates, 3,4 are duplicates, etc. This allows duplicates
to be distributed randomly within the batch if required
Standard, If the sample is a standard, this is the standard name. We assume
there will be a standards table that contains historic standard results
The Import Wizard enables you to import the data interactively while creating an
import template file (_chimport.i3). This import template file can be edited or
modified to be used as a standardised import template.
I MPORTING S URVEY D ATA
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Import survey data menu item. The
system displays the Import data dialog box.
2. Select the Data source as an ASCII file. Click the [Browse] button to select a
filename as the data to be imported (survey.csv was used in this example). If you
leave the Import template blank, the default template (_chsurvey.i3) will be
created in your project directory.
3. Click the [Next] button. The system displays the Create New Database dialog
box.
4. Type a name for the new database (Survey). You can leave the Maximum survey
lines, Maximum fields/channels and Compression to the default values.
Note: Survey lines are typically used with line-oriented data (i.e. data collected
along parallel lines). If you are not working with line data, the default of 10 is
recommended. Fields/channels are the survey information fields/channels
associated with each sample. For more information, click the [Help] button on
the Create New Database dialog.
5. Click the [OK] button. The new database (Survey.gdb) is displayed in the
Project Explorer window under databases. An empty database (Survey.gdb) is
also displayed in the background of your project and the Geochemistry Import
Wizard (Step 1 of 3) dialog is displayed in the foreground.
Note: The Geochemistry Import Wizard enables you to easily import data from any
ASCII spreadsheet or data file. The Import Wizard supports both Delimited
and Fixed Format ASCII files. The Import Wizard also imports Flat Archive
and Comma Separated Value (CSV) data files. The window at the bottom
the dialog box displays a preview of the ASCII data file. The line above this
window shows the file that is being imported. For more information on Import
Wizard settings, read the ASCII Import Wizard help topic or click the
[Help] button on the dialog box.
6. This dialog box is used to specify how the data in the file is formatted. Select
Delimited in the File Type box.
7. In the four fields in the middle of the dialog box, specify which line in the file
contains the data headings (i.e. channel names), data units (ppm, ppb, %, etc.),
which line to begin importing data, and the number of lines to display in the
preview window.
8. Click the [Next>] button. The system displays the second Import Wizard dialog
box.
9. Select the type of character or white space used to separate the column text. As
this is a (*.csv) file, select the [Microsoft Excel CSV] button. The system draws
lines in the preview window to show where data columns end.
10. Click the [Next>] button. The system displays the third Import Wizard dialog
box.
11. This dialog box displays the Channel Type and Parameters for each channel
currently highlighted in the preview window.
Note: The Import Wizard scans your data to determine the type of data with which
you are working (i.e. Channel Type). It is a good idea to review your data to
ensure that the wizard selected the correct columns. The Parameters box
shows the name and type of data, of the column highlighted in the preview
window.
12. To edit the channel parameters, select the channel in the preview window and
specify the Label, Data Type, Data Format and the default Dummy in the
Parameters fields.
Note: The data types supported are: Integer (4 byte signed integer can be between -
2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647), Floating Point (8 byte floating point with a
range of 1.7E +/- 308 15 digits of precision), and String (a string of
characters).
13. The message below the preview window indicates how many channels remain
unspecified. Each channel must have a name to continue the import process.
14. When you are finished naming the channels, click the [Finish] button. The data
will be imported into the (Survey.gdb) database and the import process is
finished.
Note: It is good practice to Save your database after every procedure to ensure
that you dont lose any information. Click the Save database changes ( )
button on the Standard Shortcut Bar.
Using the Import Wizard to Import Assay Data
An assay data set is a single lab assay batch, containing a list of all data samples and
their corresponding geochemical assay values.
The assay file must contain a Sample column together with all the geochemical
assay elements related to each sample. After import the database will include the
following columns (channels):
Sample, The sample name, which is a string of up to 16 characters. Every
sample must have a unique sample name.
Order, The order in which the samples were imported.
Batch, The assay batch name, which is assumed to be the same as the root file
name.
Lab_ID, The name of the Laboratory.
Weight, The weight of the individual samples sent to the Laboratory (e.g.
specify 500, if each of your samples are 500 grams).
Assay Elements, The assay elements and compounds included in the batch (e.g.
Au, Ag etc.).
The Import Wizard enables you to import the data interactively while creating an
import template file (_chimport.i3). This import template file can be edited or
modified to be used as a standardised import template. For more information on
importing assay data click the [Help] button.
I MPORTING A SSAY D ATA
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Import assay menu item. The system
displays the Import ASSAY data dialog box.
2. Select the Data source as an ASCII file. To select the file to be imported, click
the [Browse] button and select the assay.csv file. If you leave the Import template
blank the default template (_chassay.i3) will be created in your project directory.
3. Select the parameters from the Lab ID and Assay method dropdown lists.
Note: To add new Lab ID and Assay methods items, type the new information in
the appropriate box, the dropdown list will be automatically updated. To
manage the list by adding or deleting items, click the [Lab IDs] or [Assays]
buttons to display the appropriate dialog. User defined pick lists are stored in
the Oasis montaj\User\etc\ directory. For more information, click the [Help]
button.
4. Specify the Weight of your samples, and then using the [Browse] button you can
locate a Channel Attribute file (CSV). For more information, see Setting ASSAY
Attributes (page 22).
5. From the Convert negatives? dropdown list select Yes or No. (No, the default
value imports the data as is, if Yes is selected then if the detection limit is set for
the channel, any value less than the detection limit (including those less than 0.0)
is replaced with a value equal to one-half the detection limit.
6. Click the [Next>] button. The system displays the Create New Database dialog
box.
7. Specify a filename for the import database. The default filename Assay.gdb was
used here. Note that, the default database file name is derived from the input file
name.
8. Click the [OK] button. The new database (Assay.gdb) is displayed in the Project
Explorer window under databases. An empty database (Assay.gdb) is also
displayed in the background of your project and the Geochemistry Import Wizard
dialog is displayed in the foreground.
9. This dialog box is used to specify how the data in the file is formatted. Select
Delimited in the File Type box.
10. In the four fields in the middle of the dialog box, specify which line in the file
contains the data headings (i.e. channel names), data units (ppm, ppb, %, etc.),
which line to begin importing data, and the number of lines to display in the
preview window. In this example specify that the Data Units on row [2] and Start
import on row [3].
11. Click the [Next] button. The system displays the second Import Wizard dialog
box. Select the type of character or white space used to separate the column text.
As this is a (*.csv) file, select the [Microsoft Excel CSV] button. The system
draws lines in the preview window to show where data columns end.
12. Click the [Next] button. The system displays the third Import Wizard dialog box.
This dialog box has Channel type, parameters and a preview window area.
Note: The Import Wizard scans your data to determine the type of data with which
you are working (i.e. Channel Type). It is a good idea to review your data to
ensure that the wizard selected the correct channel types.
13. The Parameters box displays the name, type of data, and the data format of the
column highlighted in the preview window. To edit the channel parameters, select
the channel in the preview window and specify the parameters in the appropriate
fields. The message below the preview window indicates how many channels
remain unspecified. Each channel must have a name to continue the import
process. The import routine will replace negative values (assumed to be the lower
detection limit) with a positive value at half the lower detection limit (or negative
value).
14. When you are finished naming the channels, click the [Finish] button. The data
will be imported into the Assay.gdb database and a spreadsheet window is
displayed, indicating that the import process is finished.
Note: It is good practice to Save your database after every procedure to ensure
that you dont lose any information. Click the Save database changes ( )
button on the Standard Shortcut Bar.
Merging and Verifying Data
After you have imported your data files into montaj Geochemistry databases you are
ready to merge the survey database (Survey.gdb) with the assay database
(Assay.gdb).
Note: All channels of the Survey database will be created in the Assay database,
and all information will be copied to the Assay database.
M ERGING AND V ERIFYING D ATA
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Merge and verify menu item. The system
displays the Merge survey data into assays dialog.
2. Select the Assay.gdb and Survey.gdb databases and choose Yes to View merge
report?
3. Click the [OK] button. The system merges the two databases and checks for
errors. If any errors are found (such as missing location data), they will be
displayed in the error report that appears on your screen.
Note: The following shows a sample error report, which in this case was generated
by not having X Y locations for the duplicate samples. However, in your
example, since you have done all processes correctly, you will not see these
errors. Your report should say, There are no errors.
Location merge error report

===========================
1999/05/25 15:57:00
BR001A sample missing location at record 698

Note: If when you are working with your actual data and you encounter errors, we
recommend you stop processing, make changes to the original raw data and
then re-import all data.
Setting Assay Attributes
The montaj Geochemistry system enables you to set the CLASS attribute for each
selected channel as an "ASSAY" channel. With the Geochemistry system you can
set the Assay attributes within the system, import assay attributes from a CSV file,
and also export Assay attribute information to a CSV file.
T O S ET A SSAY A TTRIBUTES :
1. Select (highlight) the assay database (assay.gdb).

2. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Assay attributes|Set attributes menu item.
The system displays the Set Assay Attributes dialog.
3. From the Channels to set dropdown list you can select All ASSAY channels,
Displayed ASSAY channels, All Element channels, Displayed Element channels,
Displayed channels, and select from a list.
Note: Displayed channels will set all channels that are displayed, except for the
following:
Location channels X, Y, Z
Mask channels Mask, Chemmask
montaj Geochemistry general channels Sample, Order, Batch, Lab_ID,
Weight, Standard, Duplicate, Seq
Principal component channels Those beginning with "PC", or re-
synthesized element channels.
Any channel whose CLASS attribute is defined, and which is not
"ASSAY" (those without classes, which often include those just imported
using a non-standard import, are included)
4. From the Channels to set dropdown list select All ASSAY Channels and from
the Set dropdown list select Individually. This parameter enables you to set each
Assay channels assay information individually. Click [OK] to display the Assay
information dialog.
5. Specify the assay information for each ASSAY channel in the database by typing
the relevant information for each element, and then clicking the [Next] button to
display the next elements information dialog.
6. When you have gone through all of the ASSAY channels, click the [Finish]
button to close the Assay information dialog.
Importing Assay Attributes
The montaj Geochemistry system enables you to import assay attributes from a
CSV file. This is a quick way to set channel attributes on different Geochemistry
databases. The following is an example of a typical channel attributes file. The names
must be spelled as shown for the data to be correctly recognized.
"Channel","Label","Units","Detection","Outlier","StdMin","StdMax","Log","SymbScl","Method"
Cu,Cu, ppm,0.05,10,20000,Yes,50,TECHNIQUE
Mo,Mo, ppm,0.01,2,2000,No,10,TECHNIQUE
Note that, each row in the CSV file defines attributes for one channel. The first
parameter in the row is a channel name which must match a channel in the database.
Only matched channels are altered. Values which are blank in the file are not altered
in the database.
If the "CLASS" attribute has not yet been set, this process automatically sets it to
"ASSAY", but it will skip any channel which has already had its "CLASS" set to
something other than "ASSAY".
T O I MPORT A SSAY A TTRIBUTE I NFORMATION :
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Assay attributes|Import attributes menu

item. The Import ASSAY channel attributes dialog is displayed.
2. Using the [Browse] button, locate the CSV file to import. Click [OK] to import
the Assay channels attributes to the current database.
Exporting Assay Attributes
The montaj Geochemistry system enables you to export Assay attribute information
to a CSV file. This is a fast way to transfer channel attributes to different
Geochemistry databases.
Note: The following is an example of a typical channel attribute file:
"Channel","Label","Units","Detection","Outlier","StdMin","StdMax","Log","SymbScl","Method"
Cu,Cu, ppm,0.05,10,20000,Yes,50,TECHNIQUE
Mo,Mo, ppm,0.01,2,2000,No,10,TECHNIQUE
T O E XPORT A SSAY A TTRIBUTE I NFORMATION :
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Assay attributes|Export attributes menu

item. The system displays the Export ASSAY channel attributes dialog.
2. This dialog enables you export ASSAY channel attribute data to a CSV file.
3. Specify the Channel attribute file (.CSV) name. Select the Channels to include All
ASSAY channels, Displayed ASSAY channels or Select ASSAY channels from
list.
Defining Minimum and Maximum Standard Tolerance Values
Users can define the acceptable minimum and maximum tolerance values, for each
element in the standards database, which are then used in the Standard Report for
determining if samples in or out of tolerance. If these values are not specified, the
Standards Report reverts to using 2 standard deviations from the mean (or whatever
value the user specifies there).
T O S PECIFY S TANDARDS M INIMUM AND M AXIMUM S TANDARD V ALUES
1. Select (highlight) the header of an Assay channel, right-click and from the popup
menu, select Attributes.
2. The Assay Information dialog box will be displayed. You can now enter the
acceptable standard minimum and maximum tolerance values.
Note: You will need to do this for each element in the standards database, but once
done the attributes are stored in the database.
3. To use these values when displaying the standard report. Select the
GeochemImport/Standards/Display Standards menu item. The Display Standards
4. To use the standards minimum and maximum tolerance values set in the database,
select Use Channel Values for the Tolerance selection parameter.
Note: If you select this option by mistake and there are no standard minimum and
maximum values set in the standard database then the program will
automatically calculate the tolerance values as +/-2 standard deviations.
Extracting Standards and Displaying Standard Report
Now that you have merged your survey data into your assay database, you will want
to extract your standards (control values). At this point, you can extract the standards
and compare them to existing values in a standards database (in our example,
BR_std.gdb). This process is an essential part of your due diligence process
enabling you to confirm the validity of your data as received from the various
laboratories you use in practice. For more information on extracting and displaying
Standards click the [Help] button.
E XTRACT S TANDARDS
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Standards|Extract standards menu item.

The Extract standards dialog is displayed.
2 Using the [Browse] button, select the merged Assays database as (Assay.gdb).
For the Standards directory you can specify a directory location to locate/create
the standards database in however, if left blank, the standards databases will be
located in your current project directory.
3. Click the [OK] button. The system looks for the Standard database
(BR_std.gdb).
4. The system extracts the standard data from the merged database (Assay.gdb) and
adds the assay results to the standard database (BR_std.gdb). Once the data has
been extracted the standard log file (chstnd.log) is displayed, showing the
number of standards extracted. Close the text editor to continue. The Standards
database (BR_std.gdb) is displayed.
D ISPLAYING S TANDARD R EPORT :
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Standards menu, and then click Display
standards. The Display standards dialog is displayed.
2. Using the Standards database [Browse] button, select (BR_std.gdb). Then, using
the dropdown lists, select the Channels to report as, (All ASSAY channels), and
the Tolerance selection as (Use Channel values). The Default Error tolerance
(std. Dev.) can be specified as (2).
3. Click the [OK] button. The Standards Report is displayed in graphical format on
the map (Standard_BR_Std.map).
4. You can save this document for use later or print for inclusion in a report. At this
point you may wish to close the standards report. Then minimize or close the
standards database. If you close the database, click [Yes] to accept all changes.
Note: If you find errors in your standards, we recommend that you stop processing
and correct these errors before proceeding.
For more information on the Standard Report, click the [Help] button on the Display
Standards dialog.
Extracting Duplicates and Displaying Duplicate Report
The assay database that you imported is a typical laboratory database and still
contains duplicates (control values). At this point, you can extract the duplicates and
compare them. This process is an essential part of your due diligence process
allowing you to confirm the validity of your data as received from the various
laboratories you use in practice. For more information on extracting and displaying
Duplicates click the [Help] button.
E XTRACT D UPLICATES :
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click Duplicates|Extract duplicates. The Extract

duplicates dialog is displayed.
2 Using the [Browse] button, select the Assay database as (Assay.gdb) and click
the [OK] button. The system looks for the Duplicate database. If no duplicate
database is found the Duplicate database not found dialog box is displayed.
3. To create a Duplicate database, click the [Yes] button. The system extracts the
duplicate data from the Assay.gdb and creates a Duplicate.gdb. Once the data
has been extracted the duplicate log file (chdup.log) is displayed, showing the
name of the duplicate database and the number of duplicates extracted. Close the
text editor to continue. The Duplicate database (Duplicate.gdb) is displayed.
Note: In a pair of duplicates, the first sample stays in the (Assay.gdb) and the
second duplicate sample is removed to the Duplicate.gdb.
D ISPLAYING D UPLICATE R EPORT
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click Duplicates|Display duplicates. The Display

duplicates dialog is displayed.
2. The system defaults to the (Duplicate.gdb). Select the Channels to report as, (All
ASSAY channels), and an Error tolerance (%), as (10).
3. Click the [OK] button. The Duplicates Report is displayed in the
Duplicate_Duplicate.map.
4. You can save this document for use later or print for inclusion in a report. At this
point, you may wish to close the Duplicate report. Then minimize or close the
Duplicate database. If you close the database, click [Yes] to accept all changes.
Note: If you find errors in your duplicates, we recommend that you stop processing
and correct these errors before proceeding.
For more information on the Duplicate Report, click the [Help] button on the Display
Duplicates dialog.
Updating the Master Database
Having merged and verified the two databases and extracted the standards and
duplicates, your data is now ready to add to your master database. The final import
step is to update the master database.
Note: The lab and master databases must both contain a Sample channel. Both
databases are re-sampled to make all channels match the Sample channel
before data is appended.
U PDATING THE M ASTER D ATABASE
1. On the GeochemImport menu, click the Merge to master database menu item.
The system displays the Merge lab assay/location data into master database
dialog box.
2. Click the [Browse] button and select the Assay.gdb and type the name of your
new master database (i.e. Master.gdb).
3. Click the [OK] button. The system creates a master database (since you do not
already have one). Normally, it would update your existing master database.
Note: Each time you update your master database, the system adds the updated
information to the bottom of the spreadsheet. Note that you should be very
careful when updating since the system does not check for repeated values. In
the worst case you could append the exact same values to the bottom of the
spreadsheet.
Creating a Mask Channel
The montaj Geochemistry mask channel is used to subset your geochemical

database. A default mask channel (ChemMask) can be used or you can create your
own.
C REATING A M ASK C HANNEL
1. Select (highlight) the header of the next available channel in your database. Click
the right mouse button and select New from the popup menu. The Create Channel
2. Type the Name of the new channel, and the Label (note that, the channel Label
will be plotted in place of the channel Name, when plotting channel information).
For more information, click the [Help] button on the Create Channel dialog.
3. In the Class parameter box type (MASK). This will identify this channel as a
mask channel and will enable the channel to be displayed in all Mask pick list
available in the montaj Geochemistry system.
Note: Ensure that the Mask channel is not protected, as you cannot write to a
protected channel.
Setting montaj Geochemistry Preferences
montaj Geochemistry preferences are global variables, and remain set for a given
installation of Oasis montaj. This means they remain the same for different data sets
and projects. The values are stored in the Advanced Settings dialog.
Note: The Oasis montaj Advanced Settings (Edit|Settings|Advanced) have been

upgraded in version 6.0. Advanced settings are now displayed in a
Metadata Browser, which makes it easy to see all your settings. The
settings metadata browser replaces the Geosoft.ini file found in previous
versions.
T O S ET MONTAJ G EOCHEMISTRY P REFERENCES :
1. On the GeochemMap menu, click Preferences. The Chimera Preferences dialog

is displayed.
2. From the dropdown lists select the Default mask channel (ChemMask), Force
default mask channel (Yes), and Box Whisker Range (20-80). Specify the Offset
symbol marker size (mm)? (0.5).
Note: The Default mask channel will become the default mask channel in any
dialog where the selection of the mask channel has not been set. When setting
the Force default mask channel to (Yes) the mask channel setting will always
be initialized to this value (you may of course still select any value from the
drop down list). The Box Whisker Ranges available are 20-80 or 25-75.
For more information, click the [Help] button on the Chimera Preferences dialog.
Quality Control of Geochemical Data

After your data has been imported correctly into the system, your master database
should contain only pristine data. Practical experience in exploration geochemistry,
however, shows that quality control and due diligence responsibilities continue even
after initial data import. The montaj Geochemistry system is intended to streamline
geochemical quality control by providing a single environment for quickly
calculating summary statistics and manipulating data values. In addition, you may
want to further evaluate your data by applying math expressions and evaluating
results, or by editing individual (problem) data values.
Calculating and Saving Summary and Advanced Statistics
The montaj Geochemistry system quickly calculates and displays summary and
advanced statistical analysis s of your ASSAY channels. The system also enables the
export of the ASSAY channel statistics to a CSV file. The CSV file is save in your
current project directory.
It is assumed that you will carry out summary statistics on individual channels. This
approach enables you to quickly see that the minimum and maximum values for each
element are within the accepted data range. The system also indicates the number of
dummy values (placeholder) within a channel. This information is useful for

recognizing missing data, or for determining where the import routine has replaced
negative values (assumed to be the lower detection limit) with a positive value at half
the lower detection limit (or negative value). The advanced statistics function
provides a detailed statistical analysis of each individual channel.
T O C ALCULATE AND V IEW ASSAY S TATISTICS :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Summary statistics. The Summary Statistics

dialog box will be displayed.
2. From the Channel dropdown menu select (Cr). From the Apply mask
(ChemMask) dropdown menu select (ChemMask). Click the [Show Stats] button
to view the basic stats.
Key fields you should have a careful look at include the number of items and the
number of dummies. The following table describes the summary statistical values that
are reported.
Element Name of the channel.
Num of items Number of non-dummy items in the

channel.
Num of dummies Number of blank items. Dummies are

ignored in the calculation.
Min Minimum value.
Max Maximum value.
Range Range of values.
Mean Arithmetic mean or average value.

This is equal to the sum of all values
divided by the number of items.
Standard Dev Standard deviation in the data. This is

equal to the square root of the
variance in the data, and is an
estimator for the width of the data.
3. To view the extended statistics for the Cr channel click the [More] button.
4. To return to the Summary statistics dialog box click the [OK] button. You can
now view the statistics of another assay channel or cancel by clicking the
[Cancel] button.
T O S AVE ASSAY S TATISTICS
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Save statistics. The Output ASSAY channel
statistics to a file dialog box will be displayed
2. From the Mask channel dropdown list select (ChemMask) and from the Statistics
to save dropdown list select (All ASSAY channels) and click the [OK] button.
The Save Statistics dialog is displayed.
3. This dialog tells you that the Master_stat.csv file will be saved in your current
project directory (d:\geodemo). This file can be opened in Excel (or any text
editor) for viewing or printing.
Using Dynamic Data Links
Dynamic links are virtual geo-referenced connections between spreadsheets, profiles

and maps. These links work in two-directions so you can select any window and see
the equivalent data in the other windows you are using.
For example, when you work with Spreadsheet and Profile windows and select one or
more cells in the spreadsheet, the system automatically highlights the corresponding
data in the Profile window (or vice-versa). Similarly, when you work with Map,
Profile and Spreadsheet windows and select a point on the map, the system
automatically highlights the corresponding data in the other windows (or vice-versa).
For more information on dynamic data linksspreadsheets, profiles and mapssee

the Oasis montaj Quick Start Tutorial or use the Search tab in the Oasis montaj
online help system.
Search and Replace values in Database Channels
Search and replace enables you to quickly search any montaj Geochemistry
database channel for a specific value or text string and replace all found targets with a
new value or text string.
S EARCH AND R EPLACE V ALUES IN D ATABASE
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, select ChemUtilities and then select

Search/replace. The Search and replace values in a channel dialog is displayed.
2. Using the drop down list select the Channel as (Pb). Then in the Value to replace
type (0) and in the Replacement type (*).
3. Click the [OK] button. The system replaces all zeros in the Pb channel with an
(*).
Sort Data Based on One Channel
A common procedure is to sort data channels to examine extreme high or low values
in detail. From a practical standpoint, this capability can be useful if you have a data
value that is significantly higher than all other values; high values will affect symbol
plotting and gridding. This type of quality control can help you in deciding whether
you want to edit certain values so they do not distort symbol plots and grids.
T O S ORT D ATA BASED ON 1 R EFERENCE C HANNEL :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, select ChemUtilities and then select Sort all by 1
channel. The Sort all channels based on a reference channel dialog is displayed.
2. Select a Reference Channel to sort (Cu) and the Order (ascending). (Note that, in
this case we selected Cu because this channel contains known anomalous values).
3. Click the [OK] button. The system sorts the channel. Note that all channels are
reordered according to the selected channel (so that the integrity of the data is
retained).
Sort Data Based on Two Channels
Another common procedure is to sort your data based on 2 channels. You may want
to sort by batch or sample number and an element to check data quality or sort by 2
related elements (e.g. Ni and Cr) to compare highs and lows. The data is first sorted
by the primary reference channel, then for data with the same value in the primary
reference channel, the data is sorted by the secondary channel.
T O S ORT D ATA B ASED ON 2 R EFERENCE C HANNELS :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, select ChemUtilities and then select Sort all by 2
channels. The Sort all channels based on two reference channels dialog is
displayed.
2. Select a Primary channel to sort (Ni) and a secondary channel to sort (Cr). Select
the Primary and Secondary sort as (ascending).
3. Click the [OK] button. The system first sorts the primary channel, then for data
with the same values in the primary channel, the data is sorted by the secondary
channel. Note that all channels are reordered according to the selected channels
(so that the integrity of the data is retained).
Editing Data Values
We recommend that you perform all data editing on a new channel, so that the
original data remains unchanged. In the following procedure, we will first copy a
channel to a new channel (the new channel opens automatically), display the channel,
and edit the last value in the channel.
T O E DIT D ATA V ALUES :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis/ChemUtilities menu, click Copy channel. The system

displays the Copy a channel dialog box.
2. Select the channel name in the Copy FROM field (Cu) and type the new channel
name in the TO field (Cu_edit). Leave the remaining fields to the default values
(since you are not renumbering the channel or changing the sample increment).
3. Click the [OK] button. The system copies the channel (columns). You must now
display the new channel.
T O D ISPLAY AND E DIT C HANNELS IN Y OUR D ATABASE :
1. Move the cursor to a blank spreadsheet header cell (top of channel) and click the
right mouse button. From the popup menu, select List. The system displays a list
of channels in the database that are not currently displayed in the spreadsheet
window.
2. Select the (Cu_Edit) channel. The system displays the channel in the spreadsheet.
Note: To edit the anomalous value in the Cu_edit channel you may need to sort
the channel again based on one channel. On the GeochemAnalysis menu,
select ChemUtilities|Sort all by 1 channel. The Sort all channels based on
a reference channel dialog is displayed. Select a Reference Channel as
(Cu_edit) and the Order as (ascending). Click the [OK] button. The
system sorts the channel.
3. To edit the data values, move the vertical scroll bar so that the spreadsheet is
positioned with the last channel values showing (fiducial #690).
4. Position the cursor on the last value (961) and type a new value as (350).
5. Press the Enter key. The system replaces the old value with the new value.
T O U NDISPLAY C HANNELS :
1. Select a channel header cell (for example, Cu). Press the space bar. The system
removes the channel header from the display.
Note: This process does not affect the actual data. You can redisplay the channel at
any time as described above.
Colouring channels
The montaj Geochemistry system provides three methods for colouring channel
values;
users can interactively define colour zones based on data channel values (page 39)
users can specify predefined colour zone (.ITR, .ZON, .TBL, .LUT) files (page 40)
colour zones can be defined based on percentage breaks in the channel data (page 41)
Colouring Channels using User Defined Colour Zones
Colour zones can be defined by using the Define Colour Zones Tool or by applying a
pre-existing zone file to the channel. Note that, the zone file must be in the f form
"_Channel.ITR", where Channel is the name of the channel to be coloured and
.ITR is the zone file type extension.
Note: Histograms derived from coloured channels are automatically coloured
using the same colour zone file.
T O C OLOUR C HANNELS USING THE D EFINE C OLOUR Z ONES T OOL
1. Select (highlight) the channel header cell of the channel to colour, right-click and
from the popup menu select Set channel colours. The Define Colour Zones tool
will be displayed.
Note: If you have an zone file in the form "_Channel.ITR" in your project
directory this file will be retrieved and used to colour the channel. To save
your current colour zone to file, click the Save ( ) button. To load a
different zone file, click the Load from file ( ) button.
2. The channel statistics are calculated using equal-area. Note that, the channel
statistics are calculated for all the currently selected lines.
3. Using the Define Colour Zones tool you can set the number of zones (up to 12),
set the transform type (linear, log, equal-area, normal) etc. Check ( ) the Cum %
box to view the equivalent cumulative percent values of each zone.
4. Click inside the Colour boxes to display the Color Tool Use this tool to change or
modify the zone colour. Click the [OK] button to accept the colour and return to
the Define Colour Zones dialog.
5. Click the [OK] button and the channel values are automatically coloured.
Note: Histograms derived from the coloured channel will automatically be

coloured using the channel colours.
Colouring Channels using a Zone File
Database channels can be coloured using a pre-existing zone (*.ITR, *.ZON, *.TBL
and *.LUT) file. Zone files map ranges of values to specific colours. To automatically
apply a zone file to a channel in a database, the zone file must be in the current
project directory and must be in the form "_Channel.ITR", where Channel is the
name of the channel to be coloured and .ITR is the zone file type extension. This
file will be retrieved by montaj Geochemistry and used to colour the channel.
To colour your channel values using another zone file, click the Load from file ( )
button. To save you current colour zone to file, click the Save ( ) button.
Colouring Channels based on percentage breaks
Use the Colour channels using % breaks to menu option to colour channels based on
percentage breaks in the data. This option enables you to select the channels to
colour, the number of zones, the maximum percentage per zone, and the colour to use
to represent each zone.
H OW TO C OLOUR C HANNELS USING P ERCENTAGE B REAKS
1. Open and select (highlight) the database you want to colour the channels.
2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, select Colour channels using % breaks. The
Colour channels based on percent breaks is displayed.
3. Using the Channels to colour dropdown list, select the channels to colour from
the options, All ASSAY channels, Displayed ASSAY channels, Select ASSAY
channels from list, All channels, and Displayed channels).
4. Click the [OK] button and the Define Cumulative Percent Zones dialog will be
displayed.
5. Click the button, the Select Number of Zones dialog is displayed.
6. Specify the number of zones you want your data in and click the [OK] button.
You are returned to the Define Cumulative Percent Zones dialog.
7. In the Max. Percent column; specify the maximum percentage for each zone.
8. Click inside the Colour column to select the colour for the zone. The Colour Tool
will be displayed.
9. When you are satisfied with the colours and zone percentages, click the [OK]
button and the channel values will be coloured based on the percentage breaks in
the data.
To Remove Colours from a Channel

1. Select (highlight) the channel to remove the colour, right click and from the
popup menu select Remove Channel Colours. The colours will be removed from
the channel.
Protecting Channels
The channel you have created is unprotected (protected channels are indicated by a
black triangle in the left hand corner beside the channel name). We recommend that
you protect your channels on a regular basis so that interim results are not overwritten
accidentally.
To do this, move the cursor to the channel header cell, press the right mouse button
and select Protected from the popup menu. A check mark should appear on the left
hand side of the popup menu.
Applying Math Expressions
Often you may want to apply a math expression (such as Log10) to evaluate the Log
distribution of the data. You can apply simple or more complex expressions as
required.
There are three ways to apply simple math expressions. You can either use the
Expression or the Expression file menus provided on the
GeochemAnalysis/ChemUtilities menu or you can use the Spreadsheet window
Formula = line. We will show you the latter method since it is faster.
T O A PPLY A M ATH E XPRESSION USING THE F ORMULA = LINE :
1. Create a new channel for storing your results (e.g. Cu_Edit) and display the
channel in the spreadsheet. (Dont forget to assign the channels Class as
ASSAY.).
2. To copy the data from the Cu channel to the Cu_edit channel, on the Utility
menu, select Copy channel. The Copy a channel dialog is displayed.
3. Using the Copy FROM dropdown list, select Cu and from the TO dropdown list,
select Cu_edit. We can leave the remaining parameters to the intelligent defaults
and click the [OK] button. The data values from the Cu channel are copied into
the Cu_edit channel.
4. Move the mouse to the channel header cell and click three times. The entire
channel should be highlighted.
5. Press the equal = key. The system changes the status bar at the lower left corner
of the screen to Formula = (

).
6. Type an expression in the field to the left of the Formula = line. An example is
LOG10(Cu_Edit) ( ). This applies the

math expression based on your previously edited results.
7. Press the Enter key. The system applies the expression and updates the field. You
can now view the values in the spreadsheet, calculate statistics, apply Histogram
analysis or create maps based on the calculated values.
For more information on applying math expressions in montaj Geochemistry
download the Mathematical Expressions How to Apply Geochemistry
Mathematical Expressions in Oasis montaj in PDF format from
www.geosoft.com/resources/technotes/
44 Chapter 2: Geochemical Data Analysis
Chapter 2: Geochemical Data Analysis

In this chapter, we will guide you through the key steps necessary to analyze your
data with a variety of montaj Geochemistry analysis tools. The procedures in this
tutorial will show you how to:
Perform a Histogram Analysis (page 44)
Use the Probability Plot Tool (page 47)
Determine Multi-element Pearson Correlations (page 49)
Use the Scatter Plot Tool (page 51)
Use the Triplot Tool (page 55)
Create a new Overlay Map (page 60)
Histogram Analysis
Histograms are a familiar method for displaying numerical information and have the
added benefit of providing a visual representation of the data in which:
Total data range for a particular element
Modes can be easily recognised
The range of greatest abundance of values can be estimated rapidly
The general form of the density distribution of data is apparent
They are also useful for distinguishing between background and anomalous values
(i.e. quality control), or for recognizing a bimodal data distribution (i.e.
interpretation). In many cases the logarithmic transform of raw data is important
because it provides a normal form to the density distribution; in which case, the data
is said to be log-normal.
The montaj Geochemistry system provides an interactive histogram analysis tool

that displays the selected channel, channel statistics, histogram width, current cursor
position and corresponding data value and percentile values. The tool is a dynamic
dialog box that updates data values whenever you make a change to a corresponding
value in the database.
Once the Histogram tool has been created it is stored as an Auxiliary Tool in the
Project Explorer (in the Tools section). The Auxiliary Tools can be hidden/displayed
as necessary (right click on the tool in the Project Explorer and select Hide or
Show from the popup menu). The Auxiliary Tools are saved in the project when you
close montaj Geochemistry and will be available automatically, with the same
settings, the next time the project is opened.
Note: The Histogram tool can be docked at the top/bottom or sides of the current
project window and resized, up to the full size of the screen.
Using Basic Histogram Capabilities
The following table summarizes how to perform basic activities with the tool.
To change or select the channel In the entry field near the top left, you can either type the
name of the channel, or using the dropdown list; select a
channel to analyse.
To display the histogram with a Check the Prob (Probability) option near the top left of the
cumulative %. tool. This option re-scales the cumulative % curve as if the
data were normally distributed. The vertical scale is based
on units of standard deviation. For data which is normally
distributed the cumulative % curve will plot as a straight
line (constant slope).
To Log transform the data (retains Select the Log radio button near the top middle of the tool.
raw data statistics)
Positioning the cursor by clicking Click inside the Histogram window. The system places a
vertical point where you clicked.
Positioning the cursor with left and Press the left arrow or right arrow buttons near the bottom
right arrows left of the tool. The system moves the vertical cursor one
division in the histogram to the left or right.
Changing Min/Max values Type new values in the entry fields to the far left and right
below the Histogram window.
Changing the number of divisions Type a new value in the Div. entry field centred below the
Histogram window.
Determining cursor and percentile Position the cursor by clicking or moving the left and right
values arrow buttons. The system displays the corresponding

cursor position and percentile value near the bottom left of
the tool.
Updating values after making If you make changes in the database (for example, by
changes in data changing value or replacing them with dummies) you can
update the Histogram window by clicking the data Pump
Pump Tool Tool button at the bottom left corner of the tool.
Plotting the Histogram for reports Select an open map and click the Print button near the
and maps bottom left of the tool. The system asks you where on the
map you wish to place the histogram. Type values or use the
[Locate] button to place the histogram interactively.
Plot Classified Colour Symbols on a Select an open map and click the Classified Colour Symbol
map button. Specify the attributes for the selected symbols and
click [OK] to draw the symbols on the map.
Plot Symbol Legend on the current Select an open map and click the Symbol Legend button.
map Enter the legend information and press [Locate] to position
the legend. Click [OK] to draw the legend on the map.
Box-whisker Plot Provides a quick visual indication of the histogram for log
normal on a skewed distribution. The box indicates the
percentile range and the whisker lines represent the next 10
percent on either side Note: the default percentile range is
20 80. The percentile range may be changed to 25 75 in
the GeochemMap|Pereferences dialog.
Make Original Size button You can resize the histogram tool by dragging any side of
the tool to a larger size. Clicking the Make Original Size
button returns the histogram to the original size.
Define Masking Limits button You can define mask limits. Click the Define Masking
Limits button. The curser appears as a cross. Click the left
mouse button at the lower extreme of your mask limit, and
then left click at the upper extreme. The mask area will be
highlighted.
Apply current limits to mask After defining your masking limits, click the Apply current
channel limits to mask channel button. The Set Mask based on data
range dialog is display. Specify your parameters and click
[OK] to apply the limits to the selected mask channel.
Reset mask channel The Reset mask channel button enables you to reset the
mask channel and set all values in the Mask channel to 1.
As an exercise, we suggest that you experiment with some of these capabilities.

Using Advanced Histogram Capabilities
In addition to providing a quality control tool for analyzing your data, the histogram
tool enables you to create classified symbol plots with symbol legends for your maps.
Accessing the Histogram Analysis Tool
The tool is accessed via a single menu option. Note that you can display multiple
histograms at a single time.
T O D ISPLAY THE H ISTOGRAM A NALYSIS T OOL
1. Select (highlight) the database you want to use (master.gdb in this example).
2. Select the channel for which you want to display histogram results (Cu in this
example).
3. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Histogram analysis. The Histogram Tool is
displayed.
Probability Analysis
Probability Plots are a familiar method for determining normal distribution of
geochemistry data and have the added benefit of providing a visual representation of
the data in which:
Total data range for a particular element
Modes can be easily recognised
Distribution of data can be estimated rapidly
The general form of the distribution of data is apparent
The data can be coloured using statistical calculations of the selected lines in the
database
They are also useful for distinguishing between background and anomalous values
(i.e. quality control), or for recognizing a bimodal data distribution (i.e.
interpretation). In many cases, the logarithmic transform of raw data is important
because it provides a normal form to the density distribution; in which case, the data
is said to be log-normal.
The montaj Geochemistry system provides an interactive Probability Analysis tool

that displays the selected channel, channel statistics, sigma range, current cursor
position and corresponding data value and percentile values. The tool is a dynamic
dialog box that updates data values whenever you make a change to a corresponding
value in the database.
In addition to providing a quality control tool for analyzing your data, the probability
tool enables you to create classified symbol plots with symbol legends for your maps.
Once the Probability tool has been created it is stored as an Auxiliary Tool in the
Project Explorer (in the Tools section). The Auxiliary Tools can be hidden/displayed
as necessary (right click on the tool in the Project Explorer and select Hide or
Show from the popup menu). The Auxiliary Tools are saved in the project when you
close montaj Geochemistry and will be available automatically, with the same
settings, the next time the project is opened.
Note: The Probability tool can be docked at the top/bottom or sides of the current
project window and resized, up to the full size of the screen.
For more information on the Probability Tool, see the online Help topic Using Basic
Probability Capabilities.
Multi-Element Pearson Correlation

The montaj Geochemistry system enables you to calculate a Multi-Element Pearson
Correlation between data channels, and then plots the results in a correlation table on
a map.
For more detailed information on the Multi-Element Pearson Correlation click the
[Help] button on the Correlation plot dialog.
D ISPLAYING C ORRELATIONS
1. Open and select (highlight) the database to use for the multi-element Pearson
correlation analysis as (Master.gdb).
2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Correlations. The Correlation plot dialog is
displayed.
2. From the Data to analyze dropdown list, select All ASSAY channels. You can
specify a Title for the plot, and then leave the other parameters as the default
values.
3. Click the [OK] button. The Correlation_master.map will be displayed.
Note: The correlation matrix will be the selected (active) view on the map. The
cursor will reflect which map selection mode you are in by appearing in the
Select a group ( ) mode.
While the view is selected, you can move the cursor to a specific correlation of
interest. Click the right mouse button and from the popup menu, select the Scatter
tool. The specific correlation elements will be displayed in the Scatter Analysis Tool.
Any number of scatter tools can be open at the same time.
Scatter Plot Tool

The Scatter Plot Tool plots one channel against another channel. Using the Scatter
tool you can select a predefined template and/or overlay file, select the channels to be
displayed, the masked channel to use, the scaling method for the data and the symbol
and symbol attributes to use for plotting. The Scatter Plot tool enables you to
interactively interrogate the data contained within your database and plot to a map.
The Scatter Plot Tool implements dynamic linking between itself and the current
database, and through it with any other Scatter or Triplot tool open in the project
A mask channel may be used for selecting a subset of data values from the database
(specified in the Select scatter plot channels and symbols dialog). If such a channel is
selected and is included in the database, it will be used and updated by the dialog as
selections are plotted. A data value is highlighted in red if its corresponding mask
value is not a dummy value. If no such channel exists, the user can create a new
mask channel.
You can also categorize the scatter plot data with the colour based on a Classification
channel.
The Scatter Plot Template (and/or Overlay file) is used to store specific
configurations of the scatter tool. Each Template consists of three files:
1. The Template file, which is a text file that contains information on the channels,
scales, titles, etc., as well as the name of the associated overlay file.
2. The Overlay file, which is a text file that contains either (i) line/text commands to
draw an overlay or (ii) the name of a map file to use as the overlay. In this case, it
refers to a map file.
3. The Map file, which is a Geosoft map containing the overlay map items.
These files are stored in the "/Oasis montaj/etc" directory. New or modified
Templates and Overlays are stored in the "Oasis montaj/users/etc" directory.
Once the Scatter Plot tool has been created it is stored as an Auxiliary Tool in the
Project Explorer (on the Tools tab). The Auxiliary Tools can be hidden/displayed as
necessary (right click on the tool in the Project Explorer and select Hide or Show
from the popup menu). The Auxiliary Tools are saved in the project when you close
Oasis montaj and will be available automatically, with the same settings, the next
time the project is opened.
Before you begin
This section uses a sample database that includes the necessary channels for plotting
the standard Scatter (XY) Template Overlays. Locate and open the database file
GeoChem_Overlay.gdb, which was included in the zip file with the tutorial and
should be saved to your working directory, D:\GeoDemo.
Using the Scatter Plot Tool

1. Open the database GeoChem_Overlay.gdb.
2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Scatter analysis. The Select scatter plot
channels and symbols dialog is displayed.
3. This dialog is used to select a Template and/or Overlay file, the channels to
display and the symbols to use with the Scatter Plot Tool. Using the Template
dropdown list, select the (XYplot_SiO2_Na2O_K2O_Volcanic) template. The
Overlay, Horizontal and Vertical parameters will be populated based on the
template settings.
Note: The Template and/or Overlay file are optional, you can leave these
parameters blank and select the Horizontal and Vertical data channels to
be displayed in the Scatter Plot Tool. You will then be provided with an
opportunity to save these settings as a new Template file.
4. We will accept the default Mask Channel as (ChemMask) and the default
Symbols as (Fixed Colour) and Symbol Size as (2). Click the [OK] button and the
Scatter Plot SiO2 vs Na2O+K2O (Volcanic) will be displayed.
5. To make it easier to view the data, enlarge the Scatter Plot tool by moving the
cursor to an outer edge of the tool, the cursor will change to a double arrow ( ),
click and hold down the left mouse button while dragging the edge (corner) of the
dialog to the desired size.
6. Then, on the SiO2 vs Na2O+K2O (Volcanic) Scatter Tool, select the Select
items inside an overlay polygon button ( ) and then left-click inside the
(Picrobasalt) polygon. You will notice that only the data points inside the Picro-
basalt polygon are now selected (coloured red) the remaining data points are
unselected (coloured grey). The Mask channel (ChemMask) will also be updated
with the new masking information.
7. Using the Masking buttons provided you can also, Select All Points ( ),
Unselect all items ( ), Unselect all items inside an overlay polygon ( ) and
Mask using Polygon Tool ( ). For more information on these or any of the other
Scatter Plot control buttons, see the table below.
Button Controls
Most options in the scatter tool are initiated with buttons.
Plot Ranges: The plot ranges may be edited directly by clicking in the edit fields. The plot
will be updated with the new value when another control is clicked, or after the <Enter> key
is pressed.
Note: Automatic scaling is performed which creates nice bounds and tick intervals, so the
ranges and values displayed may not be exactly what was selected with the zoom box.
Moreover, for logarithmic plotting, the ranges are rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a
decade, so the zoom and shrink functions may not behave exactly as expected.
Specifically, at least one-tenth of a decade is always displayed when log scaling is
used, and the zoom button will not increase beyond this scale.
Select channels: Click this button to display the Select scatter plot channels and symbols
dialog. This dialog enables you to select a Template and/or Overlay file, the Data channels to
plot and the Symbols to use. Alternatively, clicking inside the channel name boxes (e.g.
and ) using the left mouse button will also display the same dialog
box (i.e. Select scatter plot channels and symbols dialog).
Zoom In: Clicking this button enables you to zoom into a user defined area on the scatter
plot. Click and hold down the left mouse button while dragging the cursor over the area you
want to zoom into. Once you have created a box of the correct size and location, release the
left mouse button and your zoom box edges will become the new plot boundaries.
View all data: Click this button to redraw the scatter plot based on the minimum and
maximum values in the data, so that all the data will be displayed.
Zoom Out: Click this button to redraw the scatter plot at half the current scale, subject to the
maximum and minimum values in the data.
Make original size: Click this button to return the scatter plot to its original size.
Note: To increase/decrease the size of the Scatter Plot tool, move the cursor to an outside
edge of the Scatter tool and the cursor will change to a double arrow ( ), click and
hold down the left mouse button while dragging the side or corner of the dialog to the
desired size.
Plot linear regression line: Click this button to display the Linear Regression Slope and
Intercept for the current data value in the Scatter Tool.
Select All Points: Click this button to select all the data points.
Unselect all items: Click this button to unselect all the data points.
Select items inside an overlay polygon: Click this button to select the items that are inside
an overlay polygon area.
Unselect all items inside an overlay polygon: Click this button to unselect all of the items
that are inside an overlay polygon area.
Mask using Polygon Tool: Click this button to select a subset of values using the polygon
drawing tool. Points within the boundary of the polygon are selected.
Plot Selected Points on the Map: Click this button and the Symbol Attribute dialog will be
displayed. Use this dialog to specify the symbol plotting parameters. Click the [OK] button
to plot the selected data values on the currently selected map. If there is no current map, the
user is asked to open one.
Refresh the Data: Click the button (the Pump) to refresh the data. The data is read fresh
from the database whenever one of the channel selections is changed.
Create a multi-scatter plot: Click the button to create a multi-scatter plot on the current
map.
Plot the scatter plot to a map: Click the button to plot the scatter plot on the currently
selected map. To use this option, the map you are plotting to must have a basemap drawn on
it.
Note: The Scatter Plot Tool implements dynamic linking between itself and the
current database, and through it with any other Scatter or TRI Plot tool
open in the project The Scatter Plot Tool can also be resized up to the full
size of the screen.
Masking
A mask channel can be used for selecting a subset of data values from the database
(specified in the Select scatter plot channels and symbols dialog). If such a channel is
selected and is included in the database, it will be used and updated by the dialog as
selections are plotted. A data value is highlighted in red if its corresponding mask
value is not a dummy value. If no such channel exists, the user can create a new
mask channel (see Creating a Mask Channel page 30).
Saved Configurations
The Scatter Plot Template (and/or Overlay file) is used to store specific
configurations of the Scatter Plot tool. These files are stored in the "/Oasis
montaj/etc" directory. New or modified Template and Overlay files are stored in the
"Oasis montaj/users/etc" directory.
Each time you create a Scatter Plot it is saved and can be retrieved from the Auxiliary
Tools folder on the Data tab in the Oasis montaj Project Explorer window. This
enables you to store specific configurations of the scatter tool and retrieve them when
needed.
Multiple-Scatter plots can also be plotted to a map by using the

GeochemAnalysis|Multi-Scatter plot menu item.
Triplot Tool
The Triplot Tool is similar to the Scatter Plot but plots a ternary plot using three
channels. The values for any point are summed, and then normalized to give fractions
from 0 to 100 percent. Each corner of the triangle represents 100 percent for one of
the channels, and at any point in the plot the sum of all three components sums to
100.
The Triplot tool implements dynamic linking between itself and the current database,
and through it with any other Triplot or Scatter plot tool open in the project.
A mask channel may be used for selecting a subset of data values from the database
(selected in Select triplot channels and symbols dialog). If such a channel is selected
and is included in the database, it will be used and updated by the dialog as selections
are plotted. A data value is highlighted in red if its corresponding mask value is not a
dummy value. If no such channel exists, the user can create a new mask channel.
You can also categorize the Triplot data with the colour based on a Classification
channel.
The Triplot Template (and/or Overlay file) is used to store specific configurations of
the triplot tool. Each Template consists of three files:
1. The Template file, which is a text file that contains information on the channels,
scales, titles, etc., as well as the name of the associated overlay file.
2. The Overlay file, which is a text file that contains either (i) line/text commands to
draw an overlay or (ii) the name of a map file to use as the overlay. In this case, it
refers to a map file.
3. The Map file, which is a Geosoft map containing the overlay map items.
These files are stored in the "/Oasis montaj/etc" directory. New or modified
Templates and Overlays are stored in the "Oasis montaj/users/etc" directory.
Once the Triplot tool has been created it is stored as an Auxiliary Tool in the Project
Explorer (on the Tools tab). The Auxiliary Tools can be hidden/displayed as
necessary (right click on the tool in the Project Explorer and select Hide or Show
from the popup menu). The Auxiliary Tools are saved in the project when you close
Oasis montaj and will be available automatically, with the same settings, the next
time the project is opened.
Using the Triplot Tool

1. Open the database GeoChem_Overlay.gdb.
2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Triplot analysis. The Select triplot channels
and symbols dialog is displayed.
3. This dialog is used to select a Template and/or Overlay file, the channels to
display and the symbols to use with the Triplot Tool. Using the Template
dropdown list, select the (Triplot_Al2O3_MgO_FeO) template. The Overlay,
Left, Right and Top parameters will be populated based on the template settings.
Note: The Template and/or Overlay file are optional, you can leave these
parameters blank and select the Left, Right and Top data channels to be
displayed in the Triplot Tool. You will then be provided with an
opportunity to save these settings as a new Template file.
4. We will accept the default Mask Channel as (ChemMask). In the Symbols
section, select the (String Classified Symbols) radio button. The Class Channel
parameter will be enabled. Using the dropdown list, select the (Mineral) channel.
(Symbol colours will be based on each of the different mineral strings in the
Mineral channel.
5. We can leave the Symbol Size as (2) and check the ( ) Plot unclassified data? and
the Plot unassigned data?
6. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the [OK] button and the Triplot
Al2O3 vs MgO vs FeO (Volcanic) will be displayed.
7. Note that, in an earlier step in the Scatter Plot section of the tutorial, we masked
the data to the Picrobasalt polygon area. These selected data points plot in the
MORB (Mid Ocean Ridge Basalt) region of this Triplot template.
8. These Symbols were also plotted with their coloured symbols based on the
Mineral channel; C (Chromite - ), G (Garnet - ), I (Ilmenite - ), and P
(Pyroxene - ).
Tip: To view the legend for the coloured symbols, which in this case is based
on the Mineral channel, you can plot the Triplot to a new map ( ) and
the coloured symbols will be displayed in the Mineral legend.
9. We can remove the mask from the data by clicking the Select All Points ( )
button.
10. This enables you to see where the data points are plotted, relative to their Mineral
type.
11. To change the Left, Right and Top data channels, click the Select Channels ( )
button. The Select triplot channels and symbols dialog is displayed (alternatively,
you can left-click on the Data Channel boxes (e.g.. , or
) to display the same dialog (i.e. Select triplot channels and symbols
dialog). Other button functions are discussed below.
Button Controls
Most options in the Triplot tool are initiated with buttons.
Select channels: Click this button to display the Select triplot channels and symbols dialog.
This dialog enables you to select a Template and/or Overlay file, the Data channels to plot
and the Symbols to use. Alternatively, clicking inside the channel name boxes (e.g.
, or ) using the left mouse button will also display the same
dialog box (i.e. Select triplot channels and symbols dialog).
Make original size: Click this button to return the Triplot to its original size.
Note: To increase/decrease the size of the Triplot tool, move the cursor to an outside edge
of the Triplot tool and the cursor will change to a double arrow ( ), click and hold
down the left mouse button while dragging the side or corner of the dialog to the
desired size.
Select All Points: Click this button to select all the data points.
Select items inside an overlay polygon: Click this button to select the items that are inside
an overlay polygon area.
Unselect all items: Click this button to unselect all the data points.
Unselect all items inside an overlay polygon: Click this button to unselect all of the items
that are inside an overlay polygon area.
Mask using Polygon Tool: Click this button to select a subset of values using the polygon
drawing tool. Points within the boundary of the polygon are selected.
Plot Selected Points on the Map: Click this button and the Symbol Attribute dialog will be
displayed. Use this dialog to specify the symbol plotting parameters. Click the [OK] button
to plot the selected data values on the currently selected map. If there is no current map, the
user is asked to create or open one.
Refresh the Data: Click the button (the Pump) to refresh the data. The data is read fresh
from the database whenever one of the channel selections is changed.
Plot the triplot to a map: Click the button to plot the triplot on the currently selected map.
To use this option, the map you are plotting to must have a basemap drawn on it.
Grid: Check the Grid box to display grid lines on the Triplot tool.
Note: The Triplot Tool implements dynamic linking between itself and the current
database, and through it with any other Triplot or Scatter plot tool open in the
project The Triplot Tool can be resized, up to the full size of the screen.
Masking
Optionally, a mask channel may be used for selecting a subset of data values from the
database (selected in the Select triplot channels and symbols dialog). If such a
channel is selected and is included in the database, it will be used and updated by the
dialog as selections are plotted. A data value is highlighted in red if its corresponding
mask value is not a dummy value. If no such channel exists, the user can create a
new mask channel (see Creating a Mask Channel page 30).
Saved Configurations
The Triplot Template (and/or Overlay file) is used to store specific configurations of
the Triplot tool. These files are stored in the "/Oasis montaj/etc" directory. New or
modified Template and Overlay files are stored in the "Oasis montaj/users/etc"
directory.
Each time you create a Triplot it is saved and can be retrieved from the Auxiliary
Tools folder on the Data tab in the Oasis montaj Project Explorer window. This
enables you to store specific configurations of the Triplot tool and retrieve them when
needed.
Create a New Overlay Map

The montaj Geochemistry system now includes the ability to create and display
overlays for Scatter Plot (XY) and Triplot analysis. The two new menu options, New
overlay group and Create overlay, can be found on the GeochemAnalysis menu.
The new Overlay options enable you to create a New overlay group on a current map,
you can then add polylines, polygons, text and other attributes as needed to the group.
Then, using the Create overlay menu option you can create an Overlay map file that
will be added to the list of Overlay files available in the Scatter Plot and Triplot tools.
For more information on creating new Overlay groups or Creating Overlay files,
click the [Help] button on the dialog of interest.
Chapter 3: Symbol Plotting and Analysis

The montaj Geochemistry system provides a variety of symbol plotting and analysis
tools including interactive colour symbol classification, multi-parameter symbol
plotting (Bar, Rose and Pie Plots), symbol plotting using data from two channels and
the principal component and factor analysis tool.
This section will introduce you to the following:

Creating a New Map (page 61)
Adding a Basemap (page 62)
Interactive Colour Symbol Classification (page 64)
Multi-Parameter Symbol plotting (Bar, Rose and Pie Plots) (page 70)
Symbol plotting using data from two channels (page 74)
Principal Component and Factor Analysis (page 76)
Before you begin
This section uses sample data provided on the Oasis montaj CD-ROM. The data is
located in the Oasis montaj|data|Geochemistry| directory. A description explaining
the contents of each data file is provided in the readme.txt file in the tutorial
directory. Before you begin the tutorial, copy the data files from the CD-ROM to a
working directory such as C:\GeoDemo.
Creating a New Map

You must create a new map before you can plot your classified symbols.
T O C REATE A N EW M AP :
1. Select the master.gdb database (i.e. make it active).

2. On the GeochemMap menu, click New map. The Data range to map dialog is
displayed.
62 Chapter 3: Symbol Plotting and Analysis
3. This dialog box is used to specify the extent of the data you want to map. Click
the [Scan data] button to automatically scan this information from the current
open database (master.gdb).
4. After scanning the database for the X and Y data range, the system will update the
fields in the dialog box with the new information.
5. Select the distance units you would like to use for the map (metre).
6. If you would like to define a projection type for the map, click the [Projection]
button. For detailed instructions on adding projection information to maps, see the
To Define a Map Projection for a New Map help topic.
7. Click the [Next] button to continue. The system displays the Create a New Map
dialog box.
8. Specify the map name as Cu_Chem.map and select Landscape A4 as the map
template to use for the map. Map templates define the orientation and layout of
the map. To customize a template, press the [Templates] button. For detailed
instructions on map templates, see the Editing a Map Template topic in the
online help system.
9. Click the [Scale] button to scan the scale from the grid or database. The system
will pick the scale that will make the grid or data best fit the map. You can adjust
the scale to a workable number by entering it manually (250000).
10. Click the [Finish] button. The system displays a new blank map on the screen.
Adding a Basemap
The basic components are as follows:
A surround line around the map
A north arrow
A scale bar
A title block for large maps or title text for small maps
Map grid annotations
T O C REATE AND P LOT A B ASE M AP
1. Select the open map with which you want to work.

2. On the GeochemMap menu, select Draw base map. The Basemap layout dialog is
displayed.
3. From the Map style dropdown list, select (figure). Accept the remaining defaults
by clicking the [Next>] button or specify the parameters as shown above. The
system displays the Figure style basemap dialog box.
Note: Depending on the Map style selected the dialogs that follow may be
slightly different (i.e. map).
4. From the Reference grid dropdown list, select (dotted lines) and then accept the
remaining defaults by clicking the [Next>] button. The Figure titles dialog is
displayed.
5. You can add Titles for your map and click the [Finish] button to display the
basemap on the current map. Your map should look like the following map
image.
Interactive Colour Symbol Classification

Before you can create a classified symbol plot, you must obtain zones for plotting. An
easy way to do this is via the Histogram Tool. The first step is to analyse your data to
determine zones for classification. The second step is to plot your classified symbols
on a map. This latter step will introduce you to a specialized tool called the Colour
Symbol Tool.
Our approach was to quickly evaluate the data distribution and classify it visually into
6 zones. In practice, your zones will vary with the data and methods you are familiar
with.
Click the left mouse button on the (Cu) histogram box or press the left or right arrow
buttons in the Cursor box to position the red line cursor. We then read data values
directly from the cursor box on the screen. This method resulted in the following
zones and percentiles (rounded values).
0-22 0-25%
26-35 50%
36-53 75%
54-76 90%
77-200 99%
200+ Remainder
T O P LOT C LASSIFED S YMBOLS ON THE C URRENT M AP
1. Make sure the Cu_Chem.map is currently selected on the desktop.

2. In the Tools window in the Project Explorer select the Histogram Analysis Tool
(Histogram:Cu master.gdb).
3. On the Histogram Analysis tool, select the Plot Classified Colour Symbols on the
current map ( ) button. The Coloured symbols dialog is displayed.
4. We accepted the default parameters, as shown above. Note that, the Colour file
(temporary.zon) includes the colour zones currently applied t to the Cu
channel.
5. Click the [OK] button and the Color Symbol Tool will be displayed. Note that the
palette bar on the left has only 6 colours as defined by the Colour file
(temporary.zon).
6. Click the User defined distribution button ( ). The system displays the Define
Colour Zones tool.
7. Click the Number of Zones button ( ). The Select Number of Zones

8. In the text box provided, enter (8) and click the [OK] button. The system returns
to the Define Colour Zones tool. You will need to adjust the Max. Value and
Colour.
9. Check the Cum. % check box and then enter the maximum percentage for each
zone as (25, 50, 65, 75, 85, 90, and 95) and to adjust the Colour, click inside the
colour box and the Color Tool will be displayed.
10. Choose a colour from the palette and click the [OK] button. Repeat this process
until you are satisfied with the colours for each zone in the Define Colour Zones
dialog.
11. Click the [OK] button to return to the Colour Symbol Tool. Click the [OK] button
to close the tool and plot the zone classified coloured symbols to the current map.
T O A DD A S YMBOL L EGEND I NTERACTIVELY
1. From the Histogram tool, click the Plot symbol legend on the current map button
( ). The Graduated Colour Symbol Legend dialog is displayed.
2. Specify the Title for Legend (Optional) as (Cu Plot) and the Subtitle for Legend
(Optional) as (ppm) and we will accept the remaining default parameters.
3. Click the [Locate] button and the Locate Legend dialog will be displayed.
4. This dialog asks you to locate the lower left corner of the legend, using your
cursor. Click the [OK] button and your cursor will change to a cross-hair.
5. Select (left-mouse click) a position with your cursor on the map where you want
the lower left-hand corner of the legend to appear and the Graduated Colour
Symbol Legend dialog will again be displayed.
6. Click the [OK] button, and the legend will be displayed on your map and the
Histogram tool will be displayed again.
7. To close the Histogram analysis tool click the ( ) button on the top right corner.
Your map should look like the following map image.
Multi-parameter symbol plotting

The montaj Geochemistry system enables you to plot Pie, Rose (or Sector), and Bar
Plots. Each can plot up to 8 channels simultaneously on a single map. Scaling of the
individual channels may be specified, and defaults are taken from the symbol-scaling
attribute for each channel. All three plots use a common interface, and share
parameters, enabling ease of use. These plots make use of the Outlier Limit attribute
to clip too-large values.
Pie Plots: The scaled data occupy relative arc percentages of the pie.
Rose or Sector Plots: Are similar to the pie plots, but each sector has the
same angular span. The radius of each sector scales with the data value.
Bar plot: The height of each bar scales with the data values.
Legend: Each new plot has its own legend, that can also be run on its
own.
C REATE A N EW M AP :

2. On the GeochemMap menu, select New map. The Data range to map dialog is
displayed.
3. Click the [Scan data] button to automatically scan this information from the open
database (master.gdb).
4. Click the [Next>] button to continue. The system displays the Create a New Map
dialog box.
5. Specify the map name as Rose_Plot.map and click the [Finish] button. The
system displays a new blank (Rose_Plot.map) map on the screen.
Rose (or Sector) Symbol Plot
The Rose Symbol Plot creates a Rose (or Sector) plot that is similar to a Pie plot, but
where with a Pie plot the angle of each pie section represents the relative sizes of the
different channel values; with the Rose plot each section has an equal angle, but the
radius of individual segments scales with the ASSAY data values.
C REATE R OSE S YMBOL P LOT
1. On the GeochemMap menu, click Point plots|Rose plot menu option. The Rose
Symbol Plot dialog is displayed.
2. Select the Number of channels (4), Offset symbols? (No) and Plot legend? (Yes).
Accept the remaining default values.
3. Click the [Next>] button. The Specify Channels dialog is displayed.
4. Select the ASSAY channels to plot, and click the [Next] button. The Specify
Scaling dialog is displayed.
5. Based on the ASSAY values specify the scaling for each element. Click the
[Next] button to display the Specify Fill Colours dialog.
6. Left click in the Cu Colour box to display the Color tool. You can select a new
colour from the Basic colors palette or click the [Define custom colors] button to
select a custom color.
7. Click [OK] to return to the Specify Fill Colours dialog.
8. Click the [Finish] button to process the Rose Plot parameters. The Rose or Sector
Plot Legend dialog is displayed.
9. Click the [Finish] button to plot the Rose Plot and Legend on the current map.
10. One of the many symbol plotting features of the montaj Geochemistry system is
the ability to Offset Symbols. To view this option, select (Yes) in the Offset
symbols box on the Rose Symbol Plot dialog.
Symbol Plotting using Data from Two Channels

The montaj Geochemistry system has added the ability to plot classified symbols,
using one channel to determine the colour of the symbols, and another channel to
provide the symbol sizes.
C REATE A N EW M AP :

2. On the GeochemMap menu, select New map. The Data range to map dialog is
displayed.
3. Click the [Scan data] button to automatically scan this information from the open
database (master.gdb). Click the [Next] button to continue. The Create a New
Map dialog is displayed.
4. Specify the map name as Two_Channel_Plot.map.
5. Click the [Finish] button. The system displays a new blank map on the screen.
Two Channel Symbol Plotting
The Two Channel Symbol Plotting displays a symbol plot where one channel
determines the colour of the symbols, and another channel provides the symbol sizes.
C REATE T WO C HANNEL S YMBOL P LOT :
1. On the GeochemMap menu, select Point plots and then select the Colour range
and proportional size menu option. The Colour/Size Classified symbol plot dialog
is displayed.
2. Select the Colour channel as (Cr), the Number of ranges as (6) and the Size
channel as (Ni).
3. For the Zero base level (data units) specify (10) and for the Scale factor (data
units/mm) specify (10).
4. We will accept the remaining default parameter values, including the Mask
channel as (ChemMask).
5. Click the [Ranges] button to display the Specify Ranges dialog.
6. Specify the Ranges as shown above, and click the [OK] button. The Colour/Size
Classified symbol plot dialog is again displayed.
7. Click the [Plot] button to plot the symbol plot on the current map.
P LOT S YMBOL L EGEND :
1. On the GeochemMap menu, select Point plots and then select Colour range
symbol legend. The Classified Symbol Legend dialog is displayed.
2. Specify the Title for Legend (Optional) (Cr Colour Ni Size Plot) and Subtitle for
Legend (Optional) (ppm).
3. Click the [Locate] button and your cursor will be changed to a cross-hair. Click
on the map where you want the bottom left corner of the Symbol Legend
displayed. The Classified Symbol Legend dialog is again displayed.
4. Click [Plot]. The Legend is displayed on the current map.
Principal Component and Factor Analysis

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis are two methods that can
help reveal simpler patterns within a complex set of variables. In particular, these
methods seek to discover if the observed variables can be explained largely or
entirely in terms of a much smaller number of variables called factors.
In mineral exploration, the most common application of these multivariate analysis

methods is to characterize and map inter-relationships within high volume surface
geochemistry data sets. Data volumes are a growing problem as geochemists seek to
extract more information and knowledge from data sets with up to 50 or more
variables.
The desire to simplify processing and analysis of large data sets is renewing interest
in PCA and Factor Analysis algorithms and presentation. Requests from major
exploration groups for these capabilities led to Geosoft developing PCA and Varimax
Fator Analysis.
Quick Review of PCA and Factor Analysis
PCA and Factor Analysis are often misunderstood due to their abstract mathematical
nature. Concepts such as eigenvalues, basis vectors (eigenvectors), loadings and
scores are difficult to map into the framework of real world geological problems.
Without examining the mathematics in detail, the basic starting point is to compute a
correlation matrix using all variables and samples in a verified and properly subsetted
geochemical database. This matrix is then used to compute a new set of artificial
variables called eigenvectors, each with its own distinct eigenvalue. The numerical
value of the eigenvalue indicates the contribution of the artificial variable or factor
to the total variation in the data set.
Two other entities also play a role in this mathematical puzzle:

Loadings. Loadings express the influence of each original variable, such as Au for
example, within the factor.
Scores. Scores are numbers that express the influence of an eigenvector on a
specific sample. Scores enable spatial mapping of factors on individual samples.
Comparison of PCA and Factor Analysis
The main commonality between PCA and Factor Analysis is that they both have
eigenvectors, eigenvalues, loadings and scores. Some differences are:
PCA is often used as a simple starting point in multivariate analysis.
PCA eigenvectors cumulatively account for all the variability in the data set
whereas Factor Analysis results include an unresolved component.
For this reason, Factor Analysis is often considered to be statistical in nature
rather than purely mathematical as in PCA.
Factor Analysis results are often transformed through Varimax and other methods
to optimize eigenvectors for interpretation.
Before Starting
This section is intended to provide a general overview of Principal Component and

Factor Analysis in Oasis montaj. The interpretation of results, are for demonstration
purposes only and may not reflect the true geology of this region. This note describes
one possible interpretation of the data. Interpretation of results typically depends on
requirements of the project and users specifications.
Before applying these methods, users should have a solid understanding of the
problem they are trying to solve. They must have strategies for determining how they
will solve the following questions:
Has the data been verified adequately to obtain meaningful results?
How many different factors are needed to explain the pattern of relationships
among variables?
What is the geologic significance of the factors?
What proportion of the elements are explained by the most important principal
components?
What is the spacial relationship of factors (i.e. how do they map)?
Note: To perform most analytical methods in the montaj Geochemistry system,
your assay channels must be classified as ASSAY channels. When importing
your data using GeochemImport, the attribute Class for assay channels is
defaulted as ASSAY. To classify assay channels not imported through
GeochemImport, highlight the assay channel header and right click. Select
Attributes from the popup menu, the Assay Information dialog box will be
displayed. In the Class box, specify ASSAY, click [OK] to continue.
Step 1: Data Verification
Data verification is absolutely critical in multivariate analysis. Historically, lack of

care in preparing data and poor overall results have led to a negative perception of
these methods.
Geosoft tools such as the Histogram Analysis and the Scatter Analysis tool can help
quickly identify data with detection limit problems or outliers. Outliers can be
defined as data values outside some statistical range (for example, the 95th percentile
or the mean 2 standard deviations). After these data or variables are identified,
Geosofts subsetting tools and math expressions can assist in eliminating problematic
data or outliers before proceeding with PCA and Factor Analysis.
H ISTOGRAM A NALYSIS T OOL
The Histogram Analysis Tool can be used to determine the data distribution and
population range. The Histogram tool can also be used to identify outliers by means
of the cumulative % option.
The histogram analysis tool enables you to select the channel you wish to view from
within the tool. The default channel is the one selected in your open database. You
can select a channel from the drop-down menu in the top left corner of the tool. The
original data statistics are displayed for the selected channel.
S CATTER A NALYSIS T OOL
The Scatter Analysis Tool can be used to determine the distribution and population
ranges of the data. The Scatter Analysis Tool also enables you to specify a masking
channel to record any classification operations performed via other functions in the
Scatter Analysis tool. Working with a masking channel is an important part of
classification and sub-setting since it is through this channel that the system
determines which values to select for manipulation and plotting.
The Scatter Analysis tool enables you to plot one channel against another and to
interactively interrogate data and information visually (i.e. plotted in an active map
on your desktop) and numerically (i.e. contained within the database).
To select channels, click the ( ) button, the Select scatter plot channels and
symbols dialog is displayed. This dialog box enables you to select the Template
and/or Overlays to plot, and the X and Y channels to plot, the Masking channel, and
the Symbol attributes.
M ATH E XPRESSIONS
Math expressions enable you to define a range for the data. To apply a math
expression highlight an assay channel (click three times on the channel header cell),
press = and then type the function. The following are two math expressions you
can use to define a data range:
WINDOW(exp,Minvalue,Maxvalue)
This function when applied to a channel returns a DUMMY value if the specified
expression is NOT in the Minimum Maximum range, otherwise returns the
expression value. For example, WINDOW(As,5,700) will dummy out all the
values below (less than) 5 and above (greater than) 700 in the As channel.
CLIP(exp,Minvalue,Maxvalue)
This function when applied to a channel returns the expression value if the
expression is in the range Min-Max, otherwise returns the clipped Min or Max
value. This functions a little differently than Window (above). Values not in the
range are not dummied but held as the min or max value. For example,
CLIP(As,5,700) keeps all the values in the range 5 700 as normal values and
assign any value not in the range to the nearest min or max value. Simply, any
number less than 5 is retained as 5 and any number greater than 700 is kept as
700.
Step 2: Applying PCA and Factor Analysis in Geosoft
Principal component analysis is a mathematical method designed to reveal the

relationships between two or more (often many) variables. Measurements, which
include many variables, are commonly encountered in mineral exploration and
geochemistry. PCA and Factor Analysis determine the significance of the correlation
of the variables.
The basic problem in PCA and Factor Analysis is determining the number of starting
factors. The typical approach is to select an arbitrary, yet standard number, i.e. 5 or
10. In Geosoft, the default is a maximum of 10 components.
P ERFORM A P RINCIPAL C OMPONENT A NALYSIS :
1. Open and select the database (master.gdb).

2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Principal Component Analysis. The

Principal Component Analysis dialog is displayed.
3. Select the Channels to include. Note that, the channels to include must be
members of the ASSAY class. You can select either All ASSAY channels or
Displayed ASSAY channels.
4. Specify the Maximum # of components for output. The number specified will
determine the number of principal components created. The principal component
results will be displayed in the database and in the log file (princomp.log). Prior
to the calculation of the principal components, the data is transformed into a
condition agreeable to analysis. Depending on whether the assay channels
Logarithmic Distribution attribute is set to Yes the logarithms of the data are
taken. The mean is then removed, and finally the data are normalized through
division by the variance (standard deviation).
Note: When importing your data using GeochemImport, the attribute Logarithmic
Distribution for assay channels is defaulted as Yes. To set the logarithmic
distribution for assay channels not imported through GeochemImport,
highlight the assay channel header and right click. Select Attributes from the
popup menu, the Assay Information dialog box will be displayed. In the
Logarithmic Distribution box, select Yes, click [OK] to continue.
5. Specify the Eigenvalue cutoff for Varimax. Note that, a correlation matrix is
produced from the transformed data. Eigenvector decomposition is performed to
determine the eigenvectors (which are directionally equivalent to the principal
components) and eigenvalues. The relative significance of each component is
indicated by its eigenvalue. The first principal component will have the largest
eigenvalue, and succeeding components will have smaller eigenvalues, as their
significance in the data decreases. The cut-offs determine the number of Varimax
factors derived from the Factor Analysis. All components with eigenvalues less
than this value are rejected, and the principal component loadings are re-
computed using Kaisers Varimax scheme.
6. Select Save scores as channels?. Scores describe the contribution of each

principal component to each data point. A score channel is created for each
principal component specified. The score channels are displayed in the database
as, SC1, SC2, etc. Score values are commonly presented spatially on a map using
colour coded symbols.
7. Select Normalize scores? When you select Yes to normalize the score values, the
values are transformed so that they lie between 0 and 100. If the range of scores
values is A to B, then a value X is transformed using the formula: X=(X-
A)*100/(B-A)
8. Lines/Groups to include. Statistics will be calculated on the collected data from
all the lines chosen.
9. Click [OK] to perform a Principal Component Analysis on the ASSAY data. The
results will be displayed in the spreadsheet window. The (princomp.log) file will
also be displayed.
Interpreting the Principal Component Analysis Log file
When you run the Principal Component Analysis dialog, the system generates a
princomp.log file. The Principal Component Analysis log file contains the computed
results and is a key interpretation tool.
The following is a partial example of the log file. For more information on the log file
parameters click the [Help] button on the Principal Component Analysis dialog.
Section (1)
Section (2)
Section (3)
Section (4)
Section (5)
Section (6)
Section (7)
The following example describes each section of the princomp.log file and gives one
possible interpretation of the results.
Section (1):
The first comment line in the log file identifies the type of analysis and the name of
the current database.
In our example log file, the type of analysis is a Principal Component Analysis and
the current database is identified as D:\GeoDemo\master.gdb.
Section (2):
The second comment line in the log file indicates the number of ASSAY channels
included in the analysis.
In our example, the number of assay channels included is 11.
Section (3):
The third comment line in the log file displays the number of principal components
displayed. Determining how many different factors needed to explain the pattern of
relationships among variables is a key task. Strategies include evaluation of the
amount of variability reflected in each eigenvector and the acceptable total variance
accounted for by a set number of eigenvectors.
In our example, the number of principal components is 9.
Section (4):
The fourth comment line displays the number of rows of data selected in the database.
In our example, the number of rows is 691.
Section (5):
This section identifies the transformation performed on each ASSAY to make the
data agreeable to analysis.
In our example, each assay channel has been transformed to Logarithmic Normal
Distribution.
Section (6):
This section contains the correlation matrix of the standardized data. To standardize
the data, it is first transformed (see above), then the statistical mean value is removed
and finally the data is divided by the variance (standard deviation). The maximum
positive correlation possible is 1.0, and the maximum negative (or inverse)
correlation possible is 1.0.
In our example, the maximum positive correlation is Cr, Ni with a value of (0.775).
The maximum inverse correlation is Zr, Ni with a value of (-0.426).
Section (7):
This section contains the list of factors, their eigenvalues from the correlation matrix
and the cumulative % of each factor. The eigenvalues represent the relative
significance of each component.
In our example, the 1st factor has an eigenvalue of 4.087 and represents 37.2% of the
total factors. The first 3 factors have eigenvalues above 1.0 and represent 67.4% of
the total factors.
Section (8):
This section contains the eigenvectors derived from the correlation matrix.
Eigenvectors are directionally equivalent to the principal components and their
eigenvalues.
In our example, for Principal Component 1 (PC1) the variable with the greatest
eigenvector is Cu_edit, followed by Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Co etc.
Section (9):
This section contains the Principal Component Loadings. The loadings are the
eigenvectors ordered in terms of the size of the eigenvalues and scaled by the square
root of the eigenvalues.
In our example, for PC1, the largest loading is Cu_edit, followed by Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn,
Co etc.
Section (10):
This section is displays the proportion of the variables explained by the factors.
In the example log, Ni for Factor 1 has a cumulative component value of (0.740),
whereas Zn only has a cumulative component value of (0.330). Note: Zn and As have
no component value in Factor 9.
Section (11):
This section contains the Varimax Principal Component Loadings (VPCL). The
loadings are the eigenvectors ordered in terms of the size of the eigenvalues and
scaled by the square root of the eigenvalues.
In the example log, there are only 3 VPCL displayed. The calculation of the VPC
considers the Eigenvalue cutoff for Varimax specified in the Principal Component
Analysis dialog box. In this example the eigenvalue cutoff was specified as 1.0,
therefore components with eigenvalues less than 1.0 have not been considered in this
calculation. For the VPCL, the greatest loading is Ni, followed by Cr, Co, and
Cu_edit, Cu etc.
Section (12):
This section contains the proportion of variables explained by Varimax factors. This
list displays the cumulative factors of each component for each element.
In the example, Ni for Factor 1 has a cumulative component value of (0.732),

whereas Zn only has an cumulative component value of (0.055). Note: as only 3
Varimax Principal Components are displayed the cumulative components do not total
1.0.
Step 3: Determining Geologic Significance
Determining the geologic significance of the factors requires an understanding of the

target, litho geochemistry and alteration patterns in the area under investigation.
Typically, senior geochemical expertise and the knowledge of the exploration project
are pooled to interpret results.
An absolutely critical step is to compare the hypothetical factors with the observed
results. One simple method to do this is to plot the profiles of the variables that
weight most strongly (positively or negatively) in eigenvectors and to sort them using
the Varimax (VSC) fields that has been added to the original geochemical database.
This type of presentation can also help determine how much purely random or unique
variance each observed variable includes.
S ORT B Y O NE C HANNEL :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis/ChemUtilities menu, click Sort all by one channel. The

Sort all channels based on a reference channel dialog is displayed.
2. Select the Reference Channel (VSC1), Order (ascending), and Sort read-only
channels? (Yes).
3. Click [OK]. The master.gdb will be sorted based on the VSC1 channel.
D ISPLAY P ROFILES :
1. Click the right mouse button on any cell of a channel you want to display, from
the popup menu click Show Profile. In this case we want to display the variables
that show the strongest positive correlation Cr and Ni.
The database above was sorted by one channel, using the VSC1 as the reference
channel. Then using the variables that show the strongest positive correlation Cr and
Ni were displayed in profile format. This visualisation technique clearly shows the
relationship between the variables.
Step 4: How Variables Relate to Principal Components
The ability to synthesise the Principal Components back to the original data units
may help in verifying your results. By synthesising the data using only the most
important components you can determine what proportion of the variables (elements)
are explained by the most important principal components. One way to evaluate the
contribution of the principal components is to remove the influence of the less
important components in order to bring out more clearly the more important
components. Geosoft has implemented a synthesis option that enables you to
synthesis a specified number of principal components.
Specify the number of components to re-synthesis as less than your original starting
components. The system will calculate the data and display the results in the
database. The resultant channels will contain the same name as the original Assay
channels with _# on the end (the # will reflect the number of components used to
re-synthesis the data).
P ERFORM A P RINCIPAL C OMPONENT S YNTHESIS :
1. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Principal Component Synthesis. The

Principal Component Synthesis dialog is displayed.
2. Select the Channels to include (All ASSAY channels). The channels to include
must be members of the ASSAY class. You can select either All ASSAY channels,
Displayed ASSAY channels or Select ASSAY channels from list.
3. Specify the # of components in synthesis (7). The number of principal components
to use to re-synthesis the data must be less than the number of original
components.
4. Lines/Groups to include. Statistics will be calculated on the collected data from
all the lines chosen.
5. Click [OK] to synthesis the data.
6. Repeat the above steps changing the # of components in synthesis to (4).
The table below compares the values of the variables Cr, Ni, Co from the original
data with the results derived from re-synthesising the data using 7 components and 5
components. Note: The variables with fiducial (1.0) was selected for this example.
Element Original Data 7 Components in Re-Synthesis 5 Components in Re-Synthesis
Cr 52 51 66
Ni 11 11 14
Co 8 8 4
Step 5: Mapping Factor Analysis Results
After results are verified, a common method of presenting the data spatially is to
display the results in a map using proportional, colour-coded symbols. Because the
VSC results give the most clearly differentiated geologically interpretable results,
mapping these values and integrating the results with a geology grid of the area may
assist in showing the trends in your data.
In this example, Factor 1 (Cr, Ni, Co) mapped the Kv Bv boundary as identified on
the geological map. Other factor scores could also be mapped to confirm their
relationship to the geology.
For more information on Factor Analysis visit:

www.yorku.ca/dept/psych/lab/psy6140/fa/factorbi.htm
90 Chapter 4: Data Classification and Integration
Chapter 4: Data Classification and Integration

In this chapter, we will develop strategies for dealing with high volumes of geo-data
and information. We will guide you through the key steps necessary to classify your
data and efficiently eliminate less prospective areas from investigation so that follow-
up is focused and cost-effective. This chapter will also demonstrate multi-disciplinary
data integration.

Opening a new database (page 90)
Displaying a geology grid (page 90)
Creating Location Point Plots (page 91)
Using Scatter Tool to Define & Post Masked Data (page 92)
Classify by Region (page 96)
Sub-setting a database (page 98)
Map Editing and CAD Tools (page 100)
Creating and displaying a TIN Grid (page 100)
Opening a Database
In this exercise, you will be working with a new database. The database used in this
tutorial can be found in the |Oasis montaj|data|geochemistry| directory. As
described previously, you should copy it to a working directory such as GeoDemo.
O PENING A D ATABASE
1. On the Data menu, click Open database. The Open database dialog is displayed.
2. Select the (Bg_geochem.gdb), and click the [Open] button. The database will be
open in your current project.
Displaying a Geological Grid
Using geological data to assist in identifying potential areas of interest is a

fundamental process in geochemical exploration.
In this exercise, you will be working with a geological grid. The grid used in this
tutorial can be found in the |Oasis montaj|data|geochemistry| directory. As
described previously, you should copy it to a working directory such as GeoDemo.
The steps of opening a grid are the same for all supported grid formats.
D ISPLAYING A G RID
1. On the GeochemMap menu, click Grids|Display grid|Single grid. The Place a

grid on a map dialog is displayed.
2. Select the grid file (BG_GEOL_.grd) from your working directory.
3. Leaving the remainder of the parameters to the defaults and click the [New Map]
button. The grid is displayed on the BG_GEOL_.map.
Creating Location Point Plots

Location plots are used to represent the spatial distribution of sample locations on a
map. When you use this functionality, the system searches the currently selected
database for X and Y locations and plots a specified symbol on the currently selected
map.
T O P LOT S IMPLE S YMBOLS ON A M AP
1. Select the open map with which you want to work (BG_GEOL_.map).
2. On the GeochemMap menu, click Point Plots|Location plot. The Symbol plot
3. Specify the symbol plotting parameters described above. Click the [OK] button.
The system displays the symbols on your map.
Tip: To reset your Mask channel, to ensure that all dummies in the Mask channel
are set to 1, click the GeochemMap|Clear mask channel. The Clear Mask
Channel dialog will be displayed. Using the Mask Channel dropdown list,
select the Mask channel to clear and click the [OK] button. All of the fields in
the selected channel will be reset to 1.
Using Scatter Tool to Define & Post Masked Data

Defining mask limits and posting the mask values onto a map is one of the many
features of the montaj Geochemistry tools. Note that, the Triplot Tool also has the
functionality to define and post mask limits on a map. The following procedure can
be used with the Triplot Tool, with a few modifications (i.e. you need to specify 3
channels instead of 2).
C REATING A POLYGON MASK WITH THE S CATTER T OOL :
2. You can create a new Mask channel as shown on page 30, Creating a Mask
Channel. Or use the current Mask channel. For this section we will use the
current ChemMask channel.
Note: A Mask channel can be used for selecting a subset of data values from the
database. When a mask channel is selected, it will be used and updated by the
dialog as selections are plotted. A data value is highlighted in red if its
corresponding mask value is not a dummy value.
3. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Scatter analysis. The Select scatter plot
channels and symbols dialog is displayed.
4. Using the Horizontal and Vertical dropdown lists, select the channels to plot as
(Cu and Cr) and check ( ) the Log boxes for each and then select the Mask
Channel as (ChemMask).
5. In the Symbols section we selected the Fixed Colour as (Red) and the Symbol Size
as (1).
6. Click the [OK] button and the Save Template dialog will be displayed. You can
choose Yes or No to save the Template file, we choose No and the Scatter:
Cr:Cu Bg_geochem.gdb Scatter Plot is displayed.
7. If some or all of your data points are not selected (displayed in grey), click the
Select all points ( ) button. The data points will be selected (i.e. displayed in
red) and the ChemMask channel will also be updated.
8. Note that, if your Scatter Plot does not look the same as above, you may have to
rescale the X, Y (Horizontal, Vertical) values by typing the data range in the
bottom and side Data Range boxes (e.g. ).
Note: The Scatter tool is dynamically linked to the open database and the active
map. Click on any symbol in the Scatter tool and the corresponding data
point will be highlighted/selected in the database and the map.
Dynamic Links
9. To define a polygon mask, click the Mask Using Polygon Tool button ( ). The
cursor changes from selection mode ( ) to digitizing mode ( ).

10. Select the area to be masked by drawing a polygon around data points. Once the
polygon is closed, the sample outside of the polygon will be deselected (displayed
grey in colour).
P LOTTING M ASKED D ATA P OINTS USING THE S CATTER T OOL :
1. To plot just these samples on to the current map, click the Plot Selected Points on
the Map button ( ). The Symbol Attribute dialog is displayed. You can select
the Symbol Font, Character Set, Weight, Size, Rotation, and Edge, Fill and the
Symbol to plot.
2. After making your selections, click the [OK] button. The Symbol Plot dialog is
displayed.
3. Use this dialog to specify the new group name (Cr_Cu_Subset1). Note that, the
group name is automatically generated from the 2 axis displayed (i.e. Cr_Cu), but
we suggest that you change this name so that groups are not overwritten.
4. Click [OK] to plot the selected data points on the current map.
Classifying by Region
Creating polygonal regions is a quick process consisting of a digitizing step and a
display step (in which you confirm that your polygon region is accurate). The
procedures in this section will show you how to:
Create a polygon mask
Draw the polygon mask outline on a map

C REATING A POLYGON MASK
2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Classify by region|Create polygon mask.
The system displays the Create a polygon file dialog box.
2. Specify the Polygon file name(.ply) as (Intrusive.ply) and then select (Inclusive)
from the Inclusive or Exclusive? dropdown list.
3. Click the [New file] button. The Define polygon dialog is displayed.
4. Click the [OK] button and then using the cursor (now displayed as a cross-hair)
digitize the area of interest. In this case the dark bands on the left of the geology
grid. Right click the mouse when finished and select [Done] from the popup
menu.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 above, but on the Create a polygon file dialog, select
[Append]. This will include the separate polygons in the same polygon file.
Repeat until you have digitized the 5 dark areas.
D RAW P OLYGON M ASK ON M AP
1. To draw the polygons on the map, from the GeochemAnalysis menu, click
Classify by region|Draw mask outline. The Draw polygons from a polygon file
2. Select the polygon file (Intrusive.ply) and change the line thickness to (0.5), and
then select a Line colour that will be visible on the map. Click the [OK] button.
The polygon (Intrusive.ply) is displayed on the map.
Sub-setting a Database
Sub-setting a database based on a regional polygon file consists of two simple steps:
Applying a polygon mask to the database
Subset the database based on the polygon mask
A PPLY P OLYGON M ASK TO D ATABASE
1. Select the Bg_geochem.gdb database (i.e. make it active).

2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click Classify by region|Apply mask to data. The
Create mask channel dialog box is displayed.
3. Using the [Browse] button, select the Mask file name (Intrusive.ply). Then using
the dropdown lists, select the Mask Channel (ChemMask), the Work inside or
outside area (inside), and Append/New (append).
4. Click the [OK] button. The system flags the masked data values in the
ChemMask channel. Note that, you can create a new mask channel (see Creating
a Mask Channel page 30).
A PPLY P OLYGON M ASK TO D ATABASE
1. Select the Bg_geochem.gdb database (i.e. make it active).

2. On the GeochemAnalysis menu, click the Create subset database menu. The
system displays the Create new subset database dialog box.
3. Type the name of your New subset database as

(Intrusive_BG_GEOCHEM.gdb) and select (ChemMask) from the Masked
Channel dropdown list.
4. Click the [OK] button. The system creates the subset database and displays it in
your open project.
5. You can now experiment with dynamic linking by selecting a sample in the
spreadsheet window and examining the line cursor ( ) on the open map.
Map Editing and Cad Tools

The map editing, masking, clipboard and CAD tools in Oasis montaj are described in
the online Help (Help|Help Topics) and can also be found in Tutorial 5: Map Editing
and CAD Tools of the Oasis montaj Quick Start Tutorial. If you would like to
learn how to edit maps using these tools, we recommend that you run through the
Map Editing and CAD Tools tutorial.
This tutorial is designed to introduce you to the basic map editing and CAD functions
introduced in Oasis montaj v6.0. The procedures are designed to show you how you
can use these tools to draw an interpretation from geophysical data. The tutorial also
shows how you can use the clipboard to copy, import, and export map groups and
images.
The Map Editing and CAD Tools tutorial will show you how to:
Display an interpretation grid
Create a group
Hide, move, or clip a group
Create and apply a mask
View and edit groups
Draw lines on a map
Convert lines to polygons
Use the Snap to line and Snap to point tools
Change line symbols and polygon patterns
Using the eyedropper and fill tools
Use the clipboard to copy, import and export map elements
And much more
Creating and Displaying a TIN Grid

The ability to create a TIN (Triangular Irregular Network), and to use this TIN to grid
data using the Nearest Neighbour method has just been added to the montaj
Geochemistry system. Additional TIN gridding methods include Linear and Natural
Neighbour.
The TIN is created from a set of spatial data using the public domain Sweepline
algorithm implemented by Steven Fortune of Bell Laboratories (Fortune, S 1987).
The TINDB GX applies the Sweepline algorithm to the X, Y (Z-optional) data values
in a Geosoft database (*.gdb) to create a binary TIN (*.tin) file.
TIN gridding using the Natural Neighbour method
When Z values are included in the (*.tin) file, a TIN grid can be created using the
Natural Neighbour algorithm (Sambridge, Brown & McQueen 1995) to the Z values
in the (*.tin) file to create a grid.
C REATING A TIN G RID :
1. Select the database you want to grid (Bg_geochem.gdb).

2. On the GeochemMap menu, select Grids|Tinning|Create TIN file from database.
The Create a TIN from X, Y positions dialog is displayed.
3. Specify an Output TIN File name (Cu.tin). Using the Z Channel dropdown list,
select (Cu) and from the Duplicate Handling dropdown list, select (average Z
values). For more information on Duplicate handling, click the [Help] button.
4. Click [OK] to create the TIN file.
5. On the GeochemMap menu, select Grids|Tinning|Natural-Neighbour TIN
gridding. The Grid a TIN dialog is displayed.
3. Select the Input TIN File (Cu.tin) and the Output grid (Cu).
4. From the Interpolation method dropdown list, select (Natural Neighbour). The
Grid cell size can be left to the default value. For more information on Grid cell
size, click the [Help] button.
Note: There are three Interpolation methods available; Linear, triangles in the
TIN are interpolated using a plane defined by the triangle vertices. Natural
Neighbour uses the Natural Neighbour algorithm described by Sambride et
al (1995). Nearest Neighbour uses the values of the nodes closest to the
given locations.
5. Click the [OK] button and the grid is created and displayed in your current
project.
Note: In montaj Geochemistry, grids and images are displayed on a Map in the
Map window. Grids are also displayed in the Project Explorer. For quick
viewing, newly created grids are automatically displayed in a temporary
map, using default display options. When you open a grid you are opening
a view of the grid in its own internal "map". This grid view is just like a
real map and can include the same graphics as a map. It can also be saved
as a map, in which case the map will appear in the "Map" section of the
Project Explorer.
Displaying a Grid on a Map
You can add a grid to an existing (current) map or new map. Note that, the system
assumes you are using the default registration for a map. However, if you want to
position the grid interactively, you can select Fit to an area as the location. You can
then use the mouse to define a rectangular area on the map and the system will fit the
grid (or image) exactly to this area.
D ISPLAYING A TIN G RID ON A M AP :
2. On the GeochemMap menu, click Grids|Display grid|Single grid. The Place a
grid on a map dialog is displayed.
3. Select the Grid name (Cu.grd) and the Colour table (pastel.tbl). Note that, you
can use the default colour table (colour.tbl) or you can select another colour table
from the default directory (C:\Program Files\Geosoft\Oasis montaj\tbl).
4. You can leave the remaining parameters as the default values and click the
[Current Map] button. The Cu.grd will be displayed on the BG_GEOL_.map.
Note: Geosoft Tinning provides a number of ways of visualizing the TIN,

including the ability to plot the TIN Nodes, the TIN Mesh (or Delaunay
triangulation), the Convex Hull, and the Voronoi cells of your data. For
more information on these topics download the technical note, Tinning -
Triangular Irregular Network Gridding for Oasis montaj from
www.geosoft.com/resources/technotes/.
104 Chapter 5: SEMplot
Chapter 5: SEMplot
SEMplot (Scanning Electron Microscopy) is a geochemistry analysis tool that was
developed to provide a simple work flow for the analysis of Kimberlite indicator
mineral grains within the montaj Geochemistry environment. The work-flow
includes, import of the data, mineral identification of the grain based on its chemistry,
display of the selected grains on discriminating graphs, and interactive re-
classification. Standard published graphs are included, and users can also create their
own graphs and overlays. Users may use the raw data, cation, recast, Fe normalized
or Fe corrected data stages. SEMplot users will see the strong benefit in the
workflows dynamic linking which ensures maintenance of the spatial context
between the grain graphs, database, and maps, and make anomaly location and target
selection quick and efficient.

Starting a New Project (page 104)
Working with SEMplot Data (page 107)
Importing SEMplot Data (page 114)
Mineral Identification (page 119)
Set Mask Channel (page 120)
Plotting SEMplot Data (page 122)
Plot Options (page 127)
Define Symbol Groups (page 128)
Creating a New Plot Overlay (page 131)
Select by Mineral and Position (page 133)
Filtering Data (page 134)
SEMplot Stage Calculations (page 141)
Before you begin
This tutorial uses sample data provided online with the Geochemistry tutorial at:
www.geosoft.com/downloads/. Before you begin the tutorial, extract the data files
from the zip file, to a working directory such as D:\SEM_Tutorial. We will also use
the Geosoft DAP Data Server to download available Kimberlite data. Geosoft DAP,
built on Geosoft's expertise in large volume data handling, enables the transfer of all
or windowed parts of the data at an optimal resolution, in any format and in any
coordinate system.
Starting a New Project

To demonstrate the SEMplot tool we will begin by starting a new project. An Oasis
montaj Project file includes every item in your working project; from the data files
in your project (databases, maps, and grids), to the tools used (including auxiliary
tools such as histograms, scatter plots, triplots etc.), to the project setup including the
menus you have displayed and whether you are working on a map or profile and the
state in which you left it the last time you used it.
Create New Project
When you create a new Project file the system assumes that all your project files are
located in the same directory. We recommend that each project you work on have its
own Project (*.gpf) file. If you use a number of applications or add-on tools in Oasis
montaj that have different menus, you can use the Project to display only the menus
you require.
T O C REATE A P ROJECT :
1. Start Oasis montaj (*Save and Close any open projects).

2. On the File menu click Project and then click New. The New Project dialog is
displayed.
3. Specify a name and directory for the project. For example, name the project
SEM_Project(.gpf) and specify the working directory as D:\SEM_Tutorial.
4. Click the [Save] button. The system saves the project and indicates it is open by
opening the Project Explorer window, enabling the buttons on the Main toolbar
and adding menus to the menu bar. These are visual clues indicating that you are
ready to start working with the system.
Load SEMplot menu
The SEMplot tool is provided on separate menus that need to be added the main menu
bar.
T O L OAD THE SEM PLOT MENU :
1. On the GX menu, select Load Menu (or click the button). The Load menu
dialog will be displayed.
2. Select semplot.omn from the list of files and click the [Open] button. The system
displays two new menus on your menu bar (Semplot Data and Semplot Plot).
The SEMplot tool is provided on separate menus that can be loaded using the
GX|Load menu option. Select the menu file (semplot.omn) and click the [Open]
button. The SEMplot menus (Semplot Data and Semplot_Plot) will be displayed on
the Oasis montaj menu bar.
SEMplot Menu
The SEMplot tool includes two menus, Semplot Data and Semplot Plot.
Semplot Data menu
Semplot Plot menu
Note that the other mineral plots

(Garnet, Ilmenite and Pyroxene) have
similar sub-menus.
Working with SEMplot Data

The typical diamond exploration project includes stream, soil and rock sampling for
kimberlite indicator minerals. The samples are submitted to a laboratory for
processing by experienced mineralogically-trained people, who visually inspect and
pick out likely indicator minerals. The selected grains are then identified by electron-
microprobe analysis. To achieve quality results the operator selects spots that are free
of alteration or foreign mineral inclusions.
To begin this tutorial we will open a topography map of our project area and using
the Geosoft DAP Data Server we will search for kimberlite mineral grain count data.
Once we have successfully downloaded kimberlite mineral grain count data from our
project area, we will plot the data to our map to determine a viable area of interest.
Locate and Download Data using DAP
Geosoft DAP technology provides users with the ability to quickly and easily locate
and download geospatial data from a DAP Server. The Geosoft DAP Data Server
currently includes Kimberlite datasets that we will download, based on the extents of
an open map.
T O D OWNLOAD DAP D ATA:
1. On the Map menu, select Open map. The Open map dialog will be displayed.
Select the KIMC_Tutorial.map file, and click the [Open] button. The map will
be opened and displayed in your project area.
2. On the DAP menu, select Find data. Depending on your Internet Trust Level,
the Authorize Internet Communications dialog may be displayed. Click the
[Authorize] button to authorize the communication and to query the DAP server
to determine what data is available. Once you are connected, the Get DAP Data
3. Because we have an open projected map in the current project, the Get DAP Data
dialog only displays the data that matches the data extents of the open map. On
the right side of the dialog window, select the Results tab. This tab displays the
data that is available for download.
4. Under the Canada folder, select ( ) the Kimberlite dataset (Slave Craton
Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Counts). Note that, you can also download
other datasets of interest (e.g. World Rivers).
5. The Selected tab enables you to view the data in the browser map on the left side
of the dialog window. To display a dataset, place a check in the box on the left
side of the list. Use the upward and downward arrow buttons to control the
rendering order and control the visibility of the data.
6. Select the Get Data tab to specify your selected data options, such as Filename,
Resolution, Projection format and Display. Once you are satisfied with the
selected datasets and their download options, click the [Get Data] button to
download and display the DAP dataset to your current working directory
(Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Count - Slave Craton, Canada.gdb).
Display Sample Locations
The GeochemMap|Point plots|Location plot option enables you to draw symbols on a

map at all data points along all selected lines in a database.
TO PLOT L OCATIONS ON A M AP :
1. Open and select the database to use (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Count -
Slave Craton, Canada.gdb) for plotting sample locations and then open and select
the project map (KIMC_Tutorial.map) to plot the locations to.
2. On the GeochemMap menu, select Point plots|Location plot. The Symbol plot
3. Our current database does not include a Mask channel so, using the dropdown
list, select (None).
4. Using the Symbol dropdown list, select (circle) and then in the Size (mm) box,
specify (1).
5. Click inside the Line colour box, to display the Color tool. Using this tool, select
a colour for your symbol (for example, black). You can click inside the Fill
colour box, to specify a fill colour for your symbol, or leave this as None and no
fill will be added to your symbol.
6. Using the Grouping dropdown list, select (Group by line/group). When this
option is selected, symbol attributes can only be edited for entire lines or groups
and when the "Individual symbols" option is selected, the symbols can be edited
individually. The former selection is the default, and will be faster, especially for
very large data sets.
7. Finally, using the Offset symbols? dropdown list, select (No).
8. Click the [OK] button and the location data is plotted to the current map.
Plot Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Total Grain Count Data
Plotting the Total Grain channel using classified symbols is a quick and easy way to
observe an overview of viewing to an overall look at the data, where the grains are
found and the number of indicator grains at each location. One of the channels in the
Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Count database we downloaded from the
Geosoft DAP Server, is the Total Grain Count channel.
The Mapping|Symbols|Colour range symbols option enables you to plot classified

symbols.
T O P LOT K IMBERLITE INDICATOR MINERALS :
1. Open and select the database to use (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Count -
Slave Craton, Canada.gdb) for plotting Kimberlite indicator minerals and then
open and select the project map (KIMC_Tutorial.map).
Note: Using the View/Group Manager Tool ( ) you can hide the location plot
by un-checking the SYMB box ( ), making
the Total Grain Count Data easier to view.
2. On the GeochemMap menu, select Point plots|Colour range symbols. The
Classified symbol plot dialog will be displayed.
3. Using the dropdown lists, select the Classification channel as (TOTAL_GRAI),

the Number of ranges as (6) and as there is no Mask channel in this database we
will leave this parameter blank.
4. We will leave the Symbol font name as the default () and change the Symbol
weight using the dropdown list, to (ultra-light). We will leave the remaining
parameters to the default values of Symbol Edge Colour as (black) and the
Symbol angle as (0.0). To continue, click the [Ranges] button and the Specify
Ranges dialog will be displayed.
5. Specify the ranges as shown above. Note that, all values above 50 will be plotted
as the 6th level. Click the [Sizes] button to specify the sizes for each level. The
Specify Sizes dialog is displayed.
6. Specify the Symbol Size for level 1 to level 6 as shown above and click the [OK]
button to return to the Specify Ranges dialog. Click the [Colours] button to select
the colours for each of the levels. The Specify Fill Colours dialog is displayed.
7. Click inside the Select Colour for level 1 through to level 6 to display the Color
tool. Select the colours to display and click the [OK] button. Click the [OK]
button on the Specify Ranges dialog to return to the Classified symbol plot dialog.
8. Click the [Plot] button and the Total Grains will be plotted on the
KIMC_Tutorial map as shown below:
Importing SEMplot Data

Observing the mineralization and distribution of the Kimberlite Indicator Grain
Count data on the previous map, we again searched the Geosoft DAP Server looking
for any available geochemistry data. We located Kimberlite Indicator Grain
Geochemistry data for the southern section of the project area. For the purposes of
this tutorial, we will now import this geochemistry data, in CSV format, into our
current project.
The SEMplot tool provides a simplified import capability that uses modified versions
of the standard Oasis montaj ASCII and XLS/Database import technology. In the
standard import a wizard dialog is used when a new file is imported. In the SEMplot
version, the wizard will only appear if the program determines that user intervention
is required, otherwise the data is simply imported. The import file will automatically
create an import template and the data will be imported into a Geosoft database
(*.GDB) file. The user may always manually invoke the wizard if required.
ODBC Database import is also available, this is a more comprehensive import than
the XLS/Database import, and enables the selection of a machine data source, but
lacks the "auto-scanning" feature of that import. Instead, the import wizard is always
run to select and redirect the imported data fields to the correct SEMplot channels.
Import ASCII data
The SEMplot ASCII import enables you to set the number of displayed decimal
places for the oxide channels. Channel attributes can be modified after the data is
imported, including the number of decimals displayed, using the Edit option from the
popup menu, accessed by right-clicking the column header cell.
Once imported the data is split and stored in group lines based on anomaly names.
All data in the database is Raw Data. Values required for plots, etc. from one of the
other Views (Fe Normalised, Fe Corrected, Cations, Recast Cations, Ratios) are
calculated by the SEMplot system on-the-fly. (See Export database view below to
see how these views may be calculated and saved for inspection.)
T O I MPORT C HEMISTRY D ATA IN A SCII FORMAT :
1. On the Semplot Data menu, select Import|ASCII. The Import ASCII File dialog is
displayed.
2. Using the File to import browse button (

) to locate the ASCII (text) file
(Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.csv) in your project directory.
3. From the Import to dropdown list, select (New database) and in the Decimal
places oxides box, specify (2). Click the [OK] button and the Data Import
Wizard Step 1 of 2 dialog is displayed.
Note: When you click the [OK] button, the data import scans the file to
determine if it can correctly interpret and import the file. If the file has all
of the required channels and user intervention is not needed then the file is
imported directly into an Oasis montaj database with no further input
from the user. However, if the format of the file cannot be automatically
determined, the ASCII Import Wizard is initiated. The Import Wizard can
also be displayed manually, by clicking the [Wizard] button.
4. This dialog is used to select the column delimiter; SEMplot text files typically use
"Tab Delimited". For this dataset we will select (Microsoft Excel CSV).The
display window, at the bottom of the dialog, displays the column headings in the
first row, with vertical lines separating the columns if the correct delimiters are
selected. Click the [Next>] button and the Data Import Wizard Step 2 of 2
Note: This dialog is used to specify the Channel Type and Channel Parameters
for each channel being imported into a SEMplot database. The import
wizard automatically scans the data and determines, in most cases, which
fields correspond to the various fields in a SEMplot database. As each
column is highlighted in the display window, the corresponding Channel
Type radio button is highlighted. The check boxes indicate if one or more
fields have been identified for the various channel types.
5. Select (highlight) the first column in the display window, and select the
Channel Type as (Anomaly). The data will be split into individual anomaly
groups (lines) based on the values found in this field. This is a required field when
importing SEMplot data and only one Anomaly field can be defined.
6. The message below the display window, 2 fields have been labelled as Y, tells
you what needs to be done to complete the import process. This dataset include
both Easting, Northing and X, Y channels and because only one set of location
(X, Y) data can be imported, we will scroll through the channels until we find the
Y channel, and then select (Other) as its Channel Type.. Notice that the
message is now change to, Ready to import data.
7. Click the [Finish] button and the Create New Database dialog will be displayed.
8. In the New database name box, specify (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain
Chemistry.gdb) and leaving the remaining parameters to the default values.
Click the [OK] button and the data will be imported and displayed in a
spreadsheet window.
Import XLS/Database
The SEMplot XLS/Database import splits and stores the data in lines based on
anomaly names. The XLS/Database import enables you to set the number of
displayed decimal places for the oxide channels. The number of decimals displayed
for a channel, as well as other attributes, can be modified after the data is imported
using the Edit option from the popup menu, accessed by right-clicking the column
header cell.
Import ODBC Database
The SEMplot ODBC Database import is used to select a machine data source, or
database file for import into the Oasis montaj SEMplot tool. This is a more
comprehensive import than the XLS/Database import, and enables user to select a
machine data source, but lacks the "auto-scanning" feature of that import. Instead, the
import wizard is always run to select and redirect the imported data fields to the
correct SEMplot channels.
Mineral Identification
The Mineral identification option enables you to identify the possible Kimberlite
indicator minerals, garnet, chromite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyroxene, olivine,
perovskite, rutile and sphene. All other minerals will be classified as X unknown.
The mineral identification uses a linear optimization method to find, from a list of
"target" minerals, the one which most nearly accounts for the balance of oxides
recorded for an individual sample. The percentage of the sample which doesnt fit the
theoretical definition of a mineral is recorded as a residual value.
The residual number used for the classification is user specified, with a default value
of (25). The smaller the residual number the higher the chance of accuracy in the
mineral identification. However, this will also result in a larger number of minerals
being rejected as unknown X minerals (missed positives). Using a larger residual
number will identify most of the desired minerals; however it may incorrectly
identify unknown minerals as minerals on the desired list (false positive results). For
optimum results, based on Geosoft experience to date, users will obtain the best
balance by selecting a residual value of 25.
The following minerals are tested:
Desired Mineral Elements used
"C" Chromite (Fe,Mg,Zn)Cr2O4. In addition,

aluminum and ferric iron can substitute
for the chromium.
"G" Garnet (Mg,Fe,Mn,Ca)3(Al,Fe,Cr)2(SiO4)3
"I" Ilmenite (Fe,Mg,Zn,Mn)TiO3
"K" Perovskite CaTiO3
"M" Magnetite Fe2+Fe3+O4
"O" Olivine (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
"P" Pyroxene (Mg,Fe,Ca)SiO3

"R" Rutile (Titanium Oxide) TiO2
"Z" Sphene (Titanite) CaTiSiO5
T O I DENTIFY MINERALS :
1. Open and select the geochemistry data we imported in the earlier section
(Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.gdb).
2. On the Semplot Data menu, select Mineral identification. The Identity minerals
3. In the Mineral channel name box, specify the name of a new channel to store the
identified minerals as (Mineral). Note that, a single letter is written to the
channel; see the table above for the list of minerals and corresponding letters
used.
4. For the Maximum residual for identification we will accept the intelligent default
value of (25) and click the [OK] button. The minerals are identified and the new
Mineral channel is added to the current database.
Set Mask Channel

The Set Mask Channel option enables you to set the current Mask channel, or create
a new one. The Mask channel records whether a row of data is selected or not. A
dummy is used to indicate that the data is not selected, while a 1 indicates the data is
selected. (In fact any non-dummy value will be interpreted as "selected"). Any
channel can be used as a Mask channel, but only those channels whose CLASS is set
to "MASK" are included in the list. Multiple mask channels can be used to record the
results of different filters or selections. The latest mask channel specified in any of
the filter/selection options is used when creating plots.
T O S ET THE MASK C HANNEL :
1. Open and select the geochemistry data we identified in the earlier section
(Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.gdb).
2. On the Semplot Data menu, select Set Mask Channel. The Set current mask
channel dialog will be displayed.
3. Using the Mask Channel dropdown list, select the current mask channel as
(Mask). Note that, you can also create a new mask channel by entering a new
name in the Mask Channel box. Click the [OK] button and Mask will be set as
the current Mask channel.
4. Multiple mask channels can be used to record the results of different filters or
selections. The latest mask channel specified in any of the filter/selection options
is used when creating plots
Note: You can also manually create a Mask Channel by selecting an empty
channel header cell, right-click and select New from the popup menu.
Specify a new name for your mask channel and specify the Class as
(MASK). This channel will be recognized through out the system as a
Mask Channel.
Plotting SEMplot Data

The SEMplot system provides users with a set of nineteen standard published
discriminating graphs for use in displaying the selected data along with the tools to
modify or create new graphs and overlays.
The ability to plot multiple plots to a map is also provided. Menu options for plotting
four, six, and all matching plots, using wildcards, * and ?, are available. All plot
templates that match the selection mask are plotted. The "*" matches any number of
characters, and "?" matches a single character. For example, you could use
"*Garnet*" to plot all templates that contain the word "Garnet" as part of their name,
or you could use "Garnet?" to plot "Garnet1", Garnet2" etc. Note that the multiple
plot options also enable you to choose different minerals to be displayed on the same
page (i.e. Chromite ratio plot, Sobolev garnet, pyroxene triangle, and ilmenite Cr2O3
v MgO can all be plotted to the same map).
For demonstration purposes we will plot the Garnet Gurney plot. Note, however,
that all SEMplot plots have similar dialogs and parameters depending on the
requirements of each plot.
Create a Plot (Garnet - Gurney Plot)
Using the Semplot Plot|Plot menu, users can create, modify, or plot a SEMplot plot
template file. The pre-defined templates reside in the Oasis montaj\etc directory.
Edited and new templates are stored in the Oasis montaj\user\etc directory, so the
originals are never overwritten.
T O C REATE A SEM PLOT PLOT :
1. Open and select the geochemistry data that we imported and identified in the
earlier section (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.gdb).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Plot. The Create a plot dialog will be displayed.
3. Using the Template dropdown list, select one of the nineteen available templates
as (Garnet_Gurney). Then, select the Mask Channel as (Mask) and to Plot a
symbol legend? select (Yes).
4. To modify the plot components and/or parameters, click the [Edit] button. The
Edit the template dialog will be displayed. (Note: To create a new template, click
the [New] button. The New Template dialog is displayed. This dialog enables you
select a pre-defined template to base your new template on.)
5. This dialog is used to modify a SEMplot template file. Click the [Components]
button to display the User Defined XY Plot dialog.
6. This dialog enables you to select the Stages (views) and Oxides (or cations or
ratios) used in the current plot. Use the dropdown lists, to select the Stage and
Oxide or Expression for the X Axis and the Y Axis. For more detailed information
on the components, click the [Help] button. When you are satisfied with your
selections, click the [OK] button to return to the Edit the template dialog.
7. Click the [Parameters] button to display the XY Plot Parameters dialog.
8. The XY-Plot Parameters dialog enables you to modify the plot parameters of the
currently selected plot. The top portion of the dialog enables you to specify the
Length, Minimum, Maximum and Interval of the X Axis and Y Axis (and an
optional second vertical axis, Xr Axis, which is plotted on the right side of the
plot).
9. The centre portion of the dialog enables you to select (check) to plot either the X
and/or Y Axis in Log scale. You are asked to specify the X Axis Label, Y Axis
Label (and optional Yr Axis Label) in the text boxes provided. Then using the
Mineral Type dropdown list, select the mineral to plot using this template. Note
that you can also select All Minerals if you want to include all the data.
10. The bottom portion of the dialog provides text boxes to add Title #1 and Title #2
to your plot template. Using the Grid Markings radio buttons, select to add Tics
or Lines. Check the Draw Overlay box, to enable the overlay option. Then, in
the Overlays box, select from a list of available overlays. When you are satisfied
with your selections, click the [OK] button to return to the Edit the template
dialog.
11. Click the [OK] button to return to the Create a plot dialog. Click the [OK] button
to display the Garnet_Gurney plot.
12. Your garnet data is plotted on the Garnet Gurney graph, as shown above.
Plotting any of the other graphs, including the Triplot plots, is similar to the above
procedure.
Plotting Multiple Plots
An added feature of the SEMplot system is the ability to quickly and easily plot
multiple plot templates to a single map page. The Four Plots per page, Six Plots per
page and All plots matching options use a default map layout that fits the plots to a
user selected map template. The parameters can all be selected from dropdown lists.
The multiple plot options also enable you to choose different minerals to be displayed
on the same map page, for example the following graph templates can all be plotted
to the same page; Chromite Ratio plot, Garnet Sobolev plot, Pyroxene Ca-Mg-Fe2
plot, and Ilmenite Cr2O3-MgO plot.
The All plots matching option enables you to use wildcards, * and ?, when
selecting the graph templates to plot. The "*" matches any number of characters, and
the "?" matches a single character. For example, you might use "*Garnet*" to plot all
templates which contain the word "Garnet" as part of their name, or "Garnet?" to plot
"Garnet1", Garnet2" etc. The All plot matching option does not plot all the plot
templates to a single map page, instead each plot is plotted to a separate map.
The Replot All option redraws all of the maps you have open in your in your current
project.
T O P LOT M ULTIPLE P LOTS :
1. Open and select the geochemistry data that we imported and identified in the
earlier section (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.gdb).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Six Plots per page. The Plot up to 6 maps on a
page dialog will be displayed.
3. This dialog enables you to plot up to 6 separate plot template to a single page. In
the Output map name box, specify a name for your map (Garnet.map). Then,
using the Map Template dropdown list, select the paper size you want to use for
your page.
4. Then, using the Plot template #1 to #6 dropdown lists, select the templates to plot
to your page. For this demonstration we selected the 6 different Garnet plots.
However, you can select any of the plot templates, from the dropdown lists, to be
plotted on your map.
5. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the [OK] button and the 6
graph templates will be plotted to a single page.
6. Your Garnet.map with the 6 different plot templates should look similar to the
map above.
Plot Options
The XY Plot and TRI Plot parameters can be modified by selecting the Plot Options
menu item. The plot you wish to modify must be open and selected in your current
project, or for multiple plot maps, the correct plot view must be selected.
For this option we will us the Garnet: Dawson & Stephens Plot from the multiple
plot map Garnet.map that we created in the previous section.
T O M ODIFY P LOT P ARAMETERS :
1. Open and select (highlight) the map (Garnet.map) we created previously. Then,
on the Map Tools Bar select the Select or change the current view button ( )
and then select the view (Garnet: Dawson & Stephens Plot).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Plot Options. The TRI Plot Parameters dialog
will be displayed. (Note: when you select an XY Plot plot, for example the
Garnet: Gurney Plot, then the XY Plot Parameters dialog would be displayed.)
3. The TRI Plot Parameters dialog enables you to modify the plot parameters of the
currently selected plot. The top portion of the dialog enables you to specify the
Length, Minimum, Maximum and Interval of the Right, Left and Top of the TRI
Plot graph template.
4. The centre portion of the dialog enables you to specify the Right Label, Left Label
and Top Label in the text boxes provided. The Mineral Type dropdown list is used
to select the mineral to plot using this template. Note that you can also select All
Minerals if you want to include all the data.
5. The bottom portion of the dialog provides text boxes to add Title #1 and Title #2
to your plot template. Using the Grid Markings radio buttons, select to add Tics
Lines or None. Check the Draw Overlay box, to enable the overlay option. Then,
in the Overlays box, select from a list of available overlays. When you are
satisfied with your selections, click the [OK] button to redraw the plot with any
changes you have made to the plot options.
Define Symbol Groups

Symbols can be created, edited, and applied to your data by selecting the Define
Symbol Groups menu option. Symbols plotted in SEMplot are defined by the group
key, which can be anomalies (lines), in which case each anomaly gets a single
symbol, or it can be a channel in the database, in which case each distinct text value
gets a different symbol. There are currently 14 different predefined colours and 19
different symbols, which means that 266 distinct symbols are available. One symbol
is "held out" to use as the "Unassigned symbol", so there can be a maximum of 265
distinct groups identified in any one plot.
T O D EFINE S YMBOL G ROUPS
1. Open and select (highlight) the database you want to use to define the symbol
groups (Kimberlite Indicator Mineral Grain Chemistry.gdb).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Define Symbol Groups. The Symbol Groups
3. You can use this dialog to create, edit and apply symbols to your data. When
assigning symbols and colours, click the [Reset] button and then the [OK] button
to apply any changes to your data. Note that, once a symbol is defined, the
symbol definition information is stored inside the database. When that particular
grouping is used again, the information is retrieved, and the current data is
matched to the available symbols by examining the group key value stored for
each symbol. If data is found for which no matching symbol is available, it is
plotted as the "unassigned" symbol.
4. To select or change a [Symbol] or the symbol [Colour], click the appropriate
button and a dialog will be displayed with a list of the available symbols and
colours to choose from, click the [OK] button to return to the Symbol Groups
dialog.
5. Using dropdown lists, you can also select the Mask Channel, Group by and the
Symbol Size (mm). In the above example we have grouped our data using the
(Mineral) channel.
6. Click the [Sub Groups] button to assign sub-groups to the individual group key.
Note that, this option is used when a text-channel is the group key. Also note that
sub-groups cannot be defined when the group key is "Anomaly".
7. When you are satisfied with the symbols and colours you have selected, click the
[Reset] button and then click the [OK] button and your changes will be saved to
the current database.
Proportional symbols
The Proportional symbols option enables you to replot all currently open maps using
proportional symbols, based on values in a given channel. You can select to plot the
proportional symbols on all open maps or only on the currently selected map.
T O P LOT P ROPORTIONAL S YMBOLS :
1. Select the map in which you would like to display the proportional symbols.
(Note that, this option works with already existing maps only.)
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Proportional symbols. The Proportional size
symbols dialog is displayed.
3. Using the dropdown lists, text boxes and selection boxes provided, select the
desired parameters. For detailed information about each of these parameters, click
the [Help] button.
4. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the [OK] button. Depending on
what you selected for the Current map or all maps? parameter, either only the
current map will be re-plotted using proportional symbols, or all open maps in
your current project will be replotted using proportional symbols.
Creating a New Plot Overlay

The SEMplot system provides the tools to enable you to create a new overlay group
and then from that new group create a new overlay map file.
Create New Overlay Group
When you create the overlay group, a transparent rectangle will be placed in the
group. This is necessary so that the editing function will have some size to work with.
The rectangle size will be the same as the view clip extents. Once the groups created,
use the Map Group Editing Bar tools ( )
to add annotations, lines, symbols, text, etc. Once you have completed editing the
overlay group you can save it as an overlay map file.
T O C REATE A NEW OVERLAY G ROUP :
1. Select the map in which you would like to create a new overlay group
(Garnet_Gurney.map).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select New Map Overlay Group. The Create a new
overlay group dialog is displayed.
3. Using the View dropdown list, select (XYplot_Garnet_Gurney) and then in the
New group name text box, specify the name of your new group.
4. Click the [OK] button and the new empty group will be added to the current map.
5. Note the hatch marks around the new group to show you that the group is
currently in editing mode and you can add the lines, annotations, text, symbols,
etc as necessary for the new overlay. For more detailed information on using the
editing tools, see Tutorial 5: Map Editing and CAD Tools in the Oasis montaj
Quick Start Tutorials.
6. When you are satisfied with your overlay group you can then save the group to an
Overlay map file.
Create Overlay Map file from Overlay Group
Once you have completed creating an Overlay group, including adding all necessary
annotations, lines, symbols, and text you can save this group to a new Overlay map
file.
T O S AVE AN O VERALY G ROUP TO A O VERALY M AP FILE :
1. Select the map in which you created a new overlay group

(Garnet_Gurney.map).
2. On the Semplot Plot menu, select Create Plot Overlay. The Create Overlay from
Map Group dialog is displayed.
3. In the Overlay name text box, specify the name of your new Overlay map file and
then using the Map group name dropdown list, select the map group you want to
save as a new Overlay map file.
4. Click the [OK] button and the new Overlay will be added to the current map.
Select by Mineral and Position

The Select by Mineral and Position option enables you to select a subset of data
based on Mineral name and Position. Mineral names, selected from a dropdown list,
are defined in the Semplot_Minerals.csv file (\Oasis montaj\user\csv\). The X"
(Unknown) selection includes all data with Mineral IDs not on the list, or blank. The
"All Minerals" selection enables the user to select all the data, regardless of Mineral
ID.
Different positions on individual grains where the assay is determined can be

selected. The following positions are available: 0 (Centre), 1 (Edge), 2 (Inclusion), 3
(Centre-Edge). Only those items actually found in the file are available on the list.
When a Mineral/Position selection is made, the selected mask channel is updated.
Note: The datasets used in this tutorial do not have Position data, therefore the
following procedure is for informational purposes only.
T O S ELECT DATA BY M INERAL AND P OSITION :
1. Open and select the database to be subset based on Mineral and Position
channels.
2. On the Semplot Data menu, select Select by Mineral/Position. The Select by
Mineral and Position dialog will be displayed.
3. Using the Mineral Channel dropdown list, select the channel to use. Note that,
typically there is only one Mineral channel, unless you have been experimenting
with various identifications options. Mineral channels must have their CLASS set
to Mineral to display on this list.
4. Using the Selected Minerals dropdown list, select one or all of the minerals found
in the database and defined in the Semplot_Minerals.csv file. The "X" or
unknown mineral includes all data with Mineral IDs not on the list, or blank. In
addition, the "All Minerals" selection enables the user to select all the data,
regardless of Mineral ID.
5. Using the Selected Position dropdown list, select one of the different positions on
individual grains, where the assay is determined. The following items are
available: 0 (Centre), 1 (Edge), 2 (Inclusion), 3 (Centre-Edge). Only those items
actually found in the Position channel are available on the list.
6. Using the Mask Channel dropdown list, select your Mask channel. The Mask
channel records if a row of data is selected or not. A dummy is used to indicate
that the data is NOT selected, and a 1 (or any non-dummy value) indicates the
data IS selected. For more information on the individual parameters, click the
[Help] button.
7. Click the [OK] button and the Mask channel will be updated with the results of
the selection process. Note that, our data does not have position channel data and
therefore the results are not valid.
Filtering Data
SEMplot filters are used to select subsets of the data for plotting, export or other
purposes. Filters are composed of one or more logical statements, which are applied
sequentially to the data. Numeric filter components work by comparing data in
numeric channels to a given value, and String filter components work by comparing
text values to an input text string.
Wild cards are supported for filter matches with strings. Two wild cards are
implemented. "*" (asterisk) matches any number of characters in the string, and "?"
(question mark) matches any one character in the string. For instance "12?45"
matches 12145, 12345, 12945 etc, but does not match 123345. "12*45" matches all
the preceding strings.
T O A PPLY A F ILTER :
1. On the Semplot Data menu, select Filter. The Select using Filter dialog is
displayed.
2. In the Filter box you can either select a predefined filter from the dropdown list
or specify the name of a new filter and click the [New] button. The New filter
3. In the Filter box, specify the name of your new filter and using the Based on
dropdown list, select a filter from your list of available filters. (Filters are stored
in your \Oasis montaj\user\etc directory.) The first time you run through the
only available filter will be your current new filter. Click the [OK] button and the
Filter Components dialog will be displayed.
4. Use this dialog to create, edit and apply filters to your data. Note that, because a
filter has yet to be created, there are no components available. New components
will be added at the end of the existing list of components. Click the [New] button
to create a new filter component and the Edit Filter Component dialog will be
displayed.
5. Use this dialog to create or edit filter components. As shown on the dialog above,
we set the Field as (Mineral), and set Is equal to to (G) and for Values Listed we
selected (Filtered).
6. Click the [OK] button and the Filter Components dialog is again displayed. Click
the [Apply] button to apply the filter to the current SEMplot database. The data is
refreshed, and (depending on the user preferences) plots are updated. Similarly,
the effect of the filter can be removed by selecting the [Remove] button.
7. Click the [OK] button to close this dialog and the Select using Filter dialog will
again be displayed. For more detailed information on SEMplot filters, click the
[Help] button. To exit the dialog, click the [OK] button.
Note: The filtering makes use of the Mask channel. Data points, which are
selected, are assigned a value of one and coloured red in the mask channel.
Unselected points have a value of zero, coloured black. Only selected points
will be plotted.
As for the selection Mineral/Position, those values removed from the current
selection remain in the database all selection/de-selection of individual rows
of data is accomplished by updating the value in the current Mask channel.
Selection Rectangle
The Selection Rectangle enables you to select data inside a rectangle in an existing
map. This selection by area tool may be used on the XY and TRI plots, as well as on
a plan maps, showing the sample locations.
If the "Enforce Mineral ID on plots" setting on the Preferences dialog is set to "No",
then all of the mask channel values will be processed, not just those of the mineral for
the chosen plot. By default, this setting is "Yes", so if the plot uses only Chromite
values (for example) then only those rows of data with "C" for the mineral will be
altered using this dialog. (The mineral option does not apply to masking on plan
maps.)
Selection Polygon
The Selection Polygon enables you to select data inside a polygon in an existing map.
This selection by area tool may be used on the XY and TRI plots, as well as on a plan
maps, showing the sample locations.
If the "Enforce Mineral ID on plots" setting on the Preferences dialog is set to "No",
then all of the mask channel values will be processed, not just those of the mineral for
the chosen plot. By default, this setting is "Yes", so if the plot uses only Chromite
values (for example) then only those rows of data with "C" for the mineral will be
altered using this dialog. (The mineral option does not apply to masking on plan
maps.)
Select all Data
The Select all Data option enables you to reset mask channel values to 1. This is done
on all the selected database lines (anomalies).
Export Database View
The Export Database View option enables you to export a selection of raw or
processed data to a new database. The data "view" or "stage" to export includes "Raw
Data", "Fe Corrected", "Fe Normalized", "Cation", "Recast Cation" or "Ratio".
Only those lines (anomalies) currently selected are exported.
Preferences
The Preferences dialog enables the user to define a number of settings that affect the
functionality of the program.
Sort data on input If this is set to "No", the data will be stored in the same order,
as it exists in the imported text file. Setting "Yes" sorts the data based on three
parameters (listed in order of importance): Sample Number, Grain Number, and
Position. The default value is "Yes" sort on input.
Use Dummies to indicate no data? When dummy values (indicated by an asterisk

"*") are used to indicate no data, division by zero or by dummy values yields dummy
value results. This allows the user to distinguish between cases where data does not
exist and where measured values are actually zero. The default value is "Yes" use
dummies.
Automatic redraw? If yes, all currently open maps will be refreshed when the
current data selection is altered. This will occur whenever the Mineral/Position values
are altered, when the defined filter settings (based on column values) are altered, or
when a selection of the data is made using the rectangle or polygon tools. The default
value is "Yes" Automatically redraw the plots when the selected data changes.
Plot Symbol legends (normal plots)? With large data sets, containing many
symbol keys, the symbol legends can become quite large, and the graph may be
shrunk in comparison so that the entire plot will fit in the plotting window. This
option allows the plots to be drawn without the symbol legends. The default
behaviour is "Yes" plot symbol legends.
Reassign plot symbols after filtering? If set to Yes the plot symbols are
reassigned after any operation which alters the set of displayed data in the database. If
set to No the original defined plot symbol-sample number or symbol-anomaly
groupings are used. (For large datasets, this original assignation may include many
unassigned groups; refreshing the groups can help ensure that each group gets a
unique symbol and that in any given plot the same symbols appear in the legend in
the same order.) The default behaviour is "Yes" refresh the symbol designations
whenever the selected/displayed data changes.
Warn about unassigned plot groups? There are a total of 266 symbol and colour
combinations permitted. When there are more than 265 plot groups, the excess groups
are all classed and plotted together as a single "unassigned group" symbol (number
266). A warning message normally appears during the import routine and whenever
the groups are reassigned (see previous item), unless this preference is set to "No".
The default behaviour is "Yes" warn about unassigned groups.
Current Mineral channel For the advanced calculation stages, the mineral
identification must be known. Select a mineral channel from the list. Mineral
channels are identified by the class name "MINERAL" and are created either
manually, or using the Mineral Identification dialog.
Enforce mineral ID in plots? Each plot template can be created for a specific
mineral. If the mineral ID is enforced in plots, then only those samples with the
correct mineral type are plotted. In addition, the database-map linking is restricted to
only those samples with the correct mineral ID. The default behaviour is "Yes" by
default only samples with the correct mineral identification are plotted.
Plot symbol size (mm) - The size in mm for plotted symbols. If this value is left
blank, then the symbols are automatically set to be 1% of the plot height. (Note that
when plotting 4 or 6 plots to a page the individual graphs are re-sized to fit the page,
and the symbols will be resized as well. HOWEVER, if the plots on such a page are
subsequently re-drawn (e.g. by use the "Replot All..." command), then the symbols
will be redrawn with this size.)
Legend text height (mm) - The height in mm of text in the legends. See the
comment above in "Plot symbol size (mm)" for maps which are resized to fit onto a
page.
Administrator level preferences
There are two CSV files Semplot_Oxides.csv and Semplot_Minerals.csv, in the

\Oasis montaj\user\csv subdirectory in which the advanced user can alter the list
of available Minerals or Oxides, set the names of the Cation channels which
correspond to the oxides, and set the number of oxygens, cations, molecular weight,
etc. This is only designed for advanced users, so these files are not accessible using
the Semplot menu interface. These files must be edited manually using a text editor or
Excel. Changes are immediately available, and become effective on the next selection
of data (such as selecting Mineral/Position).
In addition, there is now a third CSV file Semplot_Ratio.csv, which contains ratio
expressions involving the various oxides/cations and views. These are the selections
displayed when the Ratio stage is selected when defining plots or filters. Any valid
math expression recognized by the Geosoft expression engine may be used.
SEMplot Stage Calculations

(Cation, Re-cast Cation, Fe Corrected and Fe Normalised)
Initial definitions:
Oxide-specific parameters:
Oxi Individual raw oxide weight percentage
TOx = Oxi Total oxides = total weight percentage of raw oxides
MWi Molecular weight of an oxide
Nci Number of cations in an oxide
Noi Number of oxygens in an oxide
Mineral-specific parameters
Ncm Number of cations in the mineral
Nom Number of oxygens in the mineral
1. Calculate the molecular and atomic proportions of oxygen for each of the oxides.
For the non-ferric and non-ferrous oxides:
MPi = Oxi / MWi Molecular Proportion = Oxide weight / Molecular Weight
APi = MPi Noi Atomic proportion (alternatively called oxygen equivalents) =

Molecular Proportion X Number of oxygens
2. Convert any ferric oxide (Fe2O3) to ferrous (FeO) before calculating the ferrous
molecular and atomic oxygen proportions:
OxFe = OxFerrous + OxFerric (143.7 / 159.7)
MPFe = OxFe / MWFe Molecular Proportion = Oxide weight / Molecular Weight
APFe = MPFe NoFe Atomic proportion = Molecular Proportion X Number of oxygens
3. Sum the atomic oxygen proportions to give the total atomic oxygen proportion.
APTot = APi Total atomic proportion = sum of atomic proportions for all
oxides
4. Calculate the cations: For non-ferrous oxides, it is simply the number of oxygens
in the oxide, multiplied by the ratio of the weight of oxygen in the oxide to the
entire oxygen weight, multiplied by the ratio of the cations to oxygens in the
mineral.
Ci = Noi * ( APi / APTot ) * ( Nc m / Nom )
For the ferrous iron, it is slightly more complicated, and takes into account the
ferric iron conversion.
Ci = (Ox Fe / MWFerrous ) ( Nom / APTot )
5. Recast Cations: The cations do not necessarily sum exactly to the number of
cations in the given mineral, because of the Fe conversion. The re-cast cations
stage apportions the discrepancy between ferric and ferrous iron in order to
balance things out.
For the non-ferrous oxides, the re-cast cations are simply the cations multiplied
by the ratio of the expected number of cations in the mineral, and the calculated
value:
NcTot = Ci Total cations = total of the individual cations.
C irecast = C i ( Nc m / NcTot ) Recast the cations to sum exactly to the number

of
mineral cations.
Redistribute the excess cations to the ferric iron, and reduce the ferrous iron
amount by the equivalent amount.
ferric = 2 Nom ( NcTot Nc m ) / NcTot

C recast
ferrous = C ferrous ( Nc m / NcTot ) C ferric

C recast recast
6. Fe Corrected Stage: The Fe Corrected stage is similar to the raw data stage, but
redistributes the iron to ferric and ferrous forms in order to balance the cations
numbers for each identified mineral. The remaining oxides retain their raw-data
values.
Ox corrected
ferric = (C recast
ferric /(C ferric + C ferrous )) * Ox Fe * (159.7 / 143.7)
recast recast
Ox corrected
ferrous = (C recast
ferrous /(C ferric + C ferrous )) * Ox Fe
recast recast
7. Fe Normalised Stage: The sum of the oxide weights in the Fe Corrected stage is
not necessarily 100%. The Fe Normalised Stage merely multiplies oxides
(including the corrected ferric and ferrous oxides) by the ratio of the true sum to
100%, in order to produce a sum of 100%.

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montaj Geochemistry

Extension for Oasis montaj v6.3

TUTORIAL and USER GUIDE

Manual release date: 19/04/2006.

Written by, Nancy Whitehead. Please send comments or questions to

Copyright Geosoft Inc. 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this

Program Copyright Geosoft Inc. 2006. All rights reserved.

Geosoft and Oasis montaj are registered trademarks of Geosoft Inc.

Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or

Web Site: www.geosoft.com

Geosoft License Agreement 1

Finding More Help Information 3

Contacting Technical Support 3

montaj Geochemistry System 4

Chapter 1: Importing and Quality Control 5

Before you begin 5

Working with the Project Explorer 7

Loading the Geochemistry Menus (First time use) 8

Setting Project Information 10

Importing Geochemical Data 10

Using the Import Wizard to Import Survey Data 11

Using the Import Wizard to Import Assay Data 16

Merging and Verifying Data 21

Setting Assay Attributes 22

Importing Assay Attributes 23

Exporting Assay Attributes 24

Defining Minimum and Maximum Standard Tolerance Values 25

Extracting Standards and Displaying Standard Report 26

Extracting Duplicates and Displaying Duplicate Report 28

Updating the Master Database 30

Setting montaj Geochemistry Preferences 31

Quality Control of Geochemical Data 32

Calculating and Saving Summary and Advanced Statistics 32

Using Dynamic Data Links 35

Search and Replace values in Database Channels 35

Sort Data Based on One Channel 36

Sort Data Based on Two Channels 37

Editing Data Values 37

Colouring Channels using User Defined Colour Zones 39

Colouring Channels using a Zone File 40

Colouring Channels based on percentage breaks 41

To Remove Colours from a Channel 42

Applying Math Expressions 42

Chapter 2: Geochemical Data Analysis 44

Using Basic Histogram Capabilities 45

Using Advanced Histogram Capabilities 47

Accessing the Histogram Analysis Tool 47

Multi-Element Pearson Correlation 49

Scatter Plot Tool 51

Before you begin 51

Using the Triplot Tool 56

Create a New Overlay Map 60

Chapter 3: Symbol Plotting and Analysis 61

Before you begin 61

Creating a New Map 61

Interactive Colour Symbol Classification 64

Multi-parameter symbol plotting 70

Rose (or Sector) Symbol Plot 70

Symbol Plotting using Data from Two Channels 74

Two Channel Symbol Plotting 74

Principal Component and Factor Analysis 76

Quick Review of PCA and Factor Analysis 77

Comparison of PCA and Factor Analysis 77

Step 1: Data Verification 78