Studio 3

A Summary of New Features and Enhancements

This document outlines the key enhancements and new features made since the inception of Studio 3.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Detailed information regarding the upgrade from Datamine
Studio 2 to Studio 3 is available via the Studio 3 Migration Course please contact your local Datamine
representative for more information.

Last Updated 23/11/2007

This documentation is confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties
without the prior written permission of Datamine Corporate Limited.
Datamine Corporate Limited

Contents
1

Introduction

Setup, Startup and Installation

Flash-driven CD Menu Launcher

Updated Installation Package
64-Bit Operating System Support
User Environment Profiles
The Studio 3 Start Page
Datamine Script Converter
Data Source Driver Additions
Help | About Enhancements
Common Tutorial Data Set

4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6

Data Transfer and Management

Save, Load, Refresh and Reload Control

Project File Precision Control
Data Object Manager
Datamine Data Converter Utility
Sirovision Data Driver
Context-sensitive Save Options
Edit Attributes Enhancements

7
7
7
8
8
8
8

Commands and Processes

10

ESTIMATE
POLYDC Process
Grid-from-DTMs Design Command
Link-Multiple-Strings Design Command
Dynamic Anisotropy Processes and Interface
Dynamic Evaluation Reports
VR Window Update Design Commands

10
10
11
11
11
11
11

Windows, VR and Data Presentation

13

Sirovision Window
VR Window Enhancements
Data Display Templates
3D Grids
Mining Power Pack
Quick Legends
OLE Plot Items
Images in Log Views

13
14
15
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Performance & Usability

17

Wireframing Performance Increases

Clip-to-Perimeter Improvement
Improved VR Window Rendering
Quick Profile Loading
Memory Management Improvements

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Wireframing and Booleans

19

Alternate Boolean Method Now Available

DTM Creation Functionality
Grid from DTMs Function
Link-Multiple-Strings command

19
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20

Wireframe-Split command
Wireframe-Section

20
20

Documentation and Support

21

Full Context-sensitive and Conceptual Help

Tutorials

21
22

Scripting and Automation

23

Extended Automation Facilities

23

Datamine Script Converter

Macro File Name Size Increased
New Macro Writing Tutorial

23
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24

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Studio 3 is Datamines premier resource / reserve modelling and engineering solution. Its
object oriented data model and support for distributed file systems allow mining professionals
improved flexibility and greater control of data. Combined with the ability to view and format
data independently in multiple views, Studio is the ideal environment for enhanced
visualisation and verification of ore body models and mine designs. Studio 3 provides
corporations with a secure governance framework through Enterprise level solutions.
The incorporation of industry standard scripting tools provides a powerful scripting capability,
allowing work flow procedures to be designed into solutions and repetitive tasks to be
automated. Studio also includes an integrated virtual reality (VR) environment ideal for safety
reviews, training, operational planning and general collaboration activities.
One of Datamines key strengths lies in our comprehensive coverage of software for the
entire mine planning cycle. As you can see from our Solution Footprint above, this isnt just
Studio but covers a lot of other software as well.
We are continuing to develop our Solution Footprint and have invested significant resource in
the development of Studio 3, which represents a major contribution to this effort. Although
Studios traditional area of usage was steeped in the Geological Interpretation area, Studio
now covers the full range of activities in the mine planning cycle from Exploration and Data
Collection to Operational Mine Planning. Studio 3 not only
encompasses the Geological Interpretation but also significantly
expands coverage in other areas including In Touch and
Datamine Enterprise.
Studio 3 has been subject to a continual development program
since its release in 2006. Regular releases, resulting from
market feedback has meant that our flagship title is now the
most intensely developed, tested and documented package of its
type in the market today. Offering a multitude of new features
and enhancements, implementing Studio 3 within your business

Studio 3 Features Summary

is a natural choice for anyone serious about thriving in the mining industry.
This document represents a reference list of all significant features and enhancements added
since Studio 3s inception in 2006. It is not an exhaustive list and represents a relatively
small subset of the total efforts that have gone into maintaining Studio 3s position as the
application of choice for all mining professionals.
If you have any specific questions about how Studio 3 can improve your business, contact
your local Datamine representative, details of which can be found at www.datamine.co.uk.

Studio 3 Features Summary

INTRODUCTION

Enhancements and new features for Studio 3 have been

introduced regularly since its initial release in 2005. These
upgrades are numerous, and this document does not set out to
outline them all. Instead, details relating to a selection of these
updates are shown. This should not be seen as a full descriptive
list of changes (this information is presented in the form of
Studio 3 release notes which accompany every new release).
This document will be updated as new Studio 3 features and
enhancements are implemented.
Information has been categorized as follows:

Setup, Startup and Installation: features and enhancements that directly affect
the installation or initial configuration of Studio 3, including associated applications.

Data Transfer and Management: program changes that relate to the import or
export of data, and the handling of files and projects during a Studio 3 session.

Commands and Processes: design commands and processes are updated

regularly, and new items are added when required.

Performance and Usability: Studio 3 components have been upgraded throughout

the public release period to embrace the latest technology and react to customer
comments.

Wireframing and Booleans: the wireframing elements of Studio 3 have been

significantly upgraded since the first release in terms of both robustness, performance
and usability.

Data Presentation: Studio 3s Plots and VR windows have also been subject to
significant improvements.

For information about the latest version of Studio 3, please contact your local Datamine
representative for details specific to your area.

Studio 3 Features Summary

SETUP, STARTUP AND INSTALLATION

Studio 3 is a standalone application that will
install all components required to run the
application.
This will include installation of other supporting
products such as License Services and Data
Source Drivers, shared by many Datamine
applications, that will ensure you can license
and run your Studio 3 package with the
minimum of fuss.
The following enhancements have been
introduced relating to Studio 3 Setup and
Installation process:

Flash-driven CD Menu Launcher

All Datamine products are now available on a self-running CD, complete
with a Flash-driven menu launcher. It is not necessary for Flash to be
installed on the machine in use as all files are provided. From the CD
Menu you will be able to access Whats New information, access to the
latest release and any available associated printable documentation. The
CD also provides access to useful utilities.

Updated Installation Package

Once Studio has been selected for installation, an industry-standard
wizard is used to allow you full control over the components you wish to
install. This simple-to-use menu provides installation options and links to
useful information, including a Whats New summary for the latest
release.

64-Bit Operating System Support

After thorough testing, Datamine are now proud to announce full
support for Studio 3 under 64-bit Windows operating systems.
Updates have been made to provide support for license key dongles, 64bit .NET support and 64-bit specific wireframing controls.

User Environment Profiles

Profiles are used to store user-specific interface settings for subsequent
Studio 3 sessions. These files contain a multitude of data relating to how
your screen is laid out. Multiple profiles can be saved and reloaded
easily, and at any stage of a Studio 3 session.
Profiles are XML (eXtensible Markup Language) files, containing information about your
Studio 3 interface, or 'customization state'. These files are created automatically by your
Studio 3 application, and default profiles are available.

Studio 3 Features Summary

Profiles contain a wealth of information about your Studio 3 interface, including the following:

Application window size and position

Data windows in view, and their visible state (minimized, maximized, tiled etc.)

Toolbars in view and their visible state (position, floating, docked etc.)

Control bars in view, and their visible state (position, floating, docked etc.)

A key advantage of using profiles is that they allow you to create interface layouts that suit a
particular purpose. For example, you may have a particular set up that is sympathetic
towards data presentation, and another for mine design, or VR window work. There is no
limit to the amount of profiles you can store, and providing they are named sensibly, you will
be able to retrieve a setup that suits any working scenario in Studio 3.

The Studio 3 Start Page

The Studio 3 Start Page presented (optionally) on startup is a valuable
information resource. This web-flavoured interface allows you to manage
your current projects and interface profiles, and provides access to the
Studio 3 Portal on the Datamine website. This page is updated regularly
and indicates forthcoming new features and useful overview information.
If no web connection is available, an offline version will be displayed.
If a web connection is present, the information delivered is live, ensuring you have access to
the latest information available about Studio 3 and other Datamine products.
The Studio 3 Start Page can also be used to load default profiles, supplied to cover screen
resolutions from 1024x768 pixels up to 1600x1200 pixels.

Datamine Script Converter

Datamine Script Converter is a tool that will assist you in the upgrade
of your existing, pre-Studio 3 scripts, so that they can achieve the same
results in Studio 3 as they did in previous versions.
These tasks are undertaken using a combination of automatic updating,
and the analysis and reporting of areas requiring manual modification,
either using the Script Converter dialog or an external script editing facility.

Data Source Driver Additions

The acQuire and Data Provider data source drivers have now been
added to the installation of all relevant Datamine products, dependent
on the existence of the AcquireDirect Dynamic Link Library on
destination machines.
In addition, Sirovision import facilities have been introduced to facilitate the import of
SiroTIFF files from 3rd party applications.
Data filtering control is also available on import with this set of drivers, with options relevant
to the data transfer route being presented to the user prior to committing to an import.
Data transfer is an important aspect of using Datamine software we dont expect anyone to
commit to a single format. As such, our awareness of the current market formats and

Studio 3 Features Summary

versions is unsurpassed, ensuring you can access your most valuable corporate data within
our market-leading systems.

Help | About Enhancements

All Datamine products now deliver a standardized information page
under the Help context menu. As well as data relating to the release in
general and individual installed components, information about the
DirectX specific functionality and OpenGl functionality is also provided.
Two extra buttons: DX Info and GL Info have been added to give
access to dialogs reporting the appropriate information.

Common Tutorial Data Set

To complement the range of tutorials that have been written exclusively
for Studio 3 users, a single demo data set now exists for core Datamine
projects, installed/updated with each new setup. This data is referenced
throughout all of the Studio 3 tutorials, and is also shared by other
products within the Datamine solution footprint.

Studio 3 Features Summary

DATA TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT

Studio 3s Data Source
Drivers
facility
gives
unparalleled
connectivity
options for your corporate
data. A wealth of drivers and
data types are supported,
with
all
connection
information stored in the
Studio 3 project file, there is
no need to permanently
convert your files to the
Datamine format; its a lot
more beneficial to retain
your preferred format and

let Studio 3 forge the links to your native data types.

Once loaded, you can easily export in any supported format if you wish to, of course.
The following enhancements have been introduced relating to project and file data
management in Studio 3:

Save, Load, Refresh and Reload Control

Studio 3 projects and project data can be saved using the highly-flexible
project update dialogs.
These dialogs are shown context-sensitively and offer you the
opportunity to save all files in a project, or selected files. You can use the
same interface to determine whether files are automatically reloaded the next time a project
is opened, making the initial setup of projects considerably quicker. In addition, data can be
saved to the project file or as standalone, portable Datamine (.dm) files.
The ability to reload, refresh and unload data objects is available at any juncture in your
Studio 3 session. You can even refresh data from non-Datamine sources, using the Data
Source Drivers technology; source file edits can be passed into the Studio 3 framework
immediately.

Project File Precision Control

Studio 3 offers unprecedented control over single- and extendedprecision projects. Single precision projects can be upgraded to provide
support for extended precision files using a simple setting. The presence
of the precision status of a project is validated in all relevant areas,
preventing mixed-project-precision issues. This concept is outlined fully
in the Studio 3 Precision Settings guide, which is available from your local Datamine office.

Data Object Manager

Studio 3s Data Object Manager utility contains a wealth of functions
that relate to the control and analysis of loaded object data. This onestop shop allows you to focus your data table-related activities in one
area. As well as providing an overview of the underlying data columns of
a particular object, you can also join and extract data from objects, add

Studio 3 Features Summary

object attributes and apply data filters . Import and export options are also available.
This dialog is also available in Downhole Explorer, Present and NPV Scheduler.

Datamine Data Converter Utility

Datamine Data Converter (DDC) is a standalone application, now
provided free-of-charge for Studio 3 users. This useful application
permits the transfer of data between different formats.
Specifically, it is aimed at providing a mechanism for the automated
translation of file formats on a batch-basis.
DDC allows you to access a subset of the available driver functions via a scripting
environment, allowing the process of conversion to be automated and batch-based. This
utility has a dedicated help file and tutorials, and is available from the Extras folder on
your application CD.

Sirovision Data Driver

To accommodate the fully-integrated Sirovision window introduced in
Studio 3, a new set of data drivers have been implemented to
complement the extensive suite of data transfer options already
available.
The Sirovision data driver permits full control over the import of Sirovision string, point and
surface data, including the option to decimate-on-import if required. Multiple (mosaic) image
files are handled so that full control over which aspects of a multi-image file are imported,
and full texture support is included as standard for mesh imports.

Context-sensitive Save Options

File saving and archiving options been upgraded to provide more flexible
control over what happens when a change in a project is detected, or
new files have been created within the current session. Options are
provided to allow you to save files individually, and to determine
whether they are automatically reloaded when the project is next
opened. You also have the choice of whether data is to be saved within
the project file, or as a separate, portable Datamine file.

Edit Attributes Enhancements

The Edit Attributes facility has undergone some visual enhancements
in Studio 3, to provide an information-rich environment when selecting a
particular object's attribute.
Attributes are now visible as any combination of fill, line style, symbol
and description properties, making the selection of attribute values more
intuitive. The customizable nature of the new dialog ensures you will only see information
that is relevant to your particular needs.

Project Locking Facility

To complement the range of tutorials that have been written exclusively
for Studio 3 users, a single demo data set now exists for core Datamine
projects, installed/updated with each new setup. This data is referenced

Studio 3 Features Summary

throughout all of the Studio 3 tutorials, and is also shared by other products within the
Datamine solution footprint.

Studio 3 Features Summary

COMMANDS AND PROCESSES

Studio 3 commands and processes underpin the core
functionality of your system. The functionality available
within Studio 3 can be accessed using menus, toolbars,
command syntax and process syntax.

Studio 3 Design Commands, such as make-the-dtm, linksingle-outline, circle-from-edge-to-edge etc. are all
accessible from Studio 3 interface menus, or accessed
directly using the Command line, in the Command output
window. These commands act on currently loaded (into
memory) data, optionally with additional parameters
supplied using further dialogs. Many of these design
commands will also have an associated quick-key
combination for rapid instigation during a Studio session.
Studio 3 Processes, such as HOLES3D, ESTIMA, PERFIL etc. are similar to commands, in
that they can also be accessed using the menu or command line, but instead of activating a
function directly, they provide an interface to allow you to specify parameters required to
complete the process. Commonly, a process will result on the specification of an input file,
parameters to control the process and an output file, although sometimes, the most
important result of a process will be the output to the Command window, for example,
reporting summary statistics of an input geological model file.
All design commands and processed are fully-documented in Studio 3, with this information
provided as both a standalone Help file, and an in-dialog reference panel.
The following enhancements have been introduced relating to design commands and
processes. Please note that this does not represent an exhaustive list of changes:

ESTIMATE
ESTIMATE uses the ESTIMA process to estimate grades in a block
model. Estimate offers all the functionality of ESTIMA and INDEST
(excluding unfolding), plus more, through a tailored dialog. It includes
the ability to save and restore search volume, estimation type and
variogram model information through the use of parameter files.
The ESTIMATE dialog is broken up into a series of tabs, which follow the process of grade
estimation from left to right. Each tab may contain controls and fields, or additional sub-tabs.
There are a large range of commands and settings on offer, with each main tab accessing a
dedicated context-sensitive Help topic.

POLYDC Process
A new declustering super-process has been written for Studio 3.
It is common practice to take more samples in high grade areas in order
to improve the level of confidence in the estimation. However when
data are not on a regular grid then using the full data set with equal
weights for all samples will give a biased estimate of the mean, variance and histogram.

Studio 3 Features Summary

10

The declustered weights take account of the proximity of neighbouring samples and thus lead
to a better estimate of the statistical parameters, histograms, probability plots, QQ and PP
plots, etc.
The new POLYDC process calculates a set of declustered weights for a set of sample data
using the 3D polyhedra method which is the 3D equivalent of 2D polygonal declustering.
The existing DECLUST process also calculates declustered weights, but uses the rectangular
grid method. The POLYDC process has several advantages over DECLUST, with the main
one being the fact that weights are calculated for individual samples rather than all samples
in a grid rectangle being assigned the same value.

Grid-from-DTMs Design Command

A new command has been added to the Wireframes menu. Grid from
DTMs allows you to create minimum, maximum or average elevation
profiles consisting of a grid of points 'dropped' to the specified location,
in relation to single or multiple wireframe surfaces.

Link-Multiple-Strings Design Command

Creating a bifurcated wireframe has been a traditionally difficult process
for CAD engineers. Studio 3 has now resolved the infamous 'trouser-leg'
problem without the need for complicated guide string constructions by
implementing a new 3D Solid string linking method.

Dynamic Anisotropy Processes and Interface

Studio 3 delivers enhanced grade estimation functions via ESTIMA that
support dynamic anisotropy methods.
Two new processes, ANISOANG and APTOTRUE have been introduced
to support this function. The dynamic anisotropy option allows the
orientation of an ellipsoid to be defined individually for each block in the model. This
functionality has been added along with a full online user guide and command Help.

Dynamic Evaluation Reports

A useful dynamic geological model evaluation facility has been
introduced in this release. This will allow you to interrogate geological
block model data using one or more evaluation strings projected to
specific elevations. The digitized evaluation zones can then be evaluated
against an evaluation legend instantly, updated automatically when
evaluation perimeter strings are edited.

VR Window Update Design Commands

Two new commands have been added to further integrate Studio 3s
virtual reality toolset; update-vr-view (shortcut key vrv) will reset
the VR window view to the current Design window view. The second
command, update-vr-objects (shortcut key vro) updates the VR
window according to the status of objects in the Design window.

Studio 3 Features Summary

11

Enhanced String Vertex/Point Projection Options

It is often a requirement to 'drop' point or string vertex data onto a
particular surface. This version of Studio 3 sees the introduction of the
Project Strings/Points dialog, accessed from the Sheets | VR folder's
context menus.
Previously, projection of data was only possible with string data,
whereas now, string or point data can be projected onto one or more surface or section
objects in memory. As well as a significant performance improvement, the new projection
'engine' allows projected data to be output to any object, or the original data can be updated.
Complete customization of the projection direction is now possible, including selecting from a
series of default angles.

Studio 3 Features Summary

12

WINDOWS, VR AND DATA PRESENTATION

Studio 3 provides several ways of viewing and

interrogating mining and geological data. It does this
through a variety of data windows, each of which
concentrate on a different aspect of your data.
The viewing hierarchy is closely related the way in
which Studio 3 handles data and formats it for display;
the data is loaded into memory as 3D objects which,
depending upon their nature, can be viewed through
one or more of the windows. This data is generally
linked, and synchronized automatically, although you
are given full control over this behaviour.
Studio 3 merges the functionality of existing Datamine
products to allow you access to a wide range of data
manipulating functions. Due to the diverse nature of the data objects being represented
across the full scope of Studio 3's processes, different viewports have been provided for
specific reasons. Easily accessible from tabs at the top of the data window, each area
represents a different functional category.
The following data display enhancements and features represent the most significant updates
introduced since the first release of Studio 3:

Sheet Templates
Sheet templates are an efficient way of introducing standard content to
your plot or log views. They can be used to minimize the work required
in generating a framework presentation project which can be re-used in
the future.
Applicable to both Plot and Log views, templates are stored in a
proprietary format (.dmtpl) which can be read in Studio 3, Downhole Explorer or Present
applications.

Sirovision Window
Studio 3s Sirovision window is an excellent example of the integration
of a new technology. Datamine Sirovision is a new technology that
combines the power of digital photography with advanced mathematics
to create value for the Mining industry.
Sirovision produces rapid, accurate 3D structural models of mine features using affordable
digital cameras.

Developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

(CSIRO), the Sirovision window in Studio 3 represents a truly integrated solution,
providing seamless connections between the powerful structure analysis tools and
Studio 3's renowned proprietary technology.

Sirovision uses digital images to generate three-dimensional (XYZ coordinates

integrated with visual data) that can be used to provide valuable 3D information in
minutes. Data is generated at thousands of 3D points per second and the system
provides facilities for accurate mapping and analysis such as characterization of

Studio 3 Features Summary

13

discontinuity orientation patterns and measurement of discontinuity spacing and

persistence.

Sirovision has been designed to support rapid mapping of mine features with a
minimum of expertise in Photogrammetry. Using Sirovision, you can build accurate
three-dimensional models from sections as small as 2 square meters up to 40,000
square meters in minutes. Using this system you can also create multiple 3D images
in order to build an extended panoramic image.

For more information on the Studio 3 licensed Sirovision option, please contact your local
Datamine Representative.

VR Window Enhancements
The VR window is new to Studio 3, and is an embedded version of
Datamines powerful InTouch technology. This visualization facility
represents the Mining Industrys first truly-integrated virtual reality
solution. Data that is used during resource/reserve analysis, mine
design, scheduling and reporting is the same as that used to present
your virtual scenes in a memorable and unequivocal way. Since its inception, several
enhancements have been made to the VR window (and its standalone InTouch equivalent):

Block Model Visualization: new controls have been added to the VR window to
show block model data in a variety of formats, and with full playback of sequenced
geological model animations.

Visualizer File Support: Visualizer (.gvp) file support has been added to the VR
window, allowing you to import and navigate exported Visualizer files, with or without
sequence animation support.

VR Performance Enhancements: the Studio 3 VR window now has a new

rendering engine that displays and animates data more quickly and smoothly than in
previous versions. This performance improvement has been ported to both Studio 3
and InTouch applications

View Sections in VR: a new Sections item type has been added to the VR window.
These sections represent single planes, which can be used for digitising onto, for
clipping with, or simply displayed for reference purposes. Sections can be infinite
planes, or can have a plane width and height defined. Section planes may also be
accompanied by extents, which may have their own display settings, and can be used
for creating a clipping range.

VR Planes from Strings: Studio 3's VR window can now use strings digitised onto
wireframes to specify key planes, for example for joint space analysis. As part of this,
a variety of new tools and visualisation methods have been added to help with their
generation and interpretation. These new commands are available under the new
SiroJoint licensing module - contact your Datamine Representative for more details on
how to acquire this powerful tool set.

View Block Models as Intersections: block models can now be visualized in

parent- and sub-cell resolution according to planes defined in the current section
definition. This intersection can be defined according to any section currently in
memory, and files containing multiple planes are supported, allowing rapid
interchange of section.

VR Environment Settings Additions: the VR window's Environment Settings dialog

has been enhanced to provide support for double-sided lighting and data clipping.

Studio 3 Features Summary

14

View VR Surfaces as Intersections: You can now view VR surface or block model
data as an intersection. Block model sections can also show sub-celling (only full cells
are displayed using the standard block model section control dialog). This intersection
can be defined according to any section currently in memory.

VR and Design Window Synchronization Options: New commands have been

added to the Design window's drop-down Format menu allowing you to synchronize
data objects and view directions between the Design and VR windows automatically.

Data Display Templates

New to Studio 3, but now available in several Datamine products, Data
Display Templates allow you separate style and content in your Studio 3
projects; a template contains all the data display instructions (simple or
complex), and can be stored either in memory for use within the current
project, or can be transferred to an external file for use in another
project.
A data display template can contain variety of information. In a simple form, a template could
be used to, say, color an object red, and rendered in 3D. This type of display template is
relatively generic and can easily be transferred to other object overlays of the same object
type (it is not possible to apply, say, a wireframe display template to a block model, for
example).
For more information on Data Display Templates, please refer to your online Help, or contact
your local Datamine Representative.

3D Grids
The concept of grid overlays has been vastly extended in Studio 3. Grids
are no longer restricted to simple 2D planes, but are now able to display
contextual dimension data in 3 dimensions, and if required, snapped to
an individual object.
Grids are used to indicate the overall dimensions along any of the view axes (XYZ). One of
the limitations of a standard flat grid is that it is often difficult to sense or interpret the extent
of a 3D data object in a direction that is not orthogonal to the view. In the past, this
conundrum has been resolved by allowing non-orthogonal grids to be viewed in the Design
and Plots windows, and this type of measure is a very useful aid for denoting a measurement
that is perpendicular to the viewing direction.

Mining Power Pack

Mining Power Pack, an incredibly useful bolt-on for Studio 3, now runs
under a Studio 3 Core License.
Mining Power Pack is an Add-In for MS Excel 97, 2000 and 2002,
primarily focused on providing utilities for working with geological and
mining-related data within Excel. Most of the utilities enable the rapid processing and
manipulation of mining evaluation data. In particular, the facilities in Mining Power Pack
enable automatic weighting of mineral grade values, which otherwise are only obtained in

Studio 3 Features Summary

15

Excel by a tedious and time-consuming entry of functions cell-by-cell. These capabilities

complement the existing facilities in Excel.
Mining Power Pack is supported by a standalone Help file, including tutorials. It also
comprises a demonstration data spreadsheet to help you to familiarise yourself with this
renowned utility.

Quick Legends
Studio 3s Quick Legend facility is used to produce number-based
legends (i.e. legends that interpret the numeric data of an underlying
object when it is associated with an overlay of that object). Using a cutdown single-screen version of the Legend Wizard, you can rapidly
generate ranged legends based on underlying object table contents.

OLE Plot Items

Studio 3 provides a variety of proprietary plot items that you can add to
your plot views to enhance a particular presentation. These items,
although not directly 'built' from the same data format as, say, a
geological block model or wireframe, they can report the contents of
loaded objects of this type.
Plot items can be static (for any items that will remain 'as constructed' no matter which
underlying data is present) or linked (meaning that the information reported by the item can
change according to certain aspects of the operating environment - such as a change of data
object, or projection, or section and so on).

Images in Log Views

Introduced in Studio 3, log views can be 'linked' to an external file
containing a list of images. In fact, a particular hole display can be linked
to any number of images. For example, hole VB3764 is supported, for a
particular FROM and TO length interval, by color-enhanced imagery of a
core sample, as well as a filtered view showing concentrations of a
specific mineral deposit within the sample.
Both of these images are useful for interpretation and presentation purposes, and both relate
to a particular downhole sample.

Extended North Arrow Support

North Arrows are a standard plot item in Studio 3, one of many available
templates available from the Plot Item Library.
Arrow plot items have been enhanced in this release, and are now based
on flexible TrueType technology, allowing dynamic scaling and
formatting to be applied, with or without snapping or aspect ratio preservation.
In addition to this upgrade, Arrow plot items can now be associated with grid overlays. Grid
Arrows allow independent, local-coordinate-system indicators to be shown in either 2D or 3D.
Consult your help file for more details.

Studio 3 Features Summary

16

PERFORMANCE & USABILITY

Clearly, theres little point in introducing more features than your hardware
can cope with. Within Datamine, it is an established business ethic to fit in
with your business capabilities; it is important that your Datamine
applications functional to their full potential on the designated hardware.

This has driven Datamine to invest much effort in ensuring that Studio 3
sits comfortably within your IT environment, and continuous code
optimization projects ensure that the code that sits behind your application is as efficient as it
can be. The mining industry traditionally deals with high-resolution data sets, particularly in
the area of geological analysis, and our developers are focussed on delivering the most
effective solutions for todays hardware. On- and off-disk technologies are used to their full
potential.
The following enhancements have been introduced relating to system performance and
usability:

Wireframing Performance Increases

Embracing the latest advances in wireframing technologies, a new
wireframing method has been added to the boolean dialogs, responsible
for managing the interaction of wireframe data. This method, in many
situations, can increase the speed of a boolean operation and manage
large data sets even more effectively than the benchmark set by Studio
2.

Clip-to-Perimeter Improvement
The clip-to-perimeter command has been optimized and now shows a
significant speed gain.

Improved VR Window Rendering

The Studio 3 VR window now has a new rendering engine that displays
and animates data more quickly and smoothly than in previous versions,
using OpenGL technology This performance improvement has been
ported to both Studio 3 and InTouch v2.0 applications, and has opened
up
more
possibilities
for
future
feature
implementations.

Quick Profile Loading

The loading of environment profiles in Studio 3 has been greatly
accelerated following focussed code optimization. Profiles now
load/reload within a matter of seconds.

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Memory Management Improvements

Several improvements have been made to ensure that system memory
is used efficiently throughout your session; system resources are loaded
as little as possible. As one example of this initiative, a change has been
made which uses memory more efficiently when data contains a large
number of identical alpha fields.

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18

WIREFRAMING AND BOOLEANS

Wireframes (also referred to as surfaces or solids in CAD or other modeling software

programs) are 3D objects that can be generated by one of the following methods in Studio 3.
All of the Boolean and plane operations already popular with Studio 2 users have been ported
to the Studio 3 framework and, in many situations, they have been improved both in terms
of additional control and command capabilities.
In summary, wireframes in Studio 3 can be created using the following methods:

using Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) wireframing

techniques on 3D strings and/or points objects

using String Linking techniques on 3D strings objects

using Wireframing Manipulation

existing wireframe objects

techniques

on

The following enhancements have been made to Studio 3s wireframing functions. All of the
functions listed below are described at both context and concept levels within your Studio 3
online Help.

Alternate Boolean Method Now Available

Embracing the latest advances in wireframing technologies, a
new optional method has been added to the boolean dialogs,
responsible for managing the interaction of wireframe data. This
method, in some situations, can increase the speed of a boolean
operation and manage large data sets more effectively. This
enhancement has been offered in addition to the previous
wireframing function to provide the best solution for the data in
context.
This method of linking strings to produce wireframe volumes defines a series of regions for
each string as either open or closed based on whether neighbouring strings overlap when
looking in the direction of wireframing. When a string contains two or more closed regions a
branch will be included in the wireframe.
For more information on this method of linking strings, please refer to your Studio 3 online
Help.

DTM Creation Functionality

Studio 3's Digital Terrain Model creation facility has been
enhanced to provide even more control over precisely how string
vertices are linked to generate the resulting 3D terrain mesh.
The previous Create DTM Dialog has now been superseded by
a multi-screen Create DTM Wizard.
You are given full control over the generation of spur objects, the use of boundary strings and
the alignment of the projection plane.

Studio 3 Features Summary

19

Grid from DTMs Function

A new command has been added to the Wireframes menu.
Grid from DTMs allows you to create minimum, maximum or
average elevation profiles consisting of a grid of points 'dropped'
to the specified location, in relation to single or multiple
wireframe surfaces.

Link-Multiple-Strings command
Creating a bifurcated wireframe has been a traditionally difficult
process for CAD engineers. Studio 3 has now resolved the
infamous 'trouser-leg' problem without the need for complicated
guide string constructions by implementing a new 3D Solid
string linking method.

Wireframe-Split command
Splits a solid wireframe into two parts using a plane which can
be the view plane, a plane (specified by azimuth, inclination and
a reference point), or a plane picked using the pointer.

Wireframe-Section
The previous multiple-wireframe-slice command has now been
superseded by a more versatile version of the command.
Wireframe-Section creates a string where a defined plane cuts
through a wireframe object, using the new Wireframe Section
Dialog.

Extended Boolean Plane Options

You can now specify sections created in the VR window in any of
the wireframe planar operations, e.g. split by string, multiple
section etc. This has been provided in addition to the currently
available plane definition options (North-South, East-West and
Horizontal) and integrates the VR and Design window
wireframing operations more closely.
Any VR section can be specified in this way for planar operations.Creating a bifurcated
wireframe has been a traditionally difficult process for CAD engineers. Studio 3 has now
resolved the infamous 'trouser-leg' problem without the need for complicated guide string
constructions by implementing a new 3D Solid string linking method.

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DOCUMENTATION AND SUPPORT

Studio 3 is Datamines most extensively
documented application to date. All areas of the
system are documented thoroughly and clearly
and much effort has been exuded in the creation
of a dynamic information framework that evolves
simultaneously with the application.
Detailed Help is offered at context (F1) level, with
a series of detailed conceptual topics supporting
your learning of the system. Step by step general
procedures are shown at every appropriate place,
and the entire Studio 3 system is complemented
by a suite of tutorials that will help you familiarize
yourself with your system, and get the most out of
it as quickly as possible.

Documentation is not a replacement for face-to-face training, and we are keen to encourage
the continued increase in uptake for our training courses. All of Studio 3s documentation has
been written to complement our world-beating training, and provides an invaluable reference
for any Studio 3 user.
Help delivery is an important aspect of your application, and Datamine take it very seriously.

Full Context-sensitive and Conceptual Help

All Studio 3 dialogs now support context-sensitive Help. Pressing
<F1> in any dialog will produce a Help file relevant to the dialog
on display.
Much effort has been invested in ensuring that information is
both up-to-date and, wherever required, conceptual, supporting
information is provided.

Data Source Driver Help Updates

Datamine's proprietary Data Source Drivers facility has long
been used to facilitate data transfer between Datamine
applications and a variety of industry-standard formats.
Documentation for each driver has been completely rewritten
and implemented to ensure you get the most out of this powerful
data management system. Click <F1>, or press Help in any data
import or export dialog to view these new files.

Screen Capture Facility

The facility to record simulations created in the VR window has
been available since the introduction of Studio 3.
This facility has now been extended to allow you to capture the
output from any Studio 3 data window, in .avi or .wmv format,
using all available compression routines.

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Tutorials
Datamine training courses offer tailored solutions for both new
and current customers. Every release of Studio 3 is assisted by a
set of tutorials that cover all aspects of your system, and have
been written to be commensurate with Datamines seminal
training methodology. Referencing demonstration data (installed
automatically), these tutorials are an important part of your
system.
Tutorials are available for the following subjects:

Introductory Tutorial: introduces all key aspects of Studio 3, and is an invaluable

tool for anyone wishing to upgrade from Datamine Studio 2.

Open Pit Design Tutorial: this tutorial covers the stages involved in creating an
ultimate pit design.

Underground Design Tutorial: this tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3
features used for the creation of a strategic mine design which would typically form
part of a feasibility study or a long term plan of a mine planning cycle. It includes the
design of workings for an ex-pit decline, footwall development and a Cut and Fill
mining method.

Data Presentation Tutorial: this tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3
features used for presenting the electronic data that you would typically create in the
geological modeling, grade estimation, mine design and mine planning stages of a
Mine Planning Cycle.

Grade Estimation Tutorial: This tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3 features
used for grade estimation. Typically 'grades' are estimated into the cells of a
geological block model in order to generate a resource block model, which would
typically be used as input into a feasibility study or a short-medium-long term plan of
a mine planning cycle. Alternatively, 'grades' can estimated using panel outlines and
results saved to a results table, without creating a block model.

Scripting Tutorial: this tutorial will raise your awareness of the potential of
automating some of your business processes using the wide variety of tools and
components on offer, and provide a solid basis for learning more about this powerful
aspect of Studio 3.

Macro Writing Tutorial: This tutorial aims to introduce you to the basic tools and
techniques used to write effective macros in Studio 3.

Datamine Data Converter Tutorial: This tutorial contains a series of exercises to

help you understand the processes behind data conversion using the Datamine Data
Converter (DDC).

Legends Tutorial: a series of exercises is available to take you through some of the
key processes involved in managing the display of your Studio 3 data.

Mining Power Pack Tutorial: understand and use Mining Power Pack from an
informed perspective by following this tutorial.

Studio 3 Features Summary

22

SCRIPTING AND AUTOMATION

Extended Automation Facilities

Scripting in Datamine Studio 2 was introduced in order to bring together commands which
appeared in the dmserver (now referred to as Datamine processes) with those in the
gdserver (Design window). This was achieved by creating a new parsable scripting language
which was based loosely on the existing MACRO language.
Studio 3 introduced the concept of an object model to the Datamine operating environment
and offered a valuable opportunity to implement more granular automation. This new
scripting facility was created to take full advantage of Studio 3s object-model, and now
extends far beyond the confines of the previous macro-supported environment.
Access to any COM-aware scripting environment automatically presents the full flexibility of
the Studio 3 scripting environment. Unprecedented control of objects, via the Datamine
Studio application programming interface, provides a boundless opportunity for automation.
Datamine Script Converter
The increase in functionality, and provision of a powerful, accessible
and flexible object model has necessitated some changes to the way
scripts are interpreted, and subsequently, if you wish to use your
existing Studio 2 scripts within Studio 3, it is possible that some
updating may be required to ensure scripts run as expected, without
errors, and to make the best use of the new architecture.
Datamine Script Converter is a tool that will assist you in the upgrade of your existing,
pre-Studio 3 scripts, so that they can achieve the same results in Studio 3 as they did in
previous versions. These tasks are undertaken using a combination of automatic updating,
and the analysis and reporting of areas requiring manual modification, either using the Script
Converter dialog or an external script editing facility.
Macro File Name Size Increased
The maximum number of characters for Datamine file names used
in macros has been increased from 8 to 20. This upgrade applies
both
to
standard
commands,
for
example
!COPY
&IN(T1234567890), &OUT(Q1234567890ABC), and also to macro
specific commands such as !FILE, !FIELD and !LINK. The maximum
number of characters in filenames stored in catalog files has also
been increased to 20. A catalog file contains a list of files to be
processed and is mainly used in macros for deleting files (!DELETE) or appending (!APPEND)
more than two files.
The maximum number of characters per line allowed in a macro remains unchanged at 80.

Studio 3 Features Summary

23

New Macro Writing Tutorial

A new Macro writing tutorial has been provided, now available from
your Studio 3 drop-down menu system under Help | Tutorials |
Macro Writing Tutorial.
This tutorial relies on the installed DM Tutorial demo data set, and
takes you through the key points of creating, editing and recording
macros to automate repetitive Studio 3 tasks.

Scripting from .NET

It is now possible to reference the Studio 3 object model from within
a .NET framework.
This has been implemented so that all intellisense is full
allow scripters full access to this facility within .NET.
information on scripting, please refer to your Studio
Tutorial, which can be accessed using Help | Tutorials

operational,
From more
3 Scripting
| Scripting

Tutorial.

Studio 3 Features Summary

24

Datamine Corporate Limited

www.datamine.co.uk

Studio 3 Features Summary

25