Studio 3 Block Modelling - Basic Principles

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Geological Models

The purpose of a geological model is to accurately represent not just the grades of a deposit, but also its boundaries and internal structures. A Studio 3 geological model is composed of 3D 'rectangular' blocks, or cells, each of which has attributes such as grades, rocktypes, oxidization codes, etc.

Why use blocks?

Though many cell shapes, such as polygons, distorted cubes, mathematical surfaces and triangulations are possible none is completely general in application. The simplest form of three dimensional model consists of a rectangular grid in which each cell has the same dimensions. This is also the most commonly used type of model because it lends itself well to efficient handling in a computer. For some particular deposits there can be elegant solutions to the problem of representing grades and geological boundaries. A comprehensive modeling system such as Studio 3, however, requires a method that is applicable without modification to the widest possible range of deposits. The solution is to use a block model that allows rectangular cells of different dimensions.