Quarry modelling tools on Vulcan 8.1

Latest version of Maptek’s 3D geological modelling and mine planning software includes new QuarryModeller bundle

MINING technology developers Maptek have released version 8.1 of their Vulcan 3D geological modelling and mine planning software to their global user base, providing new functionality and a host of enhancements to existing features.

The Vulcan 8.1 release includes new bundles – complete packages with standalone feature sets aimed at particular applications – as well as new modules to plug into existing Vulcan licences. Performance improvements, interface redesign and other enhancements complete the release.

Among the new bundles is QuarryModeller, which provides a set of modelling tools tailored specifically for quarries. A new toolbar streamlines the grade control process. Users can now load blast designs on the screen and change the display options through the toolbar.

Enhancements to user interfaces have been delivered in the pit layout and bench and batter projection menus. New geotechnical display options include enhanced tadpole plots and stickplots, as well as the ability to combine them in more understandable features. For example, users who rely on measurements from dip meters, can now easily view data points with the same dip.

In addition, Vulcan now uses the cache supplied by acQuire managed databases. The connection time has been improved and by implementing two different caching mechanisms users can avoid connecting to the remote database if they just want to view drill holes.

Data exported from Vulcan 8.1 can be displayed using free viewers and embedded into document and presentations using Ngrain and VRML formats. Vulcan 8.1 also provides support for ECW image import, a commonly requested aerial image format.