INTERPRET & MODEL
In this the third article in a four-part series on Strategic Geology Modeling, we will discuss the challenges that geologists face when interpreting and modeling geoscience data. We will also have a look at the Dassault Systèmes Strategic Geology Modeling solution workflows that can assist geologists in overcoming these challenges and add to the overall sustainability of mining organizations.
Data interpretation is key to help geologists categorize and manipulate information to model a resource or orebody accurately and correctly. Whether the geologist is creating a geological model from scratch or updating an existing model with new exploration information, it is important for them to visually interpret the information to understand how all the data links together in three-dimensional space.
Geologists are required to use all available data along with previous models for reference and dedicated geological modeling tools to produce the most accurate and reliable geological interpretation and model. These models will form the basis for multi-million-dollar business decisions and directly impact operational planning, productivity and profitability, as well as the sustainability of an organization.
CHALLENGES: MINIMIZE REWORK AND ACCURATELY INTERPRET AND MODEL THE LATEST GEOSCIENCE DATA
Interpreting and modeling the geology of a mineral deposit is a complex task. It can consist of numerous workflows driven by large data sets. In many cases, organizations and regulatory bodies require geologists to adhere to strict standard operating procedures and regulations when generating these models. This can be a sizeable challenge to overcome when you consider the number of tasks, the amount of data linked to each task, the timeframe allocated for each task, and the need to keep track of all the steps as prescribed to complete the geological model. Failing to adhere to all of these operating procedures and regulations can lead to non-compliance, which could negatively impact an organization.
Another well-known challenge that many geologists face is data management, where storage and version control are prominent issues that need to be addressed. Interpreting data that is stored in multiple repositories in many different file types compounds this challenge when geologists are required to create a geological model. This can make the task of interpreting data particularly difficult. Having different file types may also force a geologist to interpret data in several separate applications, which could cause him or her to miss critical trends or patterns in data due to an inability to review all the data together in one place. This could lead to poor interpretations and inaccurate geological models.
SOLUTION: DATA INTERPRETATION AND MODELING IN GEOVIA SURPAC™ POWER’ BY THE 3DEXPERIENCE PLATFORM
The Strategic Geology Modeling solution, enables geologists to interpret and model large datasets from numerous sources comprised of multiple file types together in GEOVIA Surpac™. Users are able to apply geological reasoning and logic to sculpt domain solids in GEOVIA Surpac™ from all the available data, which are representative of the ground conditions. Geologists can then create and compare various interpretations for “what if” analysis to quantify the natural uncertainty.
The solution also gives users access to applications, workflows and tools to assist with data and task management. These include 3DDashboards, 3DPlay and the ENOVIA Project and Document Management applications that are seamlessly centered on the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform.
The ENOVIA Project and Document Management application provides powerful task management tools. Users can generate customizable dashboards showing the status of each task associated with creating a geological model. Standard operating procedures or regulatory requirement documentation can be attached to each task, ensuring compliance, auditability and transparency in the interpretation and modeling process. Structured document management gives users a single version of the truth and one repository for all geoscience data. This ensures the latest version of data is used for modeling.
Using the Strategic Geology Modeling solution workflow for interpreting and modeling geoscience data can not only assist in increasing the accuracy of geological models, but it can also reduce rework by always using the latest data and increase confidence in the generated models due to the “what if” revisions. Each of these benefits can help an organization make better business decisions regarding planning and operational modeling, which can lead to a more sustainable mining operation overall.
In the final article of this four-part series, we will discuss the challenges geologists can encounter when validating and sharing a geological model and the difficulties organizations face with cross-functional and cross-departmental collaboration. We will also show how the Strategic Geology Modeling solution can assist with these challenges and how the 3DEXPERIENCE platform brings value to this section of the geological modeling workflow.
Series links
