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AJW VENTURES ASSESSING THE CAPABILITIES OF ESRI 3D ANALYST SOFTWARE VS OTHER COMPREHENSIVE MINING SOFTWARE (November 2006) Wishes Magalela Ann Moulding Sarojani Joshi GIS Management and Implementation (GISC – 6383) Technology Assessment Report Table of Contents: Introduction ............................................................................................ ……………….…3 Objective…………………………………………………………………………………...3 Summary of Discussion…………………………………………………………………....3 The Exploration and Mining Phases…………………………………………………….....3 Regional……………………………………………………………………………3 Field (Area)………………………………………………………………………...4 Mine (Site Investigation……………………………………………………………4 Anomaly Investigation……………………………………………………………..4 Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies………………………………………..4 Mine Development…………………………………………………………………4 Comparison of functionality of various Software Packages…………………….………....6 Software………………………………………………………………………...………….8 Geosoft (Oasis Montaj, Target, GM Sys)………………………………………….8 o Oasis Montaj value to ASW Ventures……………………………………..8 ArcGIS w 3D Analyst……………………………………………………………...9 o ArcGIS with 3D Analyst value to ASW Ventures………………………..11 SurPac – xPlore Pac, Quarry, and Vision………………………………………. .11 o Surpac Value to ASW Ventures………………………………………… 12 ArcSDE Database………………………………………………………………...13 acQuire Database…………………………………………………………………13 o acQuire Value to ASW Ventures……………………………………….. 15 RockWare……………………………………………………………………… 15 Cost benefit analysis……………………………………………………………………...16 Conclusion…..………………………………………………………………………… ...18 Sources…………………………………………………………………………………...19 Introduction: AJW Ventures is a junior company based in the US and runs gold exploration programs all over the world with the aim of delineating exploitable gold deposits and sell to larger mining companies. Larger mining companies who are in the business of exploration and mining use traditional mining software to conduct their business. However this software may be too expensive for small exploration companies who are merely interested in demarcating a mineable resource and pass it on to the larger mining companies or promote it in the stock market. In order to maximize on profits, AJW Ventures wishes to find software that would be cheaper than the existing mining software and yet be able to produce the visual and quantitative results that would be sufficient to portray the potential of any gold deposit. Objective: To compare the capabilities and costs of various Software Packages used for Collecting, Analyzing, Modeling and Archiving critical exploration information. Summary of Discussion: Exploration phases Data Types (Data Output) during each phase of exploration Software requirements Technological Analysis of software Comparative Cost Analysis of the Software Conclusion The Exploration and Mining Phases: In order for us to analyze the capabilities of the software, we need to identify the stages of exploration, the output of data format in each phase and the capabilities of the software that is available. Six phases have been identified and are described below according to their sequence of execution. 1. Regional – This is conducted on a small-scale 1:100 000 or 1:250 000 where existing geological information is assessed from the following sources: Published Geology Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geochemical Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geophysical Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Department or private companies that conduct airborne surveys Topological Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Previous exploration data from other exploration companies deposited with the Geological Survey Department This process results in identifying an area for more detailed field exploration. Data is mostly in hard copy or digital format. 2. Field (Area) - (Assumes licensing has been completed) Exploration is now conducted in the field at a scale of 1:50 000 or less. Following are the activities that are conducted at this stage. Area geological mapping with structural analysis Rock sampling Area geochemical sampling (soil and drainage) Airborne geophysical surveys This will result a lot of data that needs to be modeled to show potential anomalies or potential mine sites. Samples collected may total 500. 3. Mine (Site Investigation) Exploration is usually conducted at large scales between 1:1000 and 1:10 000. The following are the activities carried out at this stage. Detailed geological mapping and structural analysis Detailed closely spaced geochemical soil samples Detailed closely spaced ground geophysical surveys (IP, Resistivity, Mag) Samples collected may total between 2000 and 2500 4. Anomaly Investigation Trenching and trench sampling Citing and Drilling of anomalies Core logging and sampling Samples collected may total between 1500 and 5000. 5. Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies Ore body Modeling Mine Design Equipment selection and purchase Environmental design and permitting Royalties and Taxes 6. Mine Development Exploitation Rehabilitation The table 1. below summarizes important information regarding the format output of data obtained during the phases of exploration. We envisage that ARCGIS 3D analyst will not do the whole job alone and at some stages we will require to subcontract some of the data manipulation, as we will demonstrate this in our analysis of the different software. Phase 1 2 Activity Data Format Regional Exploration Field (Area) Exploration Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D, x,y location Hard copy maps, digital maps $ 9200 2D maps,, sample results ppm/g/t, x,y location of data Software 2D 2D Geosoft - $4000 ArcGIS 3D Analyst $4500 3 Mine Exploration Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D maps, x,y location of data 2D Geosoft ArcGIS 3D Analyst 4 Anomaly Investigation 5 6 Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D, 3D modeling of trenches, drill holes, sample results, x,y location Resource Modeling and Digital and hard copy maps, 3D modeling Feasibility Studies of drill holes sample results and ore bodies, xy location,resource estimates ArcGIS 3D Analyst Mine Development 3D software Table 1. Sample Data format Figure 1. Sample Database Design 2D, 3D Digital and hard copy mine development plans, production statistics 3D software Surpac Quarry $ 8000-$16000, Surpac Vision $6000-$39000 Comparison of functionality of various Software Packages and use for Collecting, Analyzing, Modelling and Archiving critical exploration information: There are multiple types of data and analyses that are part of the exploration/site investigation and resource modeling phases of mine development. These phases require similar types of spatial and analytical data, but the presentation and analyses of these datasets is different at different stages of the mine development process. Figure 1 shows the multiple phases of exploration and mine development, with examples of software products that have the functionality to process the various types of data generated during these phases. Different packages are better suited to different phases of the process, but these packages often also have “add ons” that help extend the functionality of different software packages from one phase another phase. (Note: GeoSoft:Oasis Montaj - Target for Arc Map, Surpac XplorePac – Quarry Vision.). It is our job to purchase necessary software and database packages that will serve multiple needs, but also stay within a budget. We are not conducting an “apples to apples” comparison of software. We are looking at multiple packages that offer different collections of “tools”. We are deciding which analyses/modelling “tools” we need in-house, and which we can outsource to consultants for analyses and modeling. Because multiple parties will handle data, with multiple types of software, data management is a central consideration in this process. After mineral deposits are discovered and exploration progresses to the 3D phase, data collection becomes more expensive and data management more critical. These phases will require QA/QC data and Metadata management. To evaluate various software packages, the following criteria will be used: What functions (tools) does it have that will help us visualize and analyze our data. What “level” of User will be required to effectively use the tool (will we need specialists or consultants to do the work?) Data management: (1) will it help streamline our data flow, (2) will it create or solve security/QA-QC problems. Figure 2. Outline of Mine Phases with Software Software: Geosoft (Oasis Montaj, Target, GM Sys): (http://www.geosoft.com/) Oasis Montaj used to analyze various types of geophysical data and is used extensively in the mineral exploration industry. There are other “Grid” packages (RockWare’s Surfer) that can also process this information. However, it will probably take some manipulating data to get other software packages to do the same filtering, statistical, and gridding routines that Geosoft is designed for. Geosoft products run on a proprietary database designed to maximize the processing of large geophysical datasets. Figure 2 displays several of the geophysical data models created by Oasis Montaj. To serve the exploration community, Geosoft has also developed Target and GM Sys for Plotting Drillhole data and developing 3D models. Geophysical grids from Geosoft can be exported in various grid formats as well as a GeoTIFF – which can be brought into ArcGIS and used as a “layer” to better analyze regional “anomalies” to be further investigated with on-the ground sampling. Figure 3. display of geophysical plots from Oasis Montaj (image from www.Geosoft.com) Oasis Montaj value to ASW Ventures: Functions: Critical for first phases of mineral exploration. Industry standard for geophysics Users: Need specialized person to use to full functionality Data Management. Proprietary database – but good interface tools. ArcGIS w 3D Analyst: (Similar packages to ArcGIS is 3D Analyst extension would be MapInfo with Encom Discover). Functionality of ArcGIS will not be discussed here (it is assumed that the reader is familiar with functionality of standard GIS product), however we will note that standard MS Access and other ODBC databases can be accessed directly through ArcGIS. The 3D Analyst extension of this software adds the following functionality that will be useful for Exploration/Mine Development (list from www.rockware.com): Create and analyze surfaces Build surface models from many supported data formats including CAD, shapefiles, coverages, and images Perform interactive perspective viewing, including pan and zoom, rotate, tilt, and flythrough simulations, for presentation and analysis Model real-world surface features such as buildings Model subsurface features—wells, mines, groundwater, and underground storage facilities Generate three-dimensional surfaces on the fly from attributes Apply data normalization and exaggeration on the fly Drape two-dimensional data on surfaces and view in three dimensions Calculate surface area, volume, slope, aspect, and hillshade Apply various data layer effects such as transparency, lighting, shading, and depth priority Generate contours as two-dimensional or three-dimensional features Perform viewshed and line-of-sight analysis, spot height interpolation, profiling, and steepest path determination Query three-dimensional data based on attribute or location Export data for display on the Web using VRML Create animations for visualization (AVI, MPEG, and QuickTime) Elroi (1999) discusses how 3D analyst can be used to plot 3D Boreholes, Surface and ore body envelopes, and block models. Many of his surfaces were created in other software packages and brought into 3D analyst using DXF files. Figure 3 shows a downhole plot from this paper. Figure 4 shows a composite of multiple datatypes that 3D analyst is capable of processing. Figure 4. Borehole plot in 3D analyst. (from Elroi 1999) Figure 5. Composite mine drawing from 3D analyst. (from Elroi 1999) ArcGIS with 3D Analyst value to ASW Ventures: Functions: Critical for visualizing data for several phases of mining. Limited use for analyzing 3D data User: User Friendly Data Management. Reads ODBC databases and multiple other vector, raster and grid formats. Can import 3D DXF surfaces On his assessment of the 3D analyst extension for mining, Elroi (1999) concludes: “The ArcView 3D Analyst extension has enabled ArcView GIS to bridge a gap between traditional two-and-a-half dimensional data and true three-dimensional data. While this does not give ArcView GIS the ability to perform the functions of other industry-specific three-dimensional software packages used for geologic modeling or mine planning [see Surpac discussed below], it does permit an easier exchange of information between such packages. This is beneficial to users of both GIS and other modeling software packages. The tools are basic, but the capability is there waiting to be explored.” SurPac – xPlore Pac, Quarry, and Vision: Surpac developed specifically for mining “spanning exploration through production management” (http://www.surpac.com/about_our_company.asp). Surpac has several different software packages with Multiple Functionality for all stages of mining process. (see Table 1 below). Other mining and mine planning software on the market include Gemcom (http://www.gemcomsoftware.com/ - Gemcom acquired Surpac in July 2006), and Vulcan (http://www.vulcan3d.com/). These sophisticated modelling and planning tools are used extensively in the mining industry and are critical tools for mining complex deposits. Most significant are tools to perform complex volume calculations, and statistical analyses tools to prove reserves. Surpac Data plug-ins allows users to read (not import) GIS, CAD, and standard database formats (MS Access, SQL Server, Oracle and acQuire). It is likely that data generated in the exploration and site investigation phases will be brought into one of these software packages if and when mine development occurs. Table 1. shows a comparison of Surpac Xplore Pac, Quarry, and Vision and the various functionalities of each. Mining Resource Modelling/ Site Investigation/3D Feasibility Studies Modelling 3D Graphics Display Geological Database File Management Tools Geostatistics Surface Modelling DTMs Contouring Fault Modelling Polygonal Resource Calculation Volume Calculations Solids Modelling Block Modelling Digitising Pit and Dump Design Drill and Blast Design Surveying and U/G Surveying Pit Optimization Underground Ring Design Graphical Sequencer MinSched Development Data Plug Ins Plotting AutoPlot TCL Script Automation Network License Manager Language Options Online Help Tutorials Custom Training Xplore Pac Standard Optional * * * * * * * * * Quarry Standard Optional * * * Vision Standard Optional * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Table 2. Comparison of Surpac XplorePac, Quarry and Vision. Compiled from product brochures downloaded from http://www.surpac.com Surpac Value to ASW Ventures: Surpac Modules are a comprehensive set of data analyses and visualization tools for all stages of mine development between site investigation and actual mining. Specifically, it has the 3D Volumetric calculation/modelling capabilities to assess the economic viability of a deposit, and it can be used for multiple stages of mine planning (quarry design, ramps, other infrastructure). Requires specialized personnel to operate. Volumetric analyses need professional review by geologist or mining engineer. Data Management. Reads ODBC database, shapefiles, AutoCAD, and multiple other raster and vector formats. Can export DXF surfaces to other software packages. ArcSDE: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcsde/about/overview.html ArcSDE is an advanced data server, providing a gateway for storing, managing, and accessing spatial data in any of several leading RDBMSs (IBM® DB2®, Informix®, Microsoft® SQL server™, and Oracle®). from any ArcGIS application. It is a key component in managing a shared, multiuser geodatabase in a RDBMS. When you need a large geodatabase that can be edited and viewed simultaneously by many users, ArcSDE adds the necessary capabilities to ArcGIS. Advantages of SDE Technology: o o o o o o o o High performance Extremely large data volumes Spatial data integrity to ensure data fidelity Integrated transaction model for multiuser GIS Comprehensive geographic information management of all geodatabase types (vectors, rasters, survey, terrains, geoprocessing models, database schemas, metadata, and others) Common database interface to all leading RDBMSs Support for the geodatabase and ESRI's industry data models Reduced cost of ownership acQuire Database. (www.acquire.com.au) acQuire is a database interface for mineral exploration and mining data built on a SQL Server and Oracle platforms. It can be best described as an “enterprise” type database used to manage geological and other mining data with its Metadata. The product is developed to help streamline data management at all phases of the exploration and mining process, and for all levels of companies involved in this development (Junior, Mid Tier, or Major). The acQuire website states: “A key objective of the acQuire technology is to provide an infrastructure that has application for all phases of a mining project. From discovery through mining to closure and rehabilitation. In this way the fundamental building blocks for all drilling and point sample observations & measurements are collected on a cumulative basis. Also, the metadata obtained at each stage can contribute significantly to subsequent decision making.” Managing metadata for exploration and mining data is also a key objective of the acQuire data model as they also state on their website: “At the point that a set of drilling observations and measurements are used to do a resource model, it is often imperative for the auditors or modellers to know significant details about the measurements being used. Examples of this include: What method was used to obtain the result for a particular sample? What was the down hole survey method used to determine the trace of the hole? What is the genealogy of the coordinate system currently being used?” The acQuire database has multiple interfaces for data entry, editing, and managing. This includes an interface that can download/upload data on remote devices for data collection, with a graphical interface that can facilitate data collection and streamline data entry. These interfaces are shown in figures 5a and 5b. On the server end, the acQuire data model (ADM) has been developed to support a variety of commodities and different phases of the mining process. A description of some of these functions can be found at: http://www.acquire.com.au/acquire.aspx?pagename=solutionsmineralsproductinformationserverside Also, 3D Modelling software such as Surpac and Vulcan are designed to read acQuire databases directly, and being based on standard ODBC database engines of SQL Server and Oracle, acQuire data should be able to be read directly into ArcGIS. Figures 6a, and 6b. Data input interface for Pocket acQuire. http://www.acquire.com.au/acquire.aspx?pagename=solutionsmineralsproductinformationclientside&reference=PR D000003 According to Cinda Graubard of Geomax inc. (www.geomax.com, a GIS consulting firm for Geologists), acQuire is used by all of the major mining companies as their mineral information database. Ms.Graubard is not aware of any Junior companies using acQuire, but feels that many data conversion, management and metadata problems could be avoided if Junior companies would adopt this technology. She believes that this technology could save Junior companies significant money and headaches if implemented at early stages in the exploration phase, and with appropriate training of personnel entering and managing data. On the other hand, Robert Slade of MapTec (developer of Vulcan 3D software) indicated that as a whole, geologists tend to be adverse to any centralized database systems that they feel encumber their ability to quickly explore new prospects. Although Vulcan 3D software works well with acQuire, some MapTec employees prefer a similar product developed by Century Systems Technologies, called “Fusion” (http://www.centurysystems.net/home.nsf/pages/fusion.htm), which appears to be more geared to the needs of field geologists. Also, other drilling database products that run on MS Access database platforms may provide adequate data structuring to adequately streamline our data processes. This author is aware of one such program called gINT (www.gintsoftware.com) which is geared towards the environmental and geotechnical communities, but can also be customized to work for multiple needs. (gINT modules run from ~$500 - ~$2200 per license). It is also possible that a database management system can be developed in-house in ArcSDE or some other database package. acQuire Value to ASW Ventures: Functions: Minimal. (A few graphic interfaces for data entry and editing.) User: Will require retraining of Geologists and personnel entering data. Will probably require data information specialist to manage and maintain. Data Management. EXCELLENT. Designed to manage data for all aspects and all types of geological/analytic data for mining. Has modules for download/upload to remote devices for data collection in the field. RockWare: Mining software on the cheap. Rockware produces many software packages that can do most of the things we need to do. The problem with using Rockware is you usually are importing/exporting files into and our of your software creating lots of file litter and a data management mess. Most of their products don’t integrate that well with other products. However, Rockware may contain tools that could be “shoestrings” in our shoestring budget. In other words to have a copy of Surfer around might be good if we wanted to do simple geophysical modeling etc.. Several of their other products could also generate some of the 3D surface modeling we need. For $1500, might not be a bad investment. For a discussion of how low end products such as RockWare may be used effectively in mineral exploration see Gibbs (2004). Functions: Several. Multiple tools User: Each tool will require that geologist or technician read manual on data input/output. Data Management. In the past POOR. Will create multiple input/output files, indroducing multiple ambiguities on data genesis/interpretation. But now reads MDB files and has an Arc GIS interface!! Figure 7. Summary of software. Cost benefit analysis: Cost benefit analysis of software requirement for the ASW ventures with the limited resources and budget constraint is done on the basis of the Cost Affordability In-house Technology Know How Availability of the required features for analysis As shown in the context diagram(Fig 2.) of the software need analysis it is clear that the different software are required at the different phase of mining exploration process. In the Exploration phase, when the company needs only to do analysis on small-scale 1:100 000 or 1:250 000 data maps eg. identifying the mining areas, ArcGIS with spatial analysis will be appropriate, as cost of the ArcGIS per user license will be around $2000 with spatial analyst and technology know how for these software is there within the company. At the later phase of exploration when evaluation of multiple deposit and more specific analysis is to be done with geo-physical data, company will require the more radical software. Doing research on software we came up with GeoSoft Oasis Montaj which cost around $9200 and alternate software RockWare which could cost around $1500 plus Surfer $550. The company had decided to go for RockWare at this stage. First of all, it is cheaper than Geosoft Oasis Montaj. Beside this RockWare.com carries numerous software which can be download free of cost for doing different modeling analysis. In second phase (Site Investigation), when acquisition of real and voluminous Geophysics field data from different sources starts to come, it is now time to think seriously about managing the data. If one ignores about managing data at this stage then it will surely cost company in multifolds at later stage of converting and maintaining. As a result of research in this aspect we came up with acQuire Database Engine which cost more than 15,000 and ArcSDE. $2,500 (25 user License) (At ArcGIS 9.2, ArcSDE technology and ArcGIS Desktop have been incorporated into ArcGIS Server. ArcSDE will no longer be sold as a separate product after December 31, 2006.- ESRI) Company decide to incorporate ArcSDE against acQuire Database Engine as ArcSDE can have with no cost. So there foresees no reason in spending over $15,000 just for database Engine. Technology later the better. At this phase company will also require 3D modeling software. We came up with Xplore pac, Surpac quarry, Surpac Vision. 3D Analyst extension for ArcGIS, Geosoft Target for Arc GIS. All of them seems to cost higher expect for 3D Analyst for ArcGIS ($2500 per single user license). So we concluded to get ArcGIS suite of 3D modeling software in comparison to other more geophysics oriented software. Apart from the cost for software it would also cost company either in training the staffs or hiring geologist who can handle this software. In later phase, when company need to deal with more sophisticated modeling in mining, it will be good idea to outsource the work from present context of viewpoint. As the cost of those software are pretty higher. Since those, software are required only after 4, 5 years may be at that stage company could have been well established or could be able to raised enough fund to purchase above mention 3D software. As the trend in the IT software marketing shows that as the technology is getting more and more sophisticated, cost is also dropping considerably. So the cost could also be within the reach of the company, who knows? Following table 4. shows the cost comparison. Phase I (Simple 2D Analysis) Software ArcGIS Spatial analysis Spatial analysis Cost $1,290 $2,500 Phase II (Geophysic Data Analysis) Software Geosoft Oasis Montaj Geosoft Target for ArcGIS Rockware Rockware Surfer Cost $9,200 $1,500 $500 $3,100 Phase III (Data Management) Software AcQuire Database Engine ArcGIS ArcSDE Cost >($15,000 ++++ $2,500 (25 user License) *** Phase IV (3D Modeling Analysis) Software ArcGIS 3D Analyst XplorePac Cost $ 2500.00 (if add on $6,700- $10,000 $2,020) Surpac Vision Surpac Quarry $6,000- $39,000 $8,000 - $16,000 Table 4. Cost Comparision Chart Conclusion: Conclusion have been made for purchasing ArcGIS at the first phase of Exploration Rockware with surfer for conducting geo-physic modeling ArcSDE for Managing Database ArcGIS 3D Analyst for conducting 3D modeling And out sourcing of the task when Geophysic 3D software is required to do the advance 3D modeling and analysis Sources: Elroi, Daniel. (1999) Three-Dimensional Databases in ArcView GIS and Beyond. ArcUser October – December 1999. http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/1099/3database.html Gibbs, Betty (2004). Mine Modelling and Planning Systems: Large (expensive) vs. Small (Inexpensive). Earth Science Software Information. http://www.miningsoftware.com/LargeSmall1.html http://www.esri.com/industries/mining/picturing-subsurface.pdf httpwww.esri.com/news/arcnews/winter0203articles/mininggold.html ArcGIS 3D modeling software http://www.vterrain.org/packages/ArcView/3d_analyst.html http://store.esri.com/esri/showdetl.cfm Surpac 3d modeling software http://www.surpac.com http://www.geoinformatics.com Rocware 3D modeling sotware http://www.Rockware.com Other 3D Modelling packages referenced (besides Rockware and Surpac) Gemcom software (http://www.gemcomsoftware.com) Maptec – Vulcan 3D (http://www.gemcomsoftware.com) ArcSDE database engine http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcsde/about/overview.html Brochure of ArcSDE http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/arcsde-server.pdf acquire database www.acquire.com.au http://www.acquire.com.au/acquire.aspx?pagename=solutionsmineralsproductinformationserverside Other Database products (besides ArcSDE and acquire) gINT software (www.gintsoftware.com) Century Fusion (http://www.centurysystems.net/home.nsf/pages/fusion.htm) GIS Consultants GeoMax (www.geomax.com) **********XXX**********