Getting Started Checklist - Borehole Manager

Here are some things to remember when working with the RockWorks Borehole Manager.

1. When you're starting a new project, launch RockWorks and create a new project using Project Folder | New.
   • Borehole data for each project is stored in a SQLite database by default. (Microsoft Access .MDB is also available for local databases.)
   • Each project has its own database in its own project folder. Models and graphics are stored in the project folder, too.
   • The database file and the project folder share the same name ("SmithProject" folder would have the "SmithProject.SQLite" database file).
   • When you create a new project, you define your project coordinate system and units.
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2. Once the project is created, you can enter your data.
   • You can import your borehole data from Excel files, and other formats.
   • You can also hand-enter the borehole data. Use FEdit | New Borehole to add a new borehole record.
   • Enter the downhole data into the appropriate data tab for the well.
   • Use the Edit | Edit Data as Datasheet as a neat tool for spreadsheet-style editing of a table, including copy/pasting, etc.
   • Quick database shortcuts: Tab advances cell to cell. Ctrl+Del deletes a row. Down-arrow adds a row to the end of the table. Right-click/Rows to add or delete a row.
   • Use the Reassign or Reproject tools to relabel or change your database coordinates or units.
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3. When your borehole data is entered/imported, be sure to establish the Project Dimensions.
   • This is easily done by clicking the Scan Boreholes button.
   • If you'll be creating surface or solid models, be sure the number of nodes shown in the Project Dimensions pane are dense enough (but not too dense!) to properly represent your data.
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4. Use the Quick-Map tab to see your borehole locations and project dimensions.
   
5. Remember that lithology materials, stratigraphy formations, aquifer names, well construction materials, and bitmap types link to respective "Types" tables that you create.
   • The formations in the Stratigraphy Types Table must be listed in order from the ground downward for proper modeling to take place.
   • RockWorks uses the background colors you've selected for the materials when displaying 3D logs, and 3D surfaces and solids.
      
6. Before you start creating interpolated models of your data, first look at the data as entered in maps and logs. The 2D and 3D log designers make it easy to select what kind of data to display in the logs, and the column order.
   • Use the Maps | Borehole Map program to see a plan-view map of the borehole locations and verify that the location data is good.
   • Use the Striplogs | 3D Striplogs program to see selected data as entered for all of the boreholes.
   • Use the Striplogs | 2D Striplog Section to see the log data in a hole to hole cross section.
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7. When you're ready to interpolate surface models (Stratigraphy, Water Level) or solid models (Lithology, I-Data, T-Data, P-Data, Colors, Fractures), remember that the Model, Profile, Section, Fence, Plan, and Surface Map options can all utilize the same interpolated numeric model.
   • Once you generate a model that looks right, you can select the Use Existing Model option (solid models) or un-check the Interpolate Surfaces option (surface models) to generate the other diagram types. They simply offer different ways to visualize the contents of the interpolated model.
   • For this reason, many users find that using the Solid option first, to create the numeric model and to visualize it in 3D, is a good way to check the accuracy of the interpolation.
   • Modeling borehole data requires Standard level licensing.
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8. Use the database query tools to enable borehole subsets for modeling and display. There is a simple query and a complex query available.
   
9. Create your maps, logs, models, and diagrams using the Borehole Operations menus at the top of the program window.
   
10. RockPlot2D is the display window for 2D (flat) graphic images such as maps, cross sections, 2D logs, rose diagrams, and the like. It contains a whole fleet of editing tools. Output your maps and diagrams to Google Earth with the click of a button.
    
11. RockPlot3D is the display window for 3D graphic images, such as solid voxel models, isosurfaces, fence diagrams, 3D surfaces, etc. It is interactive, with rotation, zooming, appending, etc. Output your 3D scenes to Google Earth with the click of a button.
    
12. ReportWorks is a page layout window for images (Rw2D, BMP, JPG, TIFF, etc.), text, legends, shapes, and more.
    
13. If you need to automate your work in RockWorks, you can do so with a Playlist (all feature levels) or with Command Scripting (Advanced only).
    

See also

• What's New in RockWorks
• Borehole Manager Tutorial
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