Manually Build Stacked 3D Surfaces

RockWorks | ModOps | Grid | Grids -> 3D Stack Diagram

This program plots multiple flat grids in 3D space for the purpose of visual comparisons. These grid models can represent any real number values (geochemical concentrations, elevations, porosity values, quality readings, you name it). These are grid models that already exist in your project folder.

Feature Level: RockWorks Basic and higher

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Data Columns
  • Grid Names: Select the name of the column in the current datasheet that lists the names of the grid files (.RwGrd) that are to be stacked. All of the grid names will be listed in a single column in the datasheet. The grid file names must be listed from top down in the same order in which they are to be stacked, top-down.
• Options
  • Top Elevation: Enter the elevation at which the first grid model is to be displayed in the 3D stacked diagram. The program will assume that the elevation you enter is in the same units as the X and Y location coordinates in the grid models. For example, if your X and Y units are in feet, the program will assume this elevation is declared in feet as well.
    To obtain a well-proportioned diagram, you should be sure that the elevation you enter here and spacing values you declare below are consistent with the X,Y range in the grid models. For example, if your grid models cover about 10,000 x 10,000 feet, you shouldn’t set the spacing to 1-foot intervals. Or, if your grids are very localized (say, 500 meters x 500 meters) you wouldn’t want to set the spacing to 1000 meter increments.
• Vertical Spacing: Enter the vertical spacing for the flat contour maps. The program will assume that the vertical units are the same as the horizontal units.
• Perimeter: Check this box to plot a 3D tube border around the flat maps.
  • Color: Click here to select a color for the 3D tubes.
  • Radius: Enter the radius for the tubes in your project units.
• Color Scheme: Click this tab to access a window where you can define the colors to use for the 3D surfaces. (More info)
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• Other 3D Diagram Options
  Use these checkboxes to append other layers to your 3D scene.
  Click each tab to set up the 3D diagram layers (images, infrastructure, reference cage, etc.).
  ! If you activate plotting of a Perimeter Cage be sure to set the dimensions to Automatic if your Top Elevation and Spacing don't coincide with your output dimensions.

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• Output Options: Use these settings to define whether the output scene is to be saved (or displayed as "untitled"), how the file should be named, and whether it is to be displayed after it is created. It also offers export options. (More info)
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Step-by-Step Summary

This program requires that one or more RockWorks-format grid models already exist.

1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
2. Open or create a data file that lists the names of the grid models (.RwGrd) to be displayed a flat color-contoured planes in the 3D diagram.
   • The program assumes that each grid model resides in the current project folder.
   • The grid models will be illustrated in the stacked diagram from top down, with the first model displayed at the starting elevation declared below.
   • The grid file names should be listed in a single column in the datasheet, the uppermost grid name in row 1, the next grid name in row 2 of the same column, etc.
   • Be sure to list the full name, with extension (e.g: surface1.RwGrd).

   ! Click the Example button at the top of the window to load a sample file that is installed with the program.

3. Select the ModOps | Grid | Grids -> 3D Stack Diagram menu option.
4. Enter the requested program settings, described above.
5. Click the Continue button to proceed.

   The program will read the grid model names from the datasheet, creating for each a flat, color-contour image. The first model’s map will be displayed at the requested Top Elevation, and subsequent images will be spaced downward based on the requested Spacing. If requested, the completed diagram will be displayed in a RockPlot3D tab in the Options window.

6. You can adjust any of the program settings in the main Options tab to the left and then click the Continue button again to regenerate the diagram.
7. View / save / manipulate / print / export the image in the RockPlot3D window.
   

Tips

• You can turn individual surfaces on and off by inserting/removing the check-marks by the grid model names in the RockPlot3D data tree (you may need to expand the "Stack" heading).
• If you expand the grid model groups in the data tree, and double-click on any of the Flat Grid entities, you can adjust the color scheme, drawing style, and other visual characteristics.
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See also

• Adding this program to your Playlist
• Adding this program to your Favorites
• Save/load/view menu settings
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