Build an Exploded Stratigraphy Diagram from a List of Grid Models

RockWorks | Borehole Operations | Stratigraphy | 3D Exploded Stratigraphy

This program creates a 3D layered stratigraphy diagram based on a list of existing grid models that represent the top ("superface") and base ("subface") of each unit. The formations are displayed in 3D separated from each other ("exploded") for effect. These are RockWorks grid models (RwGrd files) that must already exist on your computer. The formation names grid model names, and colors are read from the RockWorks Datasheet.

This program is designed for two types of applications:

• Users who have created their grid models within other applications (e.g. ModFlow, Surfer), have imported the models into a RockWorks format, and wish to use RockWorks to create stratigraphic (or hydrostratigraphic) diagrams.
• Users who have created their grid models within the Borehole Manager portion of RockWorks but need more flexibility in dealing with stratigraphic relationships (e.g. special manipulations with the grids).
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See also
     Conventional Stratigraphy Diagrams from existing grid models
     Stratigraphy Quadrant Diagrams from existing grid models

Feature Level: RockWorks Basic and higher

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Data Columns
  Click on this tab to define the columns in the RockWorks Datasheet which contain the necessary input.
  • Title: Select the name of the column in the datasheet that lists the formation titles as they will be displayed in RockPlot3D.
  • Superface: Select the name of the column that lists the names of the grid files (.RwGrd) that represent each unit’s upper surface.
  • Subface: Select the column that lists the name of the grid files (.RwGrd) that represent each unit’s lower surface.
  • Color: Select the column that displays the color in which the unit is to be represented in the stratigraphic diagram.
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• Options
  • Layer Spacing: Use these settings to define how the formations are to be "exploded".
    • Uniform: Choose this for equal spacing between the formations when displayed in 3D.
      • Vertical Separation Distance: Type in the distance, in your vertical output units, to be between the formations.
    • Variable: Choose this option if you have listed in the datasheet a specific separation distance getween the formation and the next one below.
      • Column: Select the name of the column in the current datasheet in which the separation distances are listed. Be sure that you have defined this column as a "Linear (Z)" column type.
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• Apply Thickness Cutoff Filter
  Insert a check in this option to render invisible layers which are less than a thickness cutoff which you have defined in the datasheet.
  Click this tab to select the name of the column in the datasheet where the thickness values are entered. Be sure that you have defined this column as a "Linear (Z)" column type.
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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.
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• Output Options
  
  • Save Output File: Check this to assign a name for the 3D scene in advance, rather than displaying it as Untitled.
    • Automatic: Choose this option to have RockWorks assign the name automatically. It will use the name of the current program plus a numeric suffix, plus the ".Rw3D" file name extension.
    • Manual: Choose this option to type in a name of your own for this RockPlot3D file.
  • Display Output: Check this option to have the resulting scene displayed in RockPlot3D once it is created.
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Step-by-Step Summary

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

1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
2. Open or create a "gridlist" data file that lists the names of the grid models (.RwGrd) representing the upper and lower surfaces of each unit, the titles for the units, and their color.
3. If you want to include a legend to the stratigraphic names, be sure the formations are listed in the current project's Stratigraphy Types table.
4. Select the Borehole Operations | Stratigraphy |3D Exploded Stratigraphy menu option.
5. Enter the requested program settings, described above.
6. Click the Continue button to proceed.

   The program will build a 3D stratigraphic diagram from the bottom up, using the indicated grid models and inserting the requested space between formations. Additional layers will be appended, as requested. The completed diagram will be displayed in a RockPlot3D tab in the Options window, if requested.

7. You can adjust any of the settings in the Options pane and click the Continue button again to regenerate the diagram.
8. View / save / manipulate / print / export the image in the RockPlot3D window.
   

See also

• Adding this program to your Playlist
• Adding this program to your Favorites
• Save/load/view menu settings
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Back to Stratigraphy Menu Summary

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