Creating Grids and Contour Maps from XYZ, Dip Angle and Direction

RockWorks | ModOps | Grid | Create | XYZ & Dips -> Grid

Use this program to read XY locations, Z (elevations), and planar orientation data for a structural surface from the datasheet and, using the Dip Gridding algorithm, interpolate a structural grid model for the surface. You can create a 2D contour map and/or 3D surface.

Feature Level: RockWorks Basic and higher

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Rules & Filters
  Use the buttons at the top of the window to apply spatial filters, time/date filters, or stratigraphic rules to data being displayed in your map. (More info)
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• 3D Log Design
  If you decide to include logs with this diagram ("Striplogs" setting, below), click on this button at the top of the window to set up how you want the 3D logs to look.
  See Visible Item Summary and Using the 3D Log Designer for details.
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• Data Columns
  Click this tab to define which columns in the current datasheet contain what data.
  • X (Easting): Column that contains the X or Easting coordinates for the measurement locations.
    These can be Eastings in meters or feet, decimal longitudes, etc. See Defining your Datasheet Coordinates for more information.
  • Y (Northing): Column that contains the Y or Northing coordinates for the measurement points.
  • Z (Elevation): Column that contains the elevations.
    These can be in meters or feet, but you need to be sure that you've defined the units in the column headings. See Defining your Datasheet Coordinates for details.
  • Direction: Select the column that lists the dip direction or strike bearing (in 0 - 360 degrees). You can use a settings, below, to specify whether this is a strike or dip measurement.
  • Dip Angle: Select the column that lists the dip angle (0 degrees = horizontal to 90 degrees = vertical, downward).
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• Grid Model
  • Grid File: Click to the right to enter the name for the new grid model. Use ".RwGrd" as the file name extension.
  • Dimensions: Click this tab to view/change the dimensions (extents and node spacing) of the grid model. (More info.)
  • Algorithm: Click this tab to choose the gridding method that will be used to interpolate the grid model. (More info.)
  • Options: Click this tab to access the various gridding options such as smoothing, declustering, etc. (More info.)
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• Directionality
  • Declination: Use this prompt to correct the directional data for magnetic declination. Click to the right to type in the correction amount.
  • Azimuths (Directions) Represent:
    • Inclination (Dip) Direction: Choose this option if the Direction values defined above represent the dip bearing.
    • Strike Direction: Choose this option if the Direction values defined above represent the strike bearing, with the dip direction being 90 degrees clockwise (right-hand rule).
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• 2D Grid Map
  Check this box to display the output grid as a 2D map at this time.
  Click this tab to set up the 2D map layers (bitmap, symbols, labels, line contours, color-filled contours, labeled cells, map border, etc.).
  • Output Options: Use these settings to define whether the output graphic 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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• 3D Grid Diagram
  Check this box to display the output grid as a 3D surface at this time.
  Click this tab to set up the 3D map layers (surface colors, images, reference cage, etc.).
  ! You can request both a 2D and 3D representation of the grid model.
  • 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

1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
2. Create a new datasheet and enter/import your strike and dip data into the datasheet.
   Or, open one of the sample files and replace that data with your own. See Data Layout for datasheet examples.

   ! 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 | Create | XYZ & Dips -> Grid menu option.
4. Enter the requested menu settings, described above.
5. Click the Continue button to proceed.

   The program will create a new grid model and, if requested, create a 2- or 3-dimensional image representing the grid model. The requested diagram(s) will be displayed in a RockPlot2D tab and/or RockPlot3D tab in the Options window.

6. You can adjust any of the settings via the Options tab to the left (map settings, etc.) and then click the Continue button again to regenerate the grid and/or map.
7. View / save / manipulate / export / print the diagram in the RockPlot2D or RockPlot3D window.
   

See also

• XYZ - Grid program for gridding XYZ data without dip measurements.
• Dip Gridding for information about this gridding method.
• Adding this program to your Playlist
• Adding this program to your Favorites
• Save/load/view menu settings
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