Manually Building 3D Stratigraphic Solid Models

RockWorks | Utilities | Grid | Grids -> Solid Model

This program creates a 3D stratigraphic solid model (*.RwMod file) based on a list of existing grid models that represent the top ("superface") and base ("subface") of each unit. This program is similar to Grids -> Stratigraphic Model except that this program creates a numeric solid model (that can be subsequently manipulated) whereas the Grids -> Stratigraphic Model program just creates a diagram.

Notes:

• The grid models must already exist on your computer.
• The grid models must match the XY dimensions and node density of the current project dimensions.

See Stratigraphy Models versus Stratigraphy Solids if you need more information about the difference between surface- and solid-based stratigraphy models.

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Specify the Input Column information in the left pane of the window:
  • Superface: Select the name of the column in the datasheet that lists the names of the grid files (.RwGrd) that represent each unit’s upper surface.
  • Subface: Select the name of the column in the datasheet that lists the name of the grid files (.RwGrd) that represent each unit’s lower surface. 
  • G-Value: Select the name of the column in the datasheet lists the numeric value that is to be used to represent the stratigraphic unit in the solid model.

    Tip: Though not necessary, it can be helpful to assign the units the same G value as the "Order" you've defined in the Stratigraphy Types table, if you have this defined.

    
     

• Solid Model: Click to the right to type in the name of the solid model (.RwMod file) that will be created.
   
• Create 3-Dimensional Diagram: Insert a check here to display the new solid model as a 3D diagram.  Expand this heading to establish the diagram options.
• • Diagram Type:
    • All Voxels: For solid stratigraphy models, you should choose this option so that the stratigraphic layers will be represented in the 3D display as color-coded voxels.  You can choose to display either the Full Voxel, or just the Midpoint. 
      ! Note: You can toggle between Full Voxels and Midpoints in RockPlot3D after the model is displayed.  For this reason, if you're interpolating/displaying a large model, choose Midpoints; should you later prefer to view the full voxel image, you can select this in the display window itself.
  • Color Scheme: Click on this Options button to access a window where you can define the colors to use for the 3D voxel model.  More.
  • Reference Cage: Insert a check here to include vertical elevation axes and X and Y coordinate axes in the 3D diagram. Expand this item to set up the cage items.  (More.)
  • Include Legend: Insert a check in this item to include a legend that lists all of the formation names and their colors and patterns. The program will assume that there is a populated Stratigraphy Types table in the project database.  Expand this item to set the legend width, size, and offset.  (More.)

Step-by-Step Summary

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

1. Access the RockWorks Utilities datasheet. 
2. Open or create a "gridlist" data file that lists the names of the grid models (.RwGrd files) representing the upper and lower surfaces of each unit, and the G value to be used to represent them. The units should be listed with the lowest unit first, and the highest unit last. 

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 Grid | Grids -> Solid Model menu option. 
5. Enter the requested menu options, described above.
6. Click the Process button to Continue.

The program will initialize a solid model at the resolution defined in the project dimensions.  It will then "insert" each grid model, determining for each solid model node which formation it lies within and assigning the node the listed G value for that unit.  The completed diagram will be displayed in the RockPlot3D tab of the Options window. 

7. Next, you'll need to tell RockPlot3D to colorize this model as a stratigraphy model rather than a continuous model.  Double-click on the "Solid" item listed in the Data pane to access its options.
8. Click on the Color Scheme drop-down item, select Stratigraphy Table, and click the Apply button at the bottom of the window.

The program should adjust the colors for the voxels to be based on the project's Stratigraphy Types table.

9. View / save / manipulate / print / export the image in the RockPlot3D window. 

The example below compares a stratigraphy solid model (left) to a grid-based stratigraphy model (right).

Back to Grid Menu Summary

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