Certainly, one of my favorite features of Surpac is the ability to script and automate tasks using TCL. Using the record macro function allows for an easy way to loop and repeat a series of existing functions within Surpac, and can unlock a lot of potential for creative Surpac users.
While CSV or text files are commonly used to feed input into TCL macros in Surpac, they often come with limitations—such as loss of formulas and formatting when exporting from Excel. To overcome this, a more efficient approach is to use TWAPI to interface directly with Excel from within Surpac macros. This post introduces how to implement that method.
One of the most powerful features in Surpac is its support for scripting and task automation using TCL. By utilizing the macro recording function, users can easily loop and repeat tasks—unlocking new levels of efficiency and creativity. This post explores the next step for advanced users: creating graphical data such as points, lines, and triangles directly in the workspace using TCL and SCL.
This article discusses advanced concepts in creating TCL scripts for GEOVIA Surpac, specifically how to handle an unknown number of user inputs through a dynamic form. The topic is intended for Surpac users who already have a basic understanding of TCL and SCL/GUIDO, and are interested in learning how to create an interactive table for selecting block model attributes.
The attached data package was developed to assist new users in the their understanding of TCL and SCL. The scripts complement the Surpac help descriptions, with SCL and TCL examples existing in a TCL format that can be easily executed within the Surpac GUI.
Updating / changing survey coordinates from local to UTM systems creates a common issue in many mines requiring the change of the co-ordinate system within the existing deposit block model. GEOVIA Surpac has the ability to shift the block model for new co-ordinates, as it is, with all its attributes, using a few simple steps as detailed below.
When working with block models, whether you’re a geologist or mining engineer often circumstances arise where the block size needs to be changed, for example to better represent the selective mining unit (SMU). Within GEOVIA Surpac software this can be done using a variety of methods, such as the Simple reblocking function or the Block Model Converter (BMC). Many users are not familiar with how these functions work or how to use them. In this post we will look at the Simple reblocking function and in detail how grades change between block sizes for managing dilution.
On some occasions, we have a significantly large block model size but we are only interested in a portion of the entire block extents, or a few among the many attributes. Although we can constrain the model graphically, it does not really reduce the file size of the block model. Reducing the size could significantly speed up any processing done to the block model.
When geologists create a block model, one of the most important decisions is the block size.
Geologists across the mining industry often face challenges when dealing with datasets that are severely positively skewed. In these situations many decisions need to be made, for instance to top cut or not to top cut? And if applied, what value should be used?