Create a blank block model

Use the Modelling | Block Model Tools | Create Blank option to generate an empty block model file that can be supplied as input to other modelling functions. As well as specifying block definitions and constants, the user can also specify block constraints and sub-block those blocks that are wholly or partially inside one or more wireframes, or above or below a DTM. The assignment is made using the block centre.

Restrictions

Restrict blank model with

Optionally select the Restrict blank model with check box, select a restriction option, and then click the More button to define how block constraints will be applied:

• Select the Restrict with Wireframes option to generate and to code a blank model within one closed wireframe model or a set of wireframe solids.
• Select the Restrict blank with DTM option to decompose blocks based upon whether the blocks are above or below an existing DTM. No blocks will be created outside of the DTM.

Layout

Use block definitions

Define the size of the blocks (grid spacing) for which estimates will be calculated. See: Define the block size and quantity

Use extents

Define the size of the blocks and the extents within which estimates will be calculated. You can also rotate the block model by either defining an angle of rotation, or using the rotation of a search ellipsoid. See: Block Model Extents

Output

File

Enter (or double-click to select) the name of the Output file. You can add any number of new fields to the output file. To do this, click the Add Fields button.

These fields are often populated with values at a later stage in the modelling process using one of the assign functions.

East and North and Z fields

Specify the names of the fields in which Easting, Northing, and (optionally) Z coordinates will be stored in the destination data file.

Auto load

Select this option to load the generated output in Vizex.

The blank block model is auto loaded in 3D Shaded mode and with a solid hatch which uses the Default colour specified on the Tools | Options | Vizex (per project) | Layer Defaults tab..

The foreground hatch colour uses the Validate DTM Highlight colour specified on the Tools | Options | Vizex (per project) | Wireframing tab.

Forms

Click the Forms button to select and open a saved form set, or if a form set has been loaded, save the current form set.

Run

When you have set unfolding options and specified a Wireframes or Strings input mode, click Run to begin the Flattening process.