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This documentation is confidential and may not be disclosed to third partieswithout the prior written permission of Datamine Corporate Limited.

© Datamine Corporate Limited

Studio 3A Summary of New Features and Enhancements

This document outlines the key enhancements and new features made since the inception of Studio 3.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Detailed information regarding the upgrade from DatamineStudio 2 to Studio 3 is available via the Studio 3 Migration Course – please contact your local Dataminerepresentative for more information.

Last Updated 23/11/2007


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Contents

1 Introduction 3

2

Setup, Startup and Installation 4

Flash-driven CD Menu Launcher 4

Updated Installation Package 4 64-Bit Operating System Support 4 User Environment Profiles 4

The Studio 3 Start Page 5

Datamine Script Converter 5 Data Source Driver Additions 5 Help | About… Enhancements 6

Common Tutorial Data Set 6

3 Data Transfer and Management 7

Save, Load, Refresh and Reload Control 7

Project File Precision Control 7

Data Object Manager 7 Datamine Data Converter Utility 8 Sirovision Data Driver 8 Context-sensitive Save Options 8

Edit Attributes Enhancements 8

4 Commands and Processes 10

ESTIMATE 10 POLYDC Process 10

Grid-from-DTMs Design Command 11

Link-Multiple-Strings Design Command 11

Dynamic Anisotropy Processes and Interface 11

Dynamic Evaluation Reports 11 VR Window Update Design Commands 11

5 Windows, VR and Data Presentation 13

Sirovision Window 13

VR Window Enhancements 14

Data Display Templates 15 3D Grids 15 Mining Power Pack 15

Quick Legends 16

OLE Plot Items 16 Images in Log Views 16

6 Performance & Usability 17

Wireframing Performance Increases 17 Clip-to-Perimeter Improvement 17 Improved VR Window Rendering 17

Quick Profile Loading 17 Memory Management Improvements 18

7 Wireframing and Booleans 19

Alternate Boolean Method Now Available 19

DTM Creation Functionality 19

Grid from DTMs Function 20 Link-Multiple-Strings command 20


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Wireframe-Split command 20 Wireframe-Section 20

8 Documentation and Support 21

Full Context-sensitive and Conceptual Help 21 Tutorials 22

9 Scripting and Automation 23

Extended Automation Facilities 23 Datamine Script Converter 23

Macro File Name Size Increased 23 New Macro Writing Tutorial 24


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Studio 3 Features Summary 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Studio 3 is Datamine’s premier resource / reserve modelling and engineering solution. Itsobject oriented data model and support for distributed file systems allow mining professionals

improved flexibility and greater control of data. Combined with the ability to view and formatdata independently in multiple views, Studio is the ideal environment for enhanced

visualisation and verification of ore body models and mine designs. Studio 3 providescorporations with a secure governance framework through Enterprise level solutions.

The incorporation of industry standard scripting tools provides a powerful scripting capability,allowing work flow procedures to be designed into solutions and repetitive tasks to beautomated. Studio also includes an integrated virtual reality (VR) environment ideal for safety

reviews, training, operational planning and general collaboration activities.

One of Datamine’s key strengths lies in our comprehensive coverage of software for theentire mine planning cycle. As you can see from our Solution Footprint above, this isn’t justStudio but covers a lot of other software as well.

We are continuing to develop our Solution Footprint and have invested significant resource inthe development of Studio 3, which represents a major contribution to this effort. AlthoughStudio’s traditional area of usage was steeped in the Geological Interpretation area, Studionow covers the full range of activities in the mine planning cycle from Exploration and Data

Collection to Operational Mine Planning. Studio 3 not onlyencompasses the Geological Interpretation but also significantlyexpands coverage in other areas including In Touch and

Datamine Enterprise.

Studio 3 has been subject to a continual development programsince its release in 2006. Regular releases, resulting from

market feedback has meant that our flagship title is now the

most intensely developed, tested and documented package of itstype in the market today. Offering a multitude of new featuresand enhancements, implementing Studio 3 within your business


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is a natural choice for anyone serious about thriving in the mining industry.

This document represents a reference list of all significant features and enhancements added

since Studio 3’s inception in 2006. It is not an exhaustive list and represents a relativelysmall subset of the total efforts that have gone into maintaining Studio 3’s position as theapplication of choice for all mining professionals.

If you have any specific questions about how Studio 3 can improve your business, contact

your local Datamine representative, details of which can be found at www.datamine.co.uk.


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1 INTRODUCTION

Enhancements and new features for Studio 3 have beenintroduced regularly since its initial release in 2005. These

upgrades are numerous, and this document does not set out tooutline them all. Instead, details relating to a selection of theseupdates are shown. This should not be seen as a full descriptive

list of changes (this information is presented in the form ofStudio 3 release notes which accompany every new release).

This document will be updated as new Studio 3 features andenhancements are implemented.

Information has been categorized as follows:

• Setup, Startup and Installation: features and enhancements that directly affect

the installation or initial configuration of Studio 3, including associated applications.

• Data Transfer and Management: program changes that relate to the import orexport of data, and the handling of files and projects during a Studio 3 session.

• Commands and Processes: design commands and processes are updatedregularly, and new items are added when required.

• Performance and Usability: Studio 3 components have been upgraded throughoutthe public release period to embrace the latest technology and react to customercomments.

•

Wireframing and Booleans: the wireframing elements of Studio 3 have beensignificantly upgraded since the first release in terms of both robustness, performanceand usability.

• Data Presentation: Studio 3’s Plots and VR windows have also been subject to

significant improvements.

For information about the latest version of Studio 3, please contact your local Dataminerepresentative for details specific to your area.


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2 SETUP, STARTUP AND INSTALLATION

Studio 3 is a standalone application that will

install all components required to run theapplication.

This will include installation of other supporting

products such as License Services and DataSource Drivers, shared by many Datamineapplications, that will ensure you can licenseand run your Studio 3 package with the

minimum of fuss.

The following enhancements have beenintroduced relating to Studio 3 Setup and

Installation process:

Flash-driven CD Menu Launcher

All Datamine products are now available on a self-running CD, completewith a Flash-driven menu launcher. It is not necessary for Flash to be

installed on the machine in use as all files are provided. From the CDMenu you will be able to access “What’s New” information, access to thelatest release and any available associated printable documentation. The

CD also provides access to useful utilities.

Updated Installation Package

Once Studio has been selected for installation, an industry-standardwizard is used to allow you full control over the components you wish to

install. This simple-to-use menu provides installation options and links touseful information, including a ‘What’s New’ summary for the latestrelease.

64-Bit Operating System Support

After thorough testing, Datamine are now proud to announce fullsupport for Studio 3 under 64-bit Windows operating systems.

Updates have been made to provide support for license key dongles, 64-bit .NET support and 64-bit specific wireframing controls.

User Environment Profiles

Profiles are used to store user-specific interface settings for subsequentStudio 3 sessions. These files contain a multitude of data relating to howyour screen is laid out. Multiple profiles can be saved and reloaded

easily, and at any stage of a Studio 3 session.

Profiles are XML (eXtensible Markup Language) files, containing information about yourStudio 3 interface, or 'customization state'. These files are created automatically by your

Studio 3 application, and default profiles are available.


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Profiles contain a wealth of information about your Studio 3 interface, including the following:

• Application window size and position

• Data windows in view, and their visible state (minimized, maximized, tiled etc.)

•

Toolbars in view and their visible state (position, floating, docked etc.)

• Control bars in view, and their visible state (position, floating, docked etc.)

A key advantage of using profiles is that they allow you to create interface layouts that suit a

particular purpose. For example, you may have a particular set up that is sympathetictowards data presentation, and another for mine design, or VR window work. There is nolimit to the amount of profiles you can store, and providing they are named sensibly, you willbe able to retrieve a setup that suits any working scenario in Studio 3.

The Studio 3 Start Page

The Studio 3 Start Page presented (optionally) on startup is a valuable

information resource. This web-flavoured interface allows you to manageyour current projects and interface profiles, and provides access to theStudio 3 Portal on the Datamine website. This page is updated regularly

and indicates forthcoming new features and useful overview information.If no web connection is available, an offline version will be displayed.

If a web connection is present, the information delivered is ‘live’, ensuring you have access tothe latest information available about Studio 3 and other Datamine products.

The Studio 3 Start Page can also be used to load default profiles, supplied to cover screen

resolutions from 1024x768 pixels up to 1600x1200 pixels.

Datamine Script Converter

Datamine Script Converter is a tool that will assist you in the upgradeof your existing, pre-Studio 3 scripts, so that they can achieve the sameresults in Studio 3 as they did in previous versions.

These tasks are undertaken using a combination of automatic updating,and the analysis and reporting of areas requiring manual modification,

either using the Script Converter dialog or an external script editing facility.

Data Source Driver Additions

The acQuire and Data Provider data source drivers have now beenadded to the installation of all relevant Datamine products, dependenton the existence of the AcquireDirect Dynamic Link Library on

destination machines.

In addition, Sirovision import facilities have been introduced to facilitate the import ofSiroTIFF files from 3rd party applications.

Data filtering control is also available on import with this set of drivers, with options relevant

to the data transfer route being presented to the user prior to committing to an import.

Data transfer is an important aspect of using Datamine software – we don’t expect anyone tocommit to a single format. As such, our awareness of the current market formats and


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versions is unsurpassed, ensuring you can access your most valuable corporate data withinour market-leading systems.

Help | About… Enhancements

All Datamine products now deliver a standardized information page

under the Help context menu. As well as data relating to the release ingeneral and individual installed components, information about theDirectX specific functionality and OpenGl functionality is also provided.

Two extra buttons: DX Info and GL Info have been added to giveaccess to dialogs reporting the appropriate information.

Common Tutorial Data Set

To complement the range of tutorials that have been written exclusivelyfor Studio 3 users, a single demo data set now exists for core Datamine

projects, installed/updated with each new setup. This data is referenced

throughout all of the Studio 3 tutorials, and is also shared by otherproducts within the Datamine solution footprint.


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3 DATA TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT

Studio 3’s Data SourceDrivers facility gives

unparalleled connectivityoptions for your corporatedata. A wealth of drivers and

data types are supported,with all connectioninformation stored in theStudio 3 project file, there is

no need to permanentlyconvert your files to theDatamine format; it’s a lotmore beneficial to retain

your preferred format and

let Studio 3 forge the links to your native data types.

Once loaded, you can easily export in any supported format if you wish to, of course.

The following enhancements have been introduced relating to project and file datamanagement in Studio 3:

Save, Load, Refresh and Reload Control

Studio 3 projects and project data can be saved using the highly-flexibleproject update dialogs.

These dialogs are shown context-sensitively and offer you theopportunity to save all files in a project, or selected files. You can use thesame interface to determine whether files are automatically reloaded the next time a projectis opened, making the initial setup of projects considerably quicker. In addition, data can besaved to the project file or as standalone, portable Datamine (.dm) files.

The ability to reload, refresh and unload data objects is available at any juncture in your

Studio 3 session. You can even refresh data from non-Datamine sources, using the DataSource Drivers technology; source file edits can be passed into the Studio 3 frameworkimmediately.

Project File Precision Control

Studio 3 offers unprecedented control over single- and extended-precision projects. Single precision projects can be upgraded to providesupport for extended precision files using a simple setting. The presenceof the precision status of a project is validated in all relevant areas,preventing mixed-project-precision issues. This concept is outlined fully

in the “Studio 3 Precision Settings” guide, which is available from your local Datamine office.

Data Object Manager

Studio 3’s Data Object Manager utility contains a wealth of functionsthat relate to the control and analysis of loaded object data. This “one-

stop shop” allows you to focus your data table-related activities in one

area. As well as providing an overview of the underlying data columns ofa particular object, you can also join and extract data from objects, add


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object attributes and apply data filters . Import and export options are also available.

This dialog is also available in Downhole Explorer, Present and NPV Scheduler.

Datamine Data Converter Utility

Datamine Data Converter (DDC) is a standalone application, nowprovided free-of-charge for Studio 3 users. This useful application

permits the transfer of data between different formats.

Specifically, it is aimed at providing a mechanism for the automatedtranslation of file formats on a batch-basis.

DDC allows you to access a subset of the available driver functions via a scripting

environment, allowing the process of conversion to be automated and batch-based. Thisutility has a dedicated help file and tutorials, and is available from the Extras folder onyour application CD.

Sirovision Data Driver

To accommodate the fully-integrated Sirovision window introduced inStudio 3, a new set of data drivers have been implemented tocomplement the extensive suite of data transfer options alreadyavailable.

The Sirovision data driver permits full control over the import of Sirovision string, point andsurface data, including the option to ‘decimate-on-import’ if required. Multiple (mosaic) image

files are handled so that full control over which aspects of a multi-image file are imported,and full texture support is included as standard for mesh imports.

Context-sensitive Save Options

File saving and archiving options been upgraded to provide more flexible

control over what happens when a change in a project is detected, ornew files have been created within the current session. Options areprovided to allow you to save files individually, and to determine

whether they are automatically reloaded when the project is nextopened. You also have the choice of whether data is to be saved within

the project file, or as a separate, portable Datamine file.

Edit Attributes Enhancements

The Edit Attributes facility has undergone some visual enhancementsin Studio 3, to provide an information-rich environment when selecting aparticular object's attribute.

Attributes are now visible as any combination of fill, line style, symboland description properties, making the selection of attribute values more

intuitive. The customizable nature of the new dialog ensures you will only see information

that is relevant to your particular needs.

Project “Locking Facility

To complement the range of tutorials that have been written exclusivelyfor Studio 3 users, a single demo data set now exists for core Datamine

projects, installed/updated with each new setup. This data is referenced


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throughout all of the Studio 3 tutorials, and is also shared by other products within theDatamine solution footprint.


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4 COMMANDS AND PROCESSES

Studio 3 commands and processes underpin the core

functionality of your system. The functionality availablewithin Studio 3 can be accessed using menus, toolbars,command syntax and process syntax.

Studio 3 Design Commands, such as make-the-dtm, link-single-outline, circle-from-edge-to-edge etc. are allaccessible from Studio 3 interface menus, or accesseddirectly using the Command line, in the Command output

window. These commands act on currently loaded (intomemory) data, optionally with additional parameterssupplied using further dialogs. Many of these designcommands will also have an associated quick-key

combination for rapid instigation during a Studio session.

Studio 3 Processes, such as HOLES3D, ESTIMA, PERFIL etc. are similar to commands, inthat they can also be accessed using the menu or command line, but instead of activating a

function directly, they provide an interface to allow you to specify parameters required tocomplete the process. Commonly, a process will result on the specification of an input file,parameters to control the process and an output file, although sometimes, the mostimportant result of a process will be the output to the Command window, for example,reporting summary statistics of an input geological model file.

All design commands and processed are fully-documented in Studio 3, with this informationprovided as both a standalone Help file, and an in-dialog reference panel.

The following enhancements have been introduced relating to design commands andprocesses. Please note that this does not represent an exhaustive list of changes:

ESTIMATE

ESTIMATE uses the ESTIMA process to estimate grades in a block

model. Estimate offers all the functionality of ESTIMA and INDEST (excluding unfolding), plus more, through a tailored dialog. It includesthe ability to save and restore search volume, estimation type and

variogram model information through the use of parameter files.

The ESTIMATE dialog is broken up into a series of tabs, which follow the process of gradeestimation from left to right. Each tab may contain controls and fields, or additional sub-tabs.There are a large range of commands and settings on offer, with each main tab accessing a

dedicated context-sensitive Help topic.

POLYDC Process

A new declustering super-process has been written for Studio 3.

It is common practice to take more samples in high grade areas in orderto improve the level of confidence in the estimation. However whendata are not on a regular grid then using the full data set with equal

weights for all samples will give a biased estimate of the mean, variance and histogram.


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The declustered weights take account of the proximity of neighbouring samples and thus leadto a better estimate of the statistical parameters, histograms, probability plots, QQ and PP

plots, etc.

The new POLYDC process calculates a set of declustered weights for a set of sample datausing the 3D polyhedra method which is the 3D equivalent of 2D polygonal declustering.

The existing DECLUST process also calculates declustered weights, but uses the rectangular

grid method. The POLYDC process has several advantages over DECLUST, with the mainone being the fact that weights are calculated for individual samples rather than all samplesin a grid rectangle being assigned the same value.

Grid-from-DTMs Design Command

A new command has been added to the Wireframes menu. Grid fromDTMs allows you to create minimum, maximum or average elevationprofiles consisting of a grid of points 'dropped' to the specified location,in relation to single or multiple wireframe surfaces.

Link-Multiple-Strings Design Command

Creating a bifurcated wireframe has been a traditionally difficult processfor CAD engineers. Studio 3 has now resolved the infamous 'trouser-leg'problem without the need for complicated guide string constructions by

implementing a new 3D Solid string linking method.

Dynamic Anisotropy Processes and Interface

Studio 3 delivers enhanced grade estimation functions via ESTIMA that

support dynamic anisotropy methods.

Two new processes, ANISOANG and APTOTRUE have been introducedto support this function. The dynamic anisotropy option allows the

orientation of an ellipsoid to be defined individually for each block in the model. Thisfunctionality has been added along with a full online user guide and command Help.

Dynamic Evaluation Reports

A useful dynamic geological model evaluation facility has beenintroduced in this release. This will allow you to interrogate geologicalblock model data using one or more evaluation strings projected tospecific elevations. The digitized evaluation zones can then be evaluated

against an evaluation legend instantly, updated automatically whenevaluation perimeter strings are edited.

VR Window Update Design Commands

Two new commands have been added to further integrate Studio 3’svirtual reality toolset; “update-vr-view” (shortcut key “vrv”) will resetthe VR window view to the current Design window view. The secondcommand, “update-vr-objects” (shortcut key “vro”) updates the VR

window according to the status of objects in the Design window.


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Enhanced String Vertex/Point Projection Options

It is often a requirement to 'drop' point or string vertex data onto a

particular surface. This version of Studio 3 sees the introduction of theProject Strings/Points dialog, accessed from the Sheets | VR folder'scontext menus.

Previously, projection of data was only possible with string data,whereas now, string or point data can be projected onto one or more surface or sectionobjects in memory. As well as a significant performance improvement, the new projection'engine' allows projected data to be output to any object, or the original data can be updated.

Complete customization of the projection direction is now possible, including selecting from aseries of default angles.


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5 WINDOWS, VR AND DATA PRESENTATION

Studio 3 provides several ways of viewing andinterrogating mining and geological data. It does this

through a variety of data windows, each of whichconcentrate on a different aspect of your data.

The viewing hierarchy is closely related the way in

which Studio 3 handles data and formats it for display;the data is loaded into memory as 3D objects which,depending upon their nature, can be viewed throughone or more of the windows. This data is generally

linked, and synchronized automatically, although youare given full control over this behaviour.

Studio 3 merges the functionality of existing Datamine

products to allow you access to a wide range of datamanipulating functions. Due to the diverse nature of the data objects being representedacross the full scope of Studio 3's processes, different viewports have been provided forspecific reasons. Easily accessible from tabs at the top of the data window, each area

represents a different functional category.

The following data display enhancements and features represent the most significant updatesintroduced since the first release of Studio 3:

Sheet Templates

Sheet templates are an efficient way of introducing standard content to

your plot or log views. They can be used to minimize the work requiredin generating a framework presentation project which can be re-used inthe future.

Applicable to both Plot and Log views, templates are stored in aproprietary format (.dmtpl) which can be read in Studio 3, Downhole Explorer or Presentapplications.

Sirovision Window

Studio 3’s Sirovision window is an excellent example of the integrationof a new technology. Datamine Sirovision is a new technology that

combines the power of digital photography with advanced mathematicsto create value for the Mining industry.

Sirovision produces rapid, accurate 3D structural models of mine features using affordabledigital cameras.

• Developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO), the Sirovision window in Studio 3 represents a truly integrated solution,providing seamless connections between the powerful structure analysis tools and

Studio 3's renowned proprietary technology.

• Sirovision uses digital images to generate three-dimensional (XYZ coordinatesintegrated with visual data) that can be used to provide valuable 3D information in

minutes. Data is generated at thousands of 3D points per second and the systemprovides facilities for accurate mapping and analysis such as characterization of


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discontinuity orientation patterns and measurement of discontinuity spacing andpersistence.

• Sirovision has been designed to support rapid mapping of mine features with aminimum of expertise in Photogrammetry. Using Sirovision, you can build accuratethree-dimensional models from sections as small as 2 square meters up to 40,000

square meters in minutes. Using this system you can also create multiple 3D imagesin order to build an extended panoramic image.

For more information on the Studio 3 licensed Sirovision option, please contact your localDatamine Representative.

VR Window Enhancements

The VR window is new to Studio 3, and is an embedded version ofDatamine’s powerful InTouch technology. This visualization facilityrepresents the Mining Industry’s first truly-integrated virtual realitysolution. Data that is used during resource/reserve analysis, mine

design, scheduling and reporting is the same as that used to presentyour virtual scenes in a memorable and unequivocal way. Since its inception, several

enhancements have been made to the VR window (and it’s standalone InTouch equivalent):

• Block Model Visualization: new controls have been added to the VR window toshow block model data in a variety of formats, and with full playback of sequencedgeological model animations.

• Visualizer File Support: Visualizer (.gvp) file support has been added to the VRwindow, allowing you to import and navigate exported Visualizer files, with or withoutsequence animation support.

•

VR Performance Enhancements: the Studio 3 VR window now has a newrendering engine that displays and animates data more quickly and smoothly than inprevious versions. This performance improvement has been ported to both Studio 3and InTouch applications

• View Sections in VR : a new Sections item type has been added to the VR window.These sections represent single planes, which can be used for digitising onto, forclipping with, or simply displayed for reference purposes. Sections can be infiniteplanes, or can have a plane width and height defined. Section planes may also beaccompanied by extents, which may have their own display settings, and can be usedfor creating a clipping range.

• VR Planes from Strings: Studio 3's VR window can now use strings digitised onto

wireframes to specify key planes, for example for joint space analysis. As part of this,a variety of new tools and visualisation methods have been added to help with theirgeneration and interpretation. These new commands are available under the newSiroJoint licensing module - contact your Datamine Representative for more details on

how to acquire this powerful tool set.

• View Block Models as Intersections: block models can now be visualized inparent- and sub-cell resolution according to planes defined in the current section

definition. This intersection can be defined according to any section currently inmemory, and files containing multiple planes are supported, allowing rapidinterchange of section.

•

VR Environment Settings Additions: the VR window's Environment Settings dialoghas been enhanced to provide support for double-sided lighting and data clipping.


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• View VR Surfaces as Intersections: You can now view VR surface or block modeldata as an intersection. Block model sections can also show sub-celling (only full cells

are displayed using the standard block model section control dialog). This intersectioncan be defined according to any section currently in memory.

• VR and Design Window Synchronization Options: New commands have been

added to the Design window's drop-down Format menu allowing you to synchronizedata objects and view directions between the Design and VR windows automatically.

Data Display Templates

New to Studio 3, but now available in several Datamine products, Data

Display Templates allow you separate style and content in your Studio 3projects; a template contains all the data display instructions (simple orcomplex), and can be stored either in memory for use within the currentproject, or can be transferred to an external file for use in another

project.

A data display template can contain variety of information. In a simple form, a template couldbe used to, say, color an object red, and rendered in 3D. This type of display template isrelatively generic and can easily be transferred to other object overlays of the same object

type (it is not possible to apply, say, a wireframe display template to a block model, forexample).

For more information on Data Display Templates, please refer to your online Help, or contactyour local Datamine Representative.

3D Grids

The concept of grid overlays has been vastly extended in Studio 3. Gridsare no longer restricted to simple 2D planes, but are now able to displaycontextual dimension data in 3 dimensions, and if required, snapped toan individual object.

Grids are used to indicate the overall dimensions along any of the view axes (XYZ). One of

the limitations of a standard flat grid is that it is often difficult to sense or interpret the extentof a 3D data object in a direction that is not orthogonal to the view. In the past, thisconundrum has been resolved by allowing non-orthogonal grids to be viewed in the Designand Plots windows, and this type of measure is a very useful aid for denoting a measurementthat is perpendicular to the viewing direction.

Mining Power Pack

Mining Power Pack, an incredibly useful bolt-on for Studio 3, now runsunder a Studio 3 Core License.

Mining Power Pack is an Add-In for MS Excel® 97, 2000 and 2002,primarily focused on providing utilities for working with geological and

mining-related data within Excel. Most of the utilities enable the rapid processing and

manipulation of mining evaluation data. In particular, the facilities in Mining Power Packenable automatic weighting of mineral grade values, which otherwise are only obtained in


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Excel by a tedious and time-consuming entry of functions cell-by-cell. These capabilitiescomplement the existing facilities in Excel.

Mining Power Pack is supported by a standalone Help file, including tutorials. It alsocomprises a demonstration data spreadsheet to help you to familiarise yourself with thisrenowned utility.

Quick Legends

Studio 3’s Quick Legend facility is used to produce number-basedlegends (i.e. legends that interpret the numeric data of an underlyingobject when it is associated with an overlay of that object). Using a cut-

down single-screen version of the Legend Wizard, you can rapidlygenerate ranged legends based on underlying object table contents.

OLE Plot Items

Studio 3 provides a variety of proprietary plot items that you can add to

your plot views to enhance a particular presentation. These items,although not directly 'built' from the same data format as, say, ageological block model or wireframe, they can report the contents ofloaded objects of this type.

Plot items can be static (for any items that will remain 'as constructed' no matter whichunderlying data is present) or linked (meaning that the information reported by the item can

change according to certain aspects of the operating environment - such as a change of dataobject, or projection, or section and so on).

Images in Log Views

Introduced in Studio 3, log views can be 'linked' to an external filecontaining a list of images. In fact, a particular hole display can be linkedto any number of images. For example, hole VB3764 is supported, for aparticular FROM and TO length interval, by color-enhanced imagery of acore sample, as well as a filtered view showing concentrations of aspecific mineral deposit within the sample.

Both of these images are useful for interpretation and presentation purposes, and both relateto a particular downhole sample.

Extended North Arrow Support

North Arrows are a standard plot item in Studio 3, one of many availabletemplates available from the Plot Item Library.

Arrow plot items have been enhanced in this release, and are now basedon flexible TrueType® technology, allowing dynamic scaling and

formatting to be applied, with or without snapping or aspect ratio preservation.

In addition to this upgrade, Arrow plot items can now be associated with grid overlays. GridArrows allow independent, local-coordinate-system indicators to be shown in either 2D or 3D.Consult your help file for more details.


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6 PERFORMANCE & USABILITY

Clearly, there’s little point in introducing more features than your hardware

can cope with. Within Datamine, it is an established business ethic to fit inwith your business capabilities; it is important that your Datamineapplications functional to their full potential on the designated hardware.

This has driven Datamine to invest much effort in ensuring that Studio 3sits comfortably within your IT environment, and continuous code

optimization projects ensure that the code that sits behind your application is as efficient as itcan be. The mining industry traditionally deals with high-resolution data sets, particularly in

the area of geological analysis, and our developers are focussed on delivering the mosteffective solutions for today’s hardware. On- and off-disk technologies are used to their fullpotential.

The following enhancements have been introduced relating to system performance andusability:

Wireframing Performance Increases

Embracing the latest advances in wireframing technologies, a new

wireframing method has been added to the boolean dialogs, responsiblefor managing the interaction of wireframe data. This method, in manysituations, can increase the speed of a boolean operation and manage

large data sets even more effectively than the benchmark set by Studio2.

Clip-to-Perimeter Improvement

The clip-to-perimeter command has been optimized and now shows a

significant speed gain.

Improved VR Window Rendering

The Studio 3 VR window now has a new rendering engine that displaysand animates data more quickly and smoothly than in previous versions,

using OpenGL technology This performance improvement has beenported to both Studio 3 and InTouch v2.0 applications, and has openedup more possibilities for future feature implementations.

Quick Profile Loading

The loading of environment profiles in Studio 3 has been greatlyaccelerated following focussed code optimization. Profiles now

load/reload within a matter of seconds.


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7 WIREFRAMING AND BOOLEANS

Wireframes (also referred to as surfaces or solids in CAD or other modeling softwareprograms) are 3D objects that can be generated by one of the following methods in Studio 3.

All of the Boolean and plane operations already popular with Studio 2 users have been portedto the Studio 3 framework and, in many situations, they have been improved both in termsof additional control and command capabilities.

In summary, wireframes in Studio 3 can be created using the following methods:

• using Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) wireframingtechniques on 3D strings and/or points objects

• using String Linking techniques on 3D strings objects

• using Wireframing Manipulation techniques on

existing wireframe objects

The following enhancements have been made to Studio 3’s wireframing functions. All of thefunctions listed below are described at both context and concept levels within your Studio 3online Help.

Alternate Boolean Method Now Available

Embracing the latest advances in wireframing technologies, anew optional method has been added to the boolean dialogs,responsible for managing the interaction of wireframe data. Thismethod, in some situations, can increase the speed of a boolean

operation and manage large data sets more effectively. Thisenhancement has been offered in addition to the previouswireframing function to provide the best solution for the data incontext.

This method of linking strings to produce wireframe volumes defines a series of regions foreach string as either ‘open’ or ‘closed’ based on whether neighbouring strings overlap whenlooking in the direction of wireframing. When a string contains two or more closed regions abranch will be included in the wireframe.

For more information on this method of linking strings, please refer to your Studio 3 onlineHelp.

DTM Creation Functionality

Studio 3's Digital Terrain Model creation facility has beenenhanced to provide even more control over precisely how stringvertices are linked to generate the resulting 3D terrain mesh.

The previous Create DTM Dialog has now been superseded bya multi-screen Create DTM Wizard.

You are given full control over the generation of spur objects, the use of boundary strings andthe alignment of the projection plane.


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Grid from DTMs Function

A new command has been added to the Wireframes menu.

Grid from DTMs allows you to create minimum, maximum oraverage elevation profiles consisting of a grid of points 'dropped'

to the specified location, in relation to single or multiplewireframe surfaces.

Link-Multiple-Strings command

Creating a bifurcated wireframe has been a traditionally difficultprocess for CAD engineers. Studio 3 has now resolved the

infamous 'trouser-leg' problem without the need for complicatedguide string constructions by implementing a new 3D Solid string linking method.

Wireframe-Split command

Splits a solid wireframe into two parts using a plane which can

be the view plane, a plane (specified by azimuth, inclination anda reference point), or a plane picked using the pointer.

Wireframe-Section

The previous multiple-wireframe-slice command has now beensuperseded by a more versatile version of the command.

Wireframe-Section creates a string where a defined plane cutsthrough a wireframe object, using the new Wireframe SectionDialog.

Extended Boolean Plane Options

You can now specify sections created in the VR window in any ofthe wireframe planar operations, e.g. split by string, multiple

section etc. This has been provided in addition to the currentlyavailable plane definition options (North-South, East-West andHorizontal) and integrates the VR and Design windowwireframing operations more closely.

Any VR section can be specified in this way for planar operations.Creating a bifurcatedwireframe has been a traditionally difficult process for CAD engineers. Studio 3 has nowresolved the infamous 'trouser-leg' problem without the need for complicated guide string

constructions by implementing a new 3D Solid string linking method.


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8 DOCUMENTATION AND SUPPORT

Studio 3 is Datamine’s most extensivelydocumented application to date. All areas of the

system are documented thoroughly and clearlyand much effort has been exuded in the creationof a dynamic information framework that evolves

simultaneously with the application.

Detailed Help is offered at context (F1) level, witha series of detailed conceptual topics supportingyour learning of the system. Step by step general

procedures are shown at every appropriate place,and the entire Studio 3 system is complementedby a suite of tutorials that will help you familiarizeyourself with your system, and get the most out of

it as quickly as possible.

Documentation is not a replacement for face-to-face training, and we are keen to encouragethe continued increase in uptake for our training courses. All of Studio 3’s documentation has

been written to complement our world-beating training, and provides an invaluable referencefor any Studio 3 user.

Help delivery is an important aspect of your application, and Datamine take it very seriously.

Full Context-sensitive and Conceptual Help

All Studio 3 dialogs now support context-sensitive Help. Pressing

in any dialog will produce a Help file relevant to the dialogon display.

Much effort has been invested in ensuring that information isboth up-to-date and, wherever required, conceptual, supportinginformation is provided.

Data Source Driver Help Updates

Datamine's proprietary Data Source Drivers facility has longbeen used to facilitate data transfer between Datamineapplications and a variety of industry-standard formats.

Documentation for each driver has been completely rewrittenand implemented to ensure you get the most out of this powerfuldata management system. Click , or press Help in any data

import or export dialog to view these new files.

Screen Capture Facility

The facility to record simulations created in the VR window hasbeen available since the introduction of Studio 3.

This facility has now been extended to allow you to capture theoutput from any Studio 3 data window, in .avi or .wmv format,

using all available compression routines.


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Tutorials

Datamine training courses offer tailored solutions for both newand current customers. Every release of Studio 3 is assisted by a

set of tutorials that cover all aspects of your system, and havebeen written to be commensurate with Datamine’s seminaltraining methodology. Referencing demonstration data (installedautomatically), these tutorials are an important part of yoursystem.

Tutorials are available for the following subjects:

• Introductory Tutorial: introduces all key aspects of Studio 3, and is an invaluabletool for anyone wishing to upgrade from Datamine Studio 2.

• Open Pit Design Tutorial: this tutorial covers the stages involved in creating an

ultimate pit design.

• Underground Design Tutorial: this tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3features used for the creation of a strategic mine design which would typically form

part of a feasibility study or a long term plan of a mine planning cycle. It includes thedesign of workings for an ex-pit decline, footwall development and a Cut and Fillmining method.

• Data Presentation Tutorial: this tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3

features used for presenting the electronic data that you would typically create in thegeological modeling, grade estimation, mine design and mine planning stages of aMine Planning Cycle.

• Grade Estimation Tutorial: This tutorial introduces you to the key Studio 3 featuresused for grade estimation. Typically 'grades' are estimated into the cells of ageological block model in order to generate a resource block model, which wouldtypically be used as input into a feasibility study or a short-medium-long term plan of

a mine planning cycle. Alternatively, 'grades' can estimated using panel outlines andresults saved to a results table, without creating a block model.

• Scripting Tutorial: this tutorial will raise your awareness of the potential ofautomating some of your business processes using the wide variety of tools and

components on offer, and provide a solid basis for learning more about this powerfulaspect of Studio 3.

•

Macro Writing Tutorial: This tutorial aims to introduce you to the basic tools and

techniques used to write effective macros in Studio 3.

• Datamine Data Converter Tutorial: This tutorial contains a series of exercises tohelp you understand the processes behind data conversion using the Datamine DataConverter (DDC).

• Legends Tutorial: a series of exercises is available to take you through some of thekey processes involved in managing the display of your Studio 3 data.

• Mining Power Pack Tutorial: understand and use Mining Power Pack from aninformed perspective by following this tutorial.


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9 SCRIPTING AND AUTOMATION

Extended Automation Facilities

Scripting in Datamine Studio 2 was introduced in order to bring together commands whichappeared in the dmserver (now referred to as Datamine ‘processes’) with those in thegdserver (Design window). This was achieved by creating a new parsable scripting languagewhich was based loosely on the existing MACRO language.

Studio 3 introduced the concept of an object model to the Datamine operating environmentand offered a valuable opportunity to implement more granular automation. This newscripting facility was created to take full advantage of Studio 3’s object-model, and nowextends far beyond the confines of the previous macro-supported environment.

Access to any COM-aware scripting environment automatically presents the full flexibility ofthe Studio 3 scripting environment. Unprecedented control of objects, via the DatamineStudio application programming interface, provides a boundless opportunity for automation.

Datamine Script Converter

The increase in functionality, and provision of a powerful, accessible

and flexible object model has necessitated some changes to the wayscripts are interpreted, and subsequently, if you wish to use your

existing Studio 2 scripts within Studio 3, it is possible that someupdating may be required to ensure scripts run as expected, withouterrors, and to make the best use of the new architecture.

Datamine Script Converter is a tool that will assist you in the upgrade of your existing,pre-Studio 3 scripts, so that they can achieve the same results in Studio 3 as they did inprevious versions. These tasks are undertaken using a combination of automatic updating,and the analysis and reporting of areas requiring manual modification, either using the Script

Converter dialog or an external script editing facility.

Macro File Name Size Increased

The maximum number of characters for Datamine file names usedin macros has been increased from 8 to 20. This upgrade applies

both to standard commands, for example !COPY&IN(T1234567890), &OUT(Q1234567890ABC), and also to macrospecific commands such as !FILE, !FIELD and !LINK. The maximum

number of characters in filenames stored in catalog files has alsobeen increased to 20. A catalog file contains a list of files to be

processed and is mainly used in macros for deleting files (!DELETE) or appending (!APPEND)more than two files.

The maximum number of characters per line allowed in a macro remains unchanged at 80.


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New Macro Writing Tutorial

A new Macro writing tutorial has been provided, now available from

your Studio 3 drop-down menu system under Help | Tutorials |Macro Writing Tutorial.

This tutorial relies on the installed DM Tutorial demo data set, andtakes you through the key points of creating, editing and recording

macros to automate repetitive Studio 3 tasks.

Scripting from .NET

It is now possible to reference the Studio 3 object model from within

a .NET framework.

This has been implemented so that all intellisense is full operational,allow scripters full access to this facility within .NET. From more

information on scripting, please refer to your Studio 3 ScriptingTutorial, which can be accessed using Help | Tutorials | Scripting

Tutorial.


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