Import OMF to 3D View

Use the 3D View > Import OMF menu option (geogxnet.dll(Geosoft.GX.GEO3DV.ImportOMFTo3DV;Run)*) to create a new 3D View and import selected datasets from an OMF file. The new 3D View is added to the current project and listed in the Project Explorer under the 3D Views section.

This tool can also be accessed from the Project Explorer by selecting 3D Views and right clicking Import OMF to 3D View.

You can also drag OMF files directly from Windows Explorer and drop them on to Oasis montaj grey desktop background. The Import OMF to 3DV dialog will open, and the datasets contained in the selected OMF file and ready to import will be displayed.

Import OMF to 3DV dialog options

OMF file	Browse for, and select the OMF file to import.
Output 3DV file	Specify the new 3D View file name. The default name will be automatically assigned as the same name as in the input OMF file name. 3D Views are created and saved as "*.geosoft_3dv" files.
Select items to import	The tree list shows all datasets that are contained in the selected OMF file. Change the data to be imported by selecting or deselecting individual datasets. Holding down the Shift key allows you to select or deselect multiple datasets. You can also use the Select All or Select None buttons at the bottom of the window. OMF files can contain many types of 3D geospatial datasets, which are shown grouped by the type of data. These types include: points lines drillholes 3D triangulated meshes (surfaces) 2D rasters (grids, images) 3D rasters (block models, voxels) A single OMF file may contain all, some or only one of these datatypes. When importing OMF files, you can also choose to import all, some or only one type.

Application Notes

When creating the 3D View, you will be asked to provide the coordinate system information. If you know the correct coordinate system, it is best practice to set this on import since it will be applied to all of the datasets that are created during the import, including the 3D View.

For most of the datatypes that are contained in an OMF file, a new Geosoft file type is created.

For example:

• Points - for each points dataset, a Geosoft database (.gdb) is created, and the points are imported to this database. The points locations are then displayed in the 3D View.
• Lines - for each lines dataset, a vector line object is displayed in the 3D View. No new file is created on disk.
• Drillholes - for each set of drillholes there might be several related datasets, for example, collars, traces, downhole measurements of numeric or text values. For each set of data, a new Geosoft database (.gdb) is created, and the data are imported to this database. The drillhole information is then displayed as points in the 3D View.
• Surfaces - for each 3D mesh dataset, a Geosoft surface file (.geosoft_surface) is created, and the 3D mesh data is imported. The surface is then displayed in the 3D View.
• Grids - for each raster dataset, a Geosoft grid file (.grd) is created, and the raster data is imported. The grid is then displayed in the 3D View.
• Block models - for each block model, a Geosoft voxel file (.geosoft_voxel) is created, and the block model data is imported. The voxel is then displayed in the 3D View.

The Geosoft files created during the import (e.g.,databases, grids, voxels, geosurfaces) will be added to the Project Explorer.

After creating the 3D View, you may add additional data to the view, using the Add to 3D menu.

What is OMF?

The Open Mining Format (OMF) is an open geoscience exchange format for sharing 3D geospatial data within the mining industry. OMF provides a common file format for mining software, and allows files to be easily imported or exported between programs. It is specifically designed to represent spatial objects, such as drillholes, block models and surfaces.

The Open Mining Format offers:

• The ability to easily share data between software packages
• The capacity for companies to seamlessly share data internally or externally
• A more streamlined and efficient approach that eliminates manual or convoluted transfer processes

About OMF and the Global Mining Guidelines group

The first version of OMF, launched in 2017, supports basic structures including points, lines, surfaces, meshes and volumes. The second version will be extending the support of block models.

The Open Mining Format is a collaborative effort, created under the guidance of the Global Mining Guidelines group (GMG). The GMG is focused on fostering broad industry engagement, which is key for this initiative’s success. The GMG has initiated a global outreach program including a sub-committee comprised of representatives from software vendors and mining companies working together to direct the future of the format.

For more information go to:

• https://gmggroup.org/projects/data-exchange-for-mine-software
• https://omf.readthedocs.io/en/latest

Which software vendors and applications can create and/or import OMF files?

Several software vendors have adopted, or are in the process of adopting OMF as a common format for exchanging mining datasets.

These include:

Vendor	Software
Deswik	Deswik.CAD 2019
Dassault Systèmes	GEOVIA Surpac 2019 MineSched 2019
Micromine	Micromine 2020
Seequent (formerly Geosoft)	Oasis montaj 9.7+ Target 9.7+
Seequent (formerly Aranz Geo)	Leapfrog Geo 4.2+