Export Project to OMF

Use the Project > Export Project to OMF menu option (geogxnet.dll(Geosoft.GX.GEO3DV.Export3DVToOMF;RunForProject)*) to export Geosoft grids, voxels, and geosurfaces from your current project to an OMF file. This file can then be shared with a variety of other mining and geoscience software applications (see the Application Notes below for more details on OMF). The export option can also be accessed from the context menus in the Project Explorer.

Export Project to OMF dialog options

Output OMF file

Specify the name of the output OMF file. By default, the file will inherit the name of your current 3D view; however, you can override the default setting.

Coordinate system

The coordinate system saved with your 3D view parameters is displayed. Use the [Modify] button to change the coordinate system information. All selected datasets to be exported will be "reprojected on the fly" to this coordinate system (see Application Notes).

  • A warning appears to the right of the field if any of the selected datasets do not have a defined coordinate system.
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    Coordinate system units

    The length units of the current coordinate system are displayed. Use the [Modify] button to change the coordinate system projection and units.

    Title

    Enter a title for the OMF file metadata. By default, the title will inherit the name of your current 3D view; however, you can override this setting.

    Description

    Enter a description for the OMF file metadata. This field is optional.

    Items to export

    The tree list displays all the grids, voxels, and geosurfaces currently added to your project. Change the data to be exported by selecting or deselecting individual datasets. Hold down the Shift key to select or deselect multiple datasets simultaneously.

    At the bottom of the window, you can use the Select All or Select None buttons to manage your selections efficiently.

  • See the Application Notes below for more details on OMF file format and supported data types.

    • [Regrid Voxels]

    If the selected voxels are rotated or have variable cell sizes, you may need to resample them before exporting to your destination software. Click this button to open the Regrid Voxels for OMF Export dialog, where you can adjust the regridding parameters for the selected voxels.

  • The tooltip beside the button provides information about the number of cells and dimensions of the selected voxels, as well as the resulting number of cells in the OMF file before and after applying regridding for "non-uniform" voxels (refer to Regrid a Voxel for additional details).

    • Application Notes

    *The GX.NET tools are embedded in the geogxnet.dll file located in the "...\Geosoft\Desktop Applications \bin" folder. If running this GX interactively, bypassing the menu, first change the folder to point to the "bin" directory, then supply the GX.NET tool in the specified format. See the topic Run GX for more details on running a GX.NET interactively.

    Reprojection

    Spatial datasets displayed in Oasis montaj or Target can have different coordinate systems. When exporting project data to an OMF file, all selected datasets will be "reprojected on the fly" to a single coordinate system – the one specified in the Coordinate system field. All data in the OMF file will use this coordinate system. Care should be taken to avoid mixing datasets without defined coordinate systems, as this could result in mislocated datasets.

    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 standardized file format for mining software, enabling files to be easily imported or exported between programs. It is specifically designed to represent spatial objects, including drillholes, block models, and surfaces.

    OMF offers:

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

    Supported Data Types

    OMF files support many types of 3D geospatial datasets including:

    • 2D rasters (grids, images)
    • 3D rasters (block models, voxels)
    • 3D triangulated meshes (surfaces)

    OMF and the Global Mining Guidelines Group

    The initial release of OMF in 2017 included support for basic structures, including points, lines, surfaces, meshes, and volumes. The subsequent version expanded functionality to incorporate block models.

    OMF is a collaborative initiative developed under the guidance of the Global Mining Guidelines group (GMG). The GMG aims to foster broad industry engagement, which is crucial to the success of this endeavor. To support this goal, GMG has launched a global outreach program, including a sub-committee comprised of representatives from software vendors and mining companies. Together, they are shaping the future direction of the format.

    For more information, go to:

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

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

    See Also: