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 through the Project Explorer by selecting 3D Views and then right-clicking on Import OMF to 3D View.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop OMF files directly from Windows Explorer onto the Oasis montaj grey desktop background. This action will open theImport OMF to 3DV dialog, where the datasets contained in the selected OMF file will be displayed and prepared for import.

Import OMF to 3DV dialog options

OMF file	Browse and select the OMF file to import.
Output 3DV file	Provide a name for the 3D View file. By default, the file will inherit the name of the input OMF file. However, you can override this default setting. 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. 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. OMF files can store various types of 3D geospatial datasets, organized by data type. These include: Points Lines Drillholes 3D triangulated meshes (surfaces) 2D rasters (grids, images) 3D rasters (block models, voxels) A single OMF file may encompass any combination of these data types, or even just one. When importing OMF files, you have the flexibility to select and import all, a subset, or just a single data.

Application Notes

When creating a 3D View, you will be prompted to provide coordinate system information. If you know the correct coordinate system, it is recommended to set it during import, as it will apply to all datasets created in the process, including the 3D View.

For most data types contained in an OMF file, a new Geosoft file type is generated:

• Points: For each points dataset, a Geosoft database (.gdb) is created, and the points are imported into this database. Their locations are 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 drillhole set, related datasets (e.g., collars, traces, or numeric/text downhole measurements) are imported into new Geosoft database files (.gdb). The information is 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 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 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 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 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.

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:

• https://gmggroup.org/projects/
• https://omf.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

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+