Australian mining software developer Deswik has launched a new set of GeoTools – Deswik.Mapping and Deswik.Sampling – for digital geological mapping and sampling.

The new Deswik.Mapping, a Windows tablet application, digitalises the traditional, paper-based geological mine mapping process, enabling geologists to photograph the mine face, create three-dimensional (3D) maps and log sample data in situ on a mobile device.

“The application improves the consistency of geological mapping by enabling geologists to use standardised methods, styles and formats when recording their observations, ensuring that all data is captured to an agreed standard,” says Deswik.GeoTools product manager Nick Anderson.

The tools, which integrate seamlessly with the Deswik suite, eliminate the double handling of data that takes place when geologists transfer paper-based drawings and notes to a software programme on returning to the surface of the mine.

Custom symbols, colours, sizes and names can be used and parameters set to ensure all required data is recorded for every aspect of the section of an area being mapped, while the photographic images can be overlaid with geological mapping.

Employing reference data, such as survey markers and tunnel design, the user can easily set up a location in 3D space ready for mapping.

Geological maps created using Deswik.Mapping can be imported into Deswik.CAD, integrated with other Deswik modules or exported to standard CAD formats.

“For those wanting to manage their sampling activities directly within their existing 3D environment, Deswik has developed the Deswik.Sampling tool,” Anderson adds.

Sampling data can be collected offline within the Deswik.Mapping application while collecting geological mapping data, and underground geologists can manage their face sampling activities directly in their existing 3D mine environment.

By means of this tool, geologists can create and visualise chip and channel sample locations directly in their 3D mine model, log geological attributes and retrieve analysis data from external data sources.

“By bringing their assay results into the same 3D integrated environment as other geological and mining data, our users are in a position to make more informed decisions,” he continues.

Deswik’s flagship suite of products, namely Deswik.CAD, Deswik.Sched, Deswik.LHS and Deswik.MDM, is used by mining companies on six continents, including Africa, across the opencut coal, underground coal, openpit metals and underground metals sectors.