Aussie world 1st claim with mining software deployment

Peter Dinham
Thursday, 14 May 2009 11:04

IT Industry - Strategy

GeoScience Victoria (GSV) claims an Australian first with implementation of a system from mining software and services company, Runge, that GSV says allows it to seamlessly build, manage and distribute high-quality 3D models.

GeoScience director, Kathy Hill, said that through a competitive tender process, Runge had provided GSV with tools to manage 3D model data using their mining dynamics software.

Hill said three-dimensional geological models were becoming the primary tool for resource explorers looking for new mineral deposits, geothermal energy or groundwater resources, and “GSV needed to develop a consistent and systematic environment in which 3D models in a range of formats could be prepared, manipulated, stored, discovered, visualised and delivered.

“The ability to quickly and easily access 3D models is critical. These models need to be available to internal and external clients while at the same time protecting sensitive industry data.”

According to Hill, GSV manages a huge amount of geological data collected by government and industry, and existing systems for managing this information were not suitable for 3D data.

“The vision was to create a system that was the ‘first point of call’ for anyone building or requesting a model within GeoScience Victoria for use in and outside the organisation.

“Information management is integral to all GSV projects. The solution proposed by Runge and later implemented helped GeoScience Victoria move from 2D to a 3D view of geosciences information.

“Together we have implemented a 3D model management tool that brings together content-rich, standardised metadata, business processes and native model format transformation.”

According to Hill Runge developed a customised solution for GSV using mining dynamics’ core functionality, which is delivered through a web browser, and she maintained that the system had attracted interest from companies and government agencies from around Australia.

Runge mining dynamics manager, Glen Kuntz, said the company had worked closely with GSV to deliver a solution which could now be modified as processes matured and changed.