Learn how to easily import a CAD file into Minex.
In today’s quick tip we’ll be discussing how to easily import a CAD file into GEOVIA Minex. You can use the Import DXF/DWG function to import DXF and DWG files that have been generated in Minex or in other software packages, for example, AutoCAD®.
Before we start, please ensure that:
- Your Geometry (*.GM3) files is open
1. Select File from the drop down menu and navigate to Import DXF/DWG
2. The Import DXF/DWG form will open. Next, navigate using the browse button and select the DWG file you wish to import.
3. After selecting the file, Minex provides Parameter options to associate a Group and/or MAP associated with this data. For this example, I will associate this date with the SURVEY map. You can also select the Load Strings according to the type of data you are importing:
a) Default: Imports strings in their default format.
b) Mask Data: Imports strings as Mask data. Mask data is 3D string data used to represent closed polygons.
c) Basemap Data: Imports basic string data as Basemap data. Basemap data is used to represent lines, text, symbols, color fill areas, and dimensioning in the 3D Graphics display.
4. The next options Minex provides are Reset Zero and Import paper space objects.
a) Reset Zero: Resets the zero coordinates of imported objects. For example, if you are importing title block data, which is stored at X,Y coordinates of 0,0 and you set them to the coordinates of the main set of data to be imported. If this box remains cleared, the objects are imported with their original coordinates.
b) Import paper space objects: If selected, ‘Paper space’ objects are imported. Paper space objects are objects that exist in the DXF or DWG files in sheet coordinates, rather than in world coordinates. For example, legends, north signs, and scale bars.
7. The final step is to select OK and the imported file is now available in Minex for the engineer for design and scheduling.
5. The next step is to scan the file we are importing. This option updates the fields in the Layers tab with all the layers that will result from the import. After I’ve selected Scan File, in the LAYERS tab I can check that the fields have updated correctly with Layer, Map, Ident and Class names.
6. I can now select the Lines and Colors tab and check all line types and colors and make edits where desired. To import data as a string of points, select Join lines to form strings. To remove duplicate data points during the import, select Delete duplicate points.
7. The final step is to select OK and the imported file is now available in Minex for the engineer for design and scheduling.
Ryan is GEOVIA Services Director, North America with over 13 years of experience in the mining industry. He provides consultative selling expertise to enterprise mining clients, with a focus on 3D applications, Mine production management, and business process transformation. Based in Ohio, USA, Ryan specializes in GEOVIA Minex and InSite and enjoys playing ice hockey in his spare time.