Carlson Mining 2020 has added new options to its recently released Mining 2020 software, including modules for Geology, Surface Mining, and Underground Mining.

Able to run on AutoCAD® 2015-2020 and equipped with IntelliCAD 9.2, it enhances block modelling, variograms, mining solids with improved 3D viewing and rendering, design and scheduling, according to Grant Wenker, Vice President of Carlson Mining.

“These additions further expand the capabilities of the Carlson Mining Suite, linking the office software closer to the Carlson Laser Measurement and Machine Control solutions,” he said.

Carlson Mining 2020’s Variogram features multiple updates including the ability to process multiple strata and attributes at once, data point composting, cross variable geostatistical analysis with cross variograms, a method to auto-fit model variograms, and output lag results, according to the company.

The Block Model Viewer, meanwhile, now shows a legend of grade names and assigned colours. Users can switch the grade parameters for viewing the blocks coloured by a different attribute, without exiting the command, in addition to defining new grade parameters by attribute value range while in the viewer.

The Surface Equipment Timing has several upgrades with the 3D pick tool such as the ability to define attribute equations to display in the charts, tooltip settings that display values, automatic tracking of non-key tonnage, and an undo button, the company said. “Speed has been improved – allowing pit assignment within a few seconds even with up to 35,000 pit blocks,” Carlson Mining said.

There are new commands to create solid models including by grade from a block model and by 3D triangulation from a cloud of points. Additionally, there is a new option to create a solid using a Carlson surface object – providing better performance, as opposed to drawing hatched 3D faces, especially on larger models. The new solid-by-section model uses a series of slices through a model to make edits.

Another new tool within Carlson 2020 is the Settings Migration Wizard. This tool provides a new way to transfer Carlson and CAD settings between previous versions of Carlson. When using Carlson 2020 for the first time, the Migration Wizard gives users the chance to transfer the settings.

Along with Carlson Mining 2020, Carlson is also releasing 2020 versions of Carlson Survey, Carlson Civil, Carlson GIS, and Carlson Hydrology. The release also includes Carlson Takeoff Suite, which is made up of Carlson Construction, Carlson GeoTech, Carlson CADNet, and Carlson Trench modules.