DIPS v7 -MANUAL

 3D Stereosphere

For the 3D Stereosphere view, various 3D display options can be selected.

 Edit Object Properties

The Sidebar also allows you to interactively edit the properties of stereonet objects
(e.g. user planes) and drawing tools (e.g. cones, arrows, text etc.). For example, when you click
on an object in the stereonet view, the object will become selected (highlighted) and the object
properties will appear in the Sidebar. You can then edit the object properties in the Sidebar
(e.g. color, orientation etc.) as required. When finished press Enter or click the mouse
anywhere in the view and the new object properties will be saved.

 Display Sidebar on Left or Right

By default, the Sidebar appears at the left side of the Dips application window. The
Sidebar can be displayed either on the left or right side by choosing the desired option in the
Preferences dialog. When you change the Preferences this will take effect the next time you
start the program.

2.5 SAVE FILE

The Save option in the toolbar or the File menu, is used to save your Dips file. This
will save all of the data which you see in the Grid view, and also the information in the Project
Settings and Traverse Information dialogs. A Dips version 7 file has a .dips7 filename
extension.

In addition, all Sets, Planes, Tools, Plotting and Display Options are automatically saved
for all open stereonet views. This information is saved in a file with a *.dipsvs filename
extension (the view state file) which is saved within the *.dips7 zip file.

2.6 INFO VIEWER

The Info Viewer option provides a convenient summary of your Dips file in its
own view.

The Info Viewer will always list:

 The Project Settings and Traverse information.

 The Global Mean Vector orientation.

In addition:

 If you have created any planes with the Add Plane option, these will be listed.

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 If you have created Sets with the Add Set Window option, a summary of all Set
information is provided in the Info Viewer, including mean planes, Set statistics and
window limits.

The Info Viewer is available in the toolbar or the Analysis menu.

 Copy to Clipboard

The Info Viewer listing can be copied to the Windows clipboard, for pasting into a

document or report. The Copy option is available in the toolbar, the Edit menu, or by
right-clicking in the Info Viewer view.

 Printing

The Info Viewer listing can also be sent to a printer, with the Print option in the File
menu.

2.7 PREFERENCES

The Preferences option in the File menu allows you to select various program
preferences for Dips. The following options are available.

 Show Tabs for Multiple Windows

If this option is selected, tabs for selecting the views will appear at the bottom of the
application window, when multiple views are open. You may find this convenient for switching
views when the view size is maximized within the application window.

 Open Stereonet View for v5 files

When you open a Dips (version 5.0) file, a Grid View of the data is displayed by default.
If this checkbox is selected, then a Grid View AND a Stereonet view will automatically be
displayed when you open a Dips version 5 file. You may choose to open either a Pole Plot or a
Contour Plot. If this checkbox is NOT selected, then only the Grid View will appear when you
open a Dips version 5 file.

 Sidebar Position
By default, the Sidebar appears on the left side of the Dips application window. This
preference allows you to choose the default sidebar location (left or right). This setting takes
effect the next time you start Dips, not during the current session.

 Enter Key Navigation

In Standard mode, when you enter a value in the spreadsheet and press Enter, the focus
will move down the current column. In As Tab mode, when you press the Enter key, the focus
will move across the current row, and at the end of a row will jump to the first column in the
next row.

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 Maximum Number of Intersections to Display

The Intersection > Grid Data Planes option will plot the intersections of ALL of the
planes in the main Dips spreadsheet or Grid View. That is, each plane in the file will be
intersected against every other plane in the file. In general, this leads to a large (or very large)
number of intersections. Depending on the number of planes in your Dips file, the display of
all grid data plane intersections may cover most of the stereonet, obscuring other plot data.
The maximum number of grid data plane intersections which get displayed can be limited with
the Maximum Number of Intersections to Display option in the Preferences dialog.

2.8 CUSTOM KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

User-defined keyboard shortcuts (using the Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys) can be defined for most
program options with the Keyboard Shortcuts option.

1. Select Keyboard Shortcuts from the File menu.

2. You will see the Customize Keyboard Shortcuts dialog.
3. At the left of the dialog you will see a list of all program options for which a shortcut can be
assigned. Choose an option. If a shortcut already exists for the option it will be listed in
the Current Keys window.
4. To create a new shortcut or modify an existing shortcut, click the mouse in the Shortcut
Key edit box. To define a shortcut, press the Ctrl and/or Shift and/or Alt keys, and a
number or letter. Select the Assign button to assign the shortcut to the command. If the
shortcut is already in use a message will be displayed.
5. Select OK to save your input.

 Reset Shortcuts

To reset all shortcuts to the program defaults, select the Reset All button in the
Customize Keyboard Shortcuts dialog.

2.9 IMPORT DATA FROM EXCEL

Many Dips users use the Microsoft Excel program for storing and organizing their data.
They then transfer this data into Dips for plotting and analysis.

Dips cannot directly read data from an Excel file. However, a suggested method of
transferring data from Microsoft Excel into Dips, is outlined below.

2.9.1 Import from Clipboard

The simplest way of transferring data from Excel into Dips, is to use the Windows
clipboard to copy and paste columns of data from Excel into Dips. This can be done as follows:

1. In Dips, select File > New to create a new Dips file.

2. Select Analysis > Project Settings to configure the main setup parameters defining your
Dips file. This includes:

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 Global Orientation Format
 Declination
 Quantity Column
 Traverses

See these topics for detailed information about each of the Project Settings options.

3. In Excel, select all of the data that you would like to transfer to Dips. Note:
 Only the data beneath the column titles is required. However, if you do include the row
containing column titles, you may find this useful as a guide for naming the column
titles in Dips (see step 5). This row can then be deleted afterwards.

When the desired data has been selected in Excel, select Copy.

4. In Dips, place the cursor at the desired position in the grid (for example, the Row 1 Column
1 grid cell), and select Paste. All the data selected in Excel should now appear in
the Dips grid. Note:
 Any data columns AFTER the Orientation1, Orientation2, Quantity column (if present),
and Traverse column (if present), will be automatically created in Dips, if they did not
previously exist.
5. If you selected the row containing the column titles (as suggested in Step 3 above), and
columns were automatically created (as mentioned in Step 4), then you can use this row as
a guide, to name the columns in the Dips file:
 Right-click the mouse on the header button of a column and select Edit Name from the
popup menu.
 Enter the required name. Repeat this procedure for each column, as necessary.
 When all columns have the correct name, you must now DELETE the row of the file
(in Dips) containing the column titles. To do this, you can right-click the mouse on the
left-most button of the row, and select Remove Row from the popup menu.
6. Your Dips file should now be ready for plotting and analysis. Before you start working with
the file, it is a good idea to save the file.

2.9.2 Import Planes / Tools File

The Import Planes / Tools File option in the File menu allows you to read in planes,
sets and tools from any of the following Dips file types:

 *.dips7 file (dips version 7 zip file which contains a *.dipsvs file)
 *.dipsvs file (dips view settings file from dips version 6)
 *.dwp file (dips windows and planes file from dips version 5)

The *.dipsvs and *.dwp files may contain:

 ADDED planes (created with the Add Plane option)

 Set Windows and MEAN planes (created with the Add Set Window option)
 Drawing Tools added with the options in the Tools menu (e.g. Lines, Cones, Text etc.).

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When a planes / tools file is read back into Dips:

 Any ADDED planes in the file will be added to the current document, as if they had been
added with the Add Plane option.
 Any Set Windows in the file will be read in, and new Sets will be created, as if they had
been added with the Add Set Window option (i.e. MEAN PLANES WILL BE CALCULATED,
BASED ON THE DATA IN THE CURRENT DOCUMENT WHICH FALLS WITHIN THE WINDOW
LIMITS.)
 Any drawing Tools in the file will be displayed on the stereonet.

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III. DATA INPUT
3.1 DATA INPUT OVERVIEW

The primary input data options for Dips are the Project Settings dialog,
the Traverses dialog and the main spreadsheet referred to as the Grid view.

 Project Settings

The Project Settings dialog allows you to set up the main parameters of your Dips file
such as the Global.

 Traverses

The Traverses dialog allows you to enter traverse orientation and type. Traverses can be
used for bias correction and data processing (e.g. oriented core).

 Grid View

The Grid View is the main Dips data entry spreadsheet. Raw orientation data is entered
in the first two columns of the Grid View. Other input data columns can be created as required.

These are the main options for setting up your Dips file and inputting of raw data.

3.2 PROJECT SETTINGS

The Project Settings dialog allows you to configure the following settings defining
your Dips file:

 Global Orientation Format

 Declination
 Traverses
 Quantity Column
 Distance Column
 Units
 Project Summary

In most cases you will need to use the Project Settings option before you begin entering
data for anew file.

Note: The Traverses option in the Project Settings dialog is also available directly in
the Analysis menu.

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3.2.1 Global Orientation Format

The Global Orientation Format in the Project Settings dialog determines how Dips will
interpret the two orientation columns in the data file (i.e. the first two mandatory columns
of your file). There are four possible choices:

 DIP / DIP DIRECTION 00;000 (planar feature)

 STRIKE (Right) / DIP 000;00 (planar feature, right hand rule for strike)
 STRIKE (Left) / DIP 000;00 (planar feature, left hand rule for strike)
 TREND / PLUNGE 000;00 (use this for linear measurements or for pole vectors of planes)

The Global Orientation Format determines the format of all data units in the file, with
the following important exceptions:

1. If the data is assigned to a Traverse which uses oriented core (i.e. Linear BH Oriented
Core or Curved) OR ...
2. If the traverse Data Format option has been used to indicate a different orientation format
for a given Traverse.

NOTE:

 For STRIKE and DIP, the "handedness" (right hand rule or left hand rule) can be
interpreted as follows: hold the specified hand flat, with the palm down and the thumb
extended at 90 degrees to your fingers. When your fingers point down dip, your thumb
will indicate the direction of strike.
 Changing the Global Orientation Format AFTER data has been entered in the
spreadsheet, will NOT convert the data in the orientation columns. If you wish to save
data in a different orientation format, use the Save Processed file option.

3.2.2 Declination

The Declination in the Project Settings dialog can be used for azimuth correction. This
is typically used to correct for magnetic declination, but can be used to adjust to grid north.

If you have already adjusted your measurements with your compass, then leave the
default value of 0 (zero) declination, since additional correction is not required.

NOTE: The declination is ADDED to all azimuth values, so use:

 a POSITIVE value to correct for EAST declination

 a NEGATIVE value to correct for WEST declination

e.g. a Declination of –7 indicates a declination of 7 degrees WEST

The figures below illustrate the definition of east and west declination. Note that the
east/west terminology refers to the offset of the original (unadjusted) azimuth, WITH
RESPECT TO the final (adjusted) azimuth (i.e. either true north or grid north).

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Example of EAST declination (enter declination as POSITIVE value)

Example of WEST declination (enter declination as NEGATIVE value)

In any case, always remember that the declination value you enter in Project Settings
is ADDED to all azimuth values. So enter the declination value accordingly (positive or
negative) to achieve the desired correction to true north or grid north.

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 Declination for Borehole Traverse Type

If you are using Borehole Traverses, and if borehole trends (azimuths) are taken from
grid north, you must use ZERO Declination. The Declination, if non-zero, will be applied to
the borehole trends (azimuths). This is the Orient 3 value in the Traverse Information dialog.

 Declination for Clinorule Traverse Type

If you are using Clinorule Traverses, and if clinorule drift orientations (reference lines)
are taken from grid north, you must use ZERO Declination.

 Declination for Kinematic Analysis Slope Direction

When you define the Slope Dip Direction for a Kinematic Analysis, by default the
Declination (entered in Project Settings) is NOT applied to the Slope Dip Direction (entered
for the Kinematic Analysis). If you wish to enter uncorrected values of Slope Dip Direction,
then you must select the Declination button beside the Slope Dip Direction edit box to
apply the azimuth correction. If the Declination button is toggled on, then the Declination
value (entered in Project Settings) will be applied to the Slope Dip Direction used for
Kinematic Analysis. If you have already manually applied the azimuth correction for Slope Dip
Direction, then do not select the Declination button.

NOTE: when you apply the Declination , the value of Slope Dip Direction you enter
in the edit box, will NOT change. The correction will be applied to the kinematic analysis
results, but the input value will remain the same.

3.2.3 Columns

If your file requires a Quantity or Distance column, these are enabled by selecting the
corresponding checkbox in the Project Settings dialog.

See the Quantity Column and Distance Column topics for details.

3.2.4 Units

The Units option in Project Settings allows you to

choose Metric or Imperial units. The Units option is only applicable when
recording distance measurements along linear or borehole traverses, and Distance
is recorded in the Distance Column.

 If Units = Metric, then Distance measurements must be entered in meters.

 If Units = Imperial, then Distance measurements must be entered in feet.

The selected Units are applicable for the following options which require a
Distance column:

 Joint Spacing
 RQD Analysis

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 Joint Frequency
 Curved boreholes (collar / survey file)

The Units do not affect orientation data input.

3.2.5 Project Summary

The Project Summary page in the Project Settings dialog allows you to input some
basic information about your project, including:

 Project Title
 Analysis Info
 Author
 Company
 Date
 Comments

This information can be displayed as follows.

 Info Viewer

The Project Summary information will be listed in the Info Viewer listing.

 Added Text

The Project Summary information can easily be added to plots (e.g. when generating
screen captures for reports etc.) with the Add Text option. The information can be added as
dynamic text which will automatically update to reflect the information in the current file
you are viewing.

NOTE: the current Author and Company can be saved as the default for all new files by selecting
the Defaults button in Project Settings.

3.3 TRAVERSES

Traverses are lines or surfaces of known orientation on which joint / discontinuity data
has been collected. Traverses are defined in the Traverse Information Dialog and assigned to
joint measurements using a Traverse ID. See the following topics for details.

 Traverse Information Dialog

 Traverse Type
 Traverse ID
 Data Format / Traverse Format
 Traverse Column

Traverses are used for the following purposes in Dips:

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 To group data units according to the traverses on which the data was collected (e.g.
linear scan lines, planar traverses, borehole traverses), using the Traverse ID.
 To weight the data to correct for measurement bias. Weighting is used when
the Terzaghi Weighting option is applied to contour or rosette plots. It is also used in the
calculation of weighted mean vectors, when Sets are created, and for kinematic analysis
when the weighting is applied.
 Traverses can be used to combine data with different orientation formats (e.g. dip / dip
direction and strike / dip data) within the same Dips data file using the Data
Format option.
 Traverses are essential for defining and processing oriented core data using either Linear
BH Oriented Core or Curved BH Oriented Core traverse types.

To enter traverse information, select Traverses in the Analysis menu, and enter data in
the Traverse Information dialog.

3.3.1 Traverse Information Dialog

Traverses are defined in the Traverse Information dialog, which can be accessed by
selecting:

 The Traverses option in the Analysis menu or

 the Traverses button in the Project Settings dialog or
 the Traverses button in the toolbar

To define traverses:

1. In the Traverse Information dialog, the Traverse Types are listed at the left of the dialog.
2. Select a Traverse Type (e.g. Linear). Note: the number of currently defined traverses for
each Traverse Type is listed in brackets beside each traverse type. For example, if there are
5 Linear traverses currently defined, you will see Linear (5) displayed in the Traverse Type
list.

3. Select the Add button to add the number of rows corresponding to the number
of new traverses you would like to define for the currently selected Traverse Type. Enter
the number of rows and select OK.
4. For each traverse, enter the Traverse ID and other data required for the selected Traverse
Type.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 as necessary to define all required traverses.

You may define any number of traverses and use any combination of different traverse
types in the same Dips file.

 Traverse Type

The following Traverse Types can be defined:

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 Linear Traverse
 Planar Traverse
 Linear BH Oriented Core
 Linear BH Televiewer
 Curved BH Oriented Core
 Curved BH Televiewer
 Clinorule

 Traverse ID

Traverse ID can be any alpha-numeric code, and is used to associate joint

measurements entered in the main Dips spreadsheet, with the traverses on which they were
measured.

 Data Format

The Data Format in the Traverse Information dialog, refers to the format of
the orientation data collected on the traverse. This is the data format which is expected to
be entered in the main spreadsheet.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format in the Traverse Information dialog, refers to the format used to
record the orientation of the traverse. This is the format which is expected to be entered in
the traverse dialog, to define the orientation of each traverse.

3.3.2 Traverse ID

A Traverse ID is used to identify traverses, and must be entered in:

 the Traverse Information dialog

 the Traverse Column in the main Dips spreadsheet.

The Traverse ID is used to associate joint measurements in the main spreadsheet, with
the respective traverses on which the data was measured.

In Dips version 7, the Traverse ID can be any alpha-numeric code.

NOTE: in earlier versions of Dips, the Traverse ID was restricted to integer values.

When you initially Add traverses in the Traverse Information dialog, the Traverse ID
values are automatically assigned default ID values, according to the Traverse Type (e.g.
Linear traverses are initially assigned L1, L2, L3, etc.) However, you may enter any numeric
or alpha-numeric value for a Traverse ID.

Each Traverse ID must be unique; you cannot use the same ID for different Traverses.

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For curved borehole traverses, the Traverse ID is also required when you input the
collar and survey data in the Traverse dialog.

Every Traverse ID entered in the Traverse Column in the main spreadsheet, must have
a corresponding Traverse defined in the Traverse dialog, or else an error message will be
displayed in the sidebar.

3.3.3 Data Format / Traverse Format

For each Traverse Type in the Traverse Information dialog, you will notice that there is
a Data Format and a Traverse Format.

 The Data Format in the Traverse Information dialog, refers to the format of the orientation
data collected on the traverse. This is the data format which is expected to be entered in
the main spreadsheet.
 The Traverse Format in the Traverse Information dialog, refers to the format used to record
the orientation of the traverse. This is the format which is expected to be entered in the
traverse dialog, to define the orientation of a traverse.

Summary of possible Data Formats and Traverse Formats for each Traverse Type.

Traverse Type Data Format Traverse Format

Dip/Dip Direction, Strike(Right)/Dip, Strike(Left)/Dip,
Linear Trend/Plunge
Trend/Plunge
Dip/Dip Direction, Strike(Right)/Dip, Strike(Left)/Dip, (Same as Data
Planar
Trend/Plunge Format)
Linear BH Oriented
Alpha/Beta (oriented core) Orient 1/2/3
Core
Dip/Dip Direction, Strike(Right)/Dip, Strike(Left)/Dip,
Linear BH Televiewer Trend/Plunge
Trend/Plunge
Curved BH Oriented Survey File + Orient
Alpha/Beta (oriented core)
Core 1
Curved BH Dip/Dip Direction, Strike(Right)/Dip, Strike(Left)/Dip,
Survey File
Televiewer Trend/Plunge
Dip/Dip Direction, Strike(Right)/Dip, Strike(Left)/Dip,
Clinorule Trend/Plunge
Trend/Plunge

 Data Format

The Data Format allows you to specify the orientation format of data collected on
traverses, for the following traverse types - Linear, Planar, Linear BH Televiewer, Curved BH
Televiewer, Clinorule. The following Data Formats are available: Dip/Dip Direction,
Strike(Right)/Dip (right hand rule for strike), Strike(Left)/Dip (left hand rule for strike),
Trend/Plunge (use this for linear measurements or poles to planes).

 By default, the Data Format for these traverse types is the same as the Global
Orientation Format (entered in Project Settings).

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 However, the Data Format allows you to specify a different orientation format for a
traverse. This is useful when combining data from different sources or when combining
measurements of LINEAR features with measurements of PLANAR structures. For
example, you could record Dip/Dip Direction data on one traverse, and Strike/Dip data
on another traverse, and use the Data Format option to specify the formats.
 NOTE: if the Data Format (for a traverse) is different from the Global Orientation
Format (entered in Project Settings), the DATA FORMAT IN THE TRAVERSE DIALOG WILL
OVERRIDE THE GLOBAL ORIENTATION FORMAT.

For the Oriented Core traverse types (i.e. Linear BH Oriented Core, Curved BH
Oriented Core) the Data Format is always Alpha/Beta (i.e. oriented core measurements). This
is indicated in the Data Format column, and cannot be changed by the user for oriented core
traverse types.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format indicates the orientation format you must use for a given
traverse type. The Traverse Format cannot be changed by the user; it is determined by the
traverse type. The Traverse Format display is for information purposes and cannot be edited
by the user.

 For Linear, Linear BH Televiewer and Clinorule traverse types, the Traverse Format is
always Trend / Plunge.
 For Planar Traverses, the Traverse Format is determined by the selection of the Data
Format (i.e. Traverse Format = Data Format). For example, if the Data Format = Strike
(Right)/Dip, then you must also use Strike(Right)/Dip to define the Traverse Orientation.
 For Linear BH Oriented Core, the Traverse orientation requires three values - Orient
1/2/3 - see the Linear BH Oriented Core topic for a definition of these values.
 For the Curved Borehole traverse types (Curved BH Oriented Core and Curved BH
Televiewer), the Traverse Orientation is defined by entering data from a survey file
under the Survey Data tab in the Traverse dialog. Additionally, for Curved BH Oriented
Core, a value of Orient 1 must be entered. The definition of this value is the same as
required for the Linear BH Oriented Core traverse, see that topic for details.

3.3.4 Traverse Type

In the Traverse Information dialog, there are seven different Traverse Types that can
be defined in Dips.

 Linear - a linear traverse can be any type of linear scanline on which orientation data is
collected along a straight line with constant trend / plunge (e.g. scanline, tunnel wall
mapping or processed borehole)
 Planar - a planar traverse where joint measurements are collected on a 2D surface (e.g.
wall mapping)
 Linear Borehole (Oriented Core) - oriented core taken from a borehole which is assumed
to have a constant orientation (trend / plunge)

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NOTE: in Dips version 6 this was simply referred to as the Borehole traverse type.
In Dips version 7 the name has been changed to Linear BH Oriented Core, but the
functionality is identical to the Dips version 6 Borehole traverse type.
 Linear Borehole (Televiewer) - a linear borehole in which the true joint orientations have
been obtained from televiewer processing or other method (e.g. processed oriented
core)
NOTE: A Linear BH Televiewer traverse is exactly equivalent to a Linear traverse, and is
included for consistency with the naming conventions of the other borehole traverse types.
 Curved Borehole (Oriented Core) - oriented core taken from a non-linear borehole, with
borehole curvature defined by a survey file
 Curved Borehole (Televiewer) - a non-linear borehole in which the true joint
orientations have been obtained from televiewer processing or other method, and the
borehole curvature is defined by a survey file
 Clinorule - a linear traverse on which the joint measurements are recorded using
a Clinorule

3.3.4.1 Linear Traverse

A Linear traverse can be any type of linear scanline on which planar orientation data
is collected along a straight line with constant trend / plunge (e.g. scanline, tunnel wall
mapping or processed borehole).

 Traverse ID

For a Linear traverse, the default Traverse ID will have an "L" prefix (e.g. L1, L2 ...)
when you initially add/create traverses. After adding traverses, you can change the default
ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

The Data Format refers to the orientation format of the data collected on a traverse.
For each linear traverse, the orientation format of the data you enter in the first two
columns of the main Dips spreadsheet, must correspond to the Data Format selected in the
Traverse dialog. The following Data Formats are available:

 Dip/Dip Direction
 Strike(Right)/Dip
 Strike(Left)/Dip
 Trend/Plunge

The Data Format option allows you to specify the orientation format for individual
traverses. This allows you to combine different data formats within the same Dips file. By
default, the Data Format for a Linear traverse is the same as the Global Orientation
Format (entered in Project Settings). If the Data Format (for a traverse) is different from
the Global Orientation Format (entered in Project Settings), the DATA FORMAT IN THE
TRAVERSE DIALOG WILL OVERRIDE THE GLOBAL ORIENTATION FORMAT. See the Data
Format / Traverse Format topic for more information.

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 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format refers to the orientation format used to define the orientation
of the traverse itself. For a Linear traverse, the Traverse Format is ALWAYS Trend / Plunge,
regardless of the Data Format.

In the above example, the traverses L1 and L2 are horizontal scanlines with different Trend values.

 For Traverse L1: Trend = 210 / Plunge = 0

 For Traverse L2: Trend = 190 / Plunge = 0

Remember, a Linear traverse is ALWAYS defined by its Trend and Plunge, even if
the Data Format specifies a plane vector format (e.g. Dip/Dip Direction or Strike/Dip) for
the orientation data recorded on the Linear traverse.

3.3.4.2 Planar Traverse

A Planar traverse is a planar surface on which joint orientation measurements have

been collected over a 2D area (e.g. wall mapping).

 Traverse ID

For a Planar traverse, the default Traverse ID will have a "P" prefix (e.g. P1, P2 ...)
when you initially add/create traverses. After adding traverses, you can change the default
ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

The Data Format refers to the orientation format of the data collected on a traverse.
For each planar traverse, the orientation format of the data you enter in the first two
columns of the main Dips spreadsheet, must correspond to the Data Format selected in the
Traverse dialog. The following Data Formats are available:

 Dip/Dip Direction
 Strike(Right)/Dip
 Strike(Left)/Dip
 Trend/Plunge

The Data Format option allows you to specify the orientation format for individual
traverses. This allows you to combine different data formats within the same Dips file. By
default, the Data Format for a Planar traverse is the same as the Global Orientation
Format (entered in Project Settings). If the Data Format (for a traverse) is different from
the Global Orientation Format (entered in Project Settings), the DATA FORMAT IN THE

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TRAVERSE DIALOG WILL OVERRIDE THE GLOBAL ORIENTATION FORMAT. See the Data
Format / Traverse Format topic for more information.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format refers to the orientation format used to define the orientation
of the traverse itself. For a Planar traverse, the Traverse Format is always the same as the
Data Format.

For a Planar traverse the format of Orient 1 and Orient 2 entered in the Traverse
dialog must correspond to the Traverse Format. In the above example:

 For Traverse P1: Dip = 45 / Dip Direction = 100

 For Traverse P2: Strike(Right) = 180 / Dip = 25

3.3.4.3 Linear Borehole (Oriented Core)

NOTE: The Linear Borehole Oriented Core traverse type in Dips version 7 is exactly
equivalent to the Borehole traverse type in Dips version 6 and earlier versions. Only the
name has been changed for consistency with the new curved borehole traverse type names
in Dips version 7.

The Linear BH Oriented Core Traverse Type should be used when you have oriented
core taken from a linear borehole (i.e. a borehole which is assumed to have a constant
Trend / Plunge orientation for the length of the borehole). If the mapping has been
conducted on core recovered from a linear borehole, then THREE orientations are required
in the dialog to define the Linear BH Oriented Core traverse:

000; 000; 000 (Orient 1 / Orient 2 / Orient 3)

If you have oriented core from a non-linear (curved) borehole which has curvature
defined by a survey file, then you should use the Curved BH Oriented Core traverse type
rather than the Linear BH Oriented Core option.

 Traverse ID

For a Linear BH Oriented Core traverse, the default Traverse ID will have an "LBH-
OC" prefix (e.g. LBH-OC1, LBH-OC2 ...) when you initially add/create traverses. After adding
traverses, you can change the default ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

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 Data Format

For a Linear Borehole Oriented Core traverse, the Data Format is always Alpha /
Beta, which refers to the local angles alpha and beta for discontinuities logged on oriented
core. In the main Dips spreadsheet, you must enter Alpha / Beta values in the Orientation
Columns for Linear BH Oriented Core traverses. This overrides the Global Orientation
Format, which is not applicable for traverses which use oriented core. See the oriented core
data topic for the definitions of alpha / beta.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format for a Linear BH Oriented Core traverse requires THREE
values: Orient 1/2/3 as described below.

 ORIENTATION 1

The angle from the top of core to the reference line (measured clockwise looking in the down core
direction). Use 0 if the borehole is vertical.

 ORIENTATION 2

The inclination of the borehole axis from the zenith. Use 0 for a borehole oriented
vertically upwards, and 180 if the borehole is oriented vertically downwards.

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 ORIENTATION 3

The azimuth of the borehole measured from true north. For a vertical borehole, use
the clockwise angle from true north to the reference line, looking along the direction of
borehole advance.

3.3.4.4 Linear Borehole (Televiewer)

A Linear Borehole Televiewer traverse is a linear borehole in which the true joint
orientations have been obtained from televiewer processing or other method (e.g. oriented
core data which has already been processed into true Dip/Dip Direction).

The Linear Borehole Televiewer traverse type is exactly equivalent to

the Linear traverse type. You can use either one. It is included for consistency with the

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naming conventions of the new Curved Borehole traverse types; and also to make a clear
distinction between boreholes which use unprocessed oriented core data.

 Traverse ID

For a Linear BH Televiewer traverse, the default Traverse ID will have an "LBH-T"
prefix (e.g. LBH-T1, LBH-T2 ...) when you initially add/create traverses. After adding
traverses, you can change the default ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

The Data Format options for a Linear Borehole Televiewer traverse are the same as
for a Linear traverse.

 Dip/Dip Direction
 Strike(Right)/Dip
 Strike(Left)/Dip
 Trend/Plunge

See the Linear Traverse topic for details.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format for a Linear Borehole Televiewer traverse is always Trend /
Plunge of the Linear borehole, regardless of the Data Format. See the Linear Traverse topic
for details.

3.3.4.5 Curved Borehole (Oriented Core)

The Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse type should be used when you have:

 a non-linear borehole with curvature defined by a survey file

 unprocessed oriented core with joint orientations recorded as local alpha / beta angles
on the core

The Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse option allows you to process the
oriented core data into true dip/dip direction or strike/dip; and to apply the Terzaghi
Weighting to the joints, by determining the orientation of the borehole for each joint
measurement and applying the appropriate weighting factor based on the relative
orientation of the borehole and the joint plane.

If you have processed oriented core taken from a curved borehole (e.g. already
processed using Dips or other application), or if measurements are processed from
Televiewer, then you can use the Curved Borehole Televiewer option rather than

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the Curved Borehole Oriented Core option, to apply the Terzaghi weighting to the
measurements.

 Traverse ID

For a Curved BH Oriented Core traverse, the default Traverse ID will have a "CBH-
OC" prefix (e.g. CBH-OC1, CBH-OC2 ...) when you initially add/create traverses. After adding
traverses, you can change the default ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

For a Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse, the Data Format is always Alpha /
Beta, which refers to the local angles alpha and beta for discontinuities logged on oriented
core. In the main Dips spreadsheet, you must enter Alpha / Beta values in the Orientation
Columns for Curved BH Oriented Core traverses. This overrides the Global Orientation
Format, which is not applicable for traverses which use oriented core. See the oriented core
data topic for the definitions of alpha / beta.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format for a Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse is Orient 1
+ Survey File.

 The Survey File data is entered in the Survey Data tab in the Traverse Information dialog.
 Orient 1 has the same definition as for a Linear Borehole Oriented Core traverse. See
below for details.
 Orient 1

For a Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse, the Orient 1 value has the same
definition as for a Linear Borehole Oriented Core traverse. It is the angle from the top of
core to the reference line, measured clockwise looking in the down core direction. See
the Core topic for details.

NOTE: for a Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse, it is assumed that the value
of Orient 1 is constant for the entire length of the curved borehole traverse. If this is not
the case, then you will have to define a separate traverse for each change in the value of
Orient 1 along a curved borehole.

 Collar Data

For Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverses, the collar data is entered in the Collar
Data tab in the Traverse dialog.

1. Select the Collar Data tab.

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2. Select the Add button to add the required number of rows. This should correspond to the
number of Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverses defined under the Traverses tab.
3. Enter the Traverse ID for each traverse. The Traverse IDs should be the same as entered
under the Traverses tab. You can use Copy/Paste to transfer the traverse IDs.
4. Enter the XYZ values of the collar locations (XYZ = Easting, Northing, Up).
5. Enter the Total Depth (length) of each Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse.

NOTE: The Collar Data is not currently used in the Dips analysis, however it will be
used for filtering and viewing purposes in a future update.

 Survey Data

For Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverses, the survey data is entered in
the Survey Data tab in the Traverse dialog.

1. Select the Survey Data tab.

2. Select the Add button to add the required number of rows. This should equal the total
number of survey readings for ALL Curved Borehole Traverses that you are defining.
3. Enter the Traverse ID for each survey point. Traverse IDs entered in the Survey tab should
correspond to those entered in the Traverse tab and Collar tab.
4. Enter the Distance readings for the survey points.
5. Enter the Trend / Plunge readings for the survey points.

NOTE:

 The orientation format convention for survey file data is always Trend / Plunge. This is
equivalent to the standard Azimuth / Dip terminology commonly used to record
borehole survey orientations.
 The conventions used for Plunge (e.g. positive or negative) are determined in

the Settings dialog, see below for details.

 For multiple traverses, data is entered consecutively in the ID, Distance, and Trend /
Plunge columns for ALL traverses.
 Curved Borehole Options

For Curved Borehole traverses, if you select the Settings button at the
bottom of the Traverses dialog, the following options are available.

Plunge Options (Survey Data)

There are two options for defining the Plunge convention for Survey Data:

 Negative = Down, Positive = Up

 Positive = Down, Negative = Up

If you choose the Negative = Down option, then negative plunge values will
represent the downward direction for the survey data.

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If you choose the Positive = Down option, then positive plunge values will represent
the downward direction for the survey data.

NOTE: this option ONLY applies to Survey Data plunge values entered for curved
traverses in the Traverse dialog. It does NOT affect the data conventions used in the
main Dips spreadsheet.

De-survey options

For analysis purposes, curved borehole surveys in Dips are represented by a series of
linear segments. There are two possible de-survey options. The Linear, at segment
ends option, will directly connect the survey points with linear segments. The Linear, at
mid-points option, will assume each survey point is the mid-point of a linear segment, and
generate the segments accordingly.

3.3.4.6 Curved Borehole (Televiewer)

The Curved Borehole Televiewer traverse type should be used when you have:

 a non-linear borehole with curvature defined by a survey file

 joint orientations processed into true dip/dip direction or strike/dip readings using
televiewer or other method (e.g. processed oriented core)

The Curved Borehole Televiewer traverse option allows you to apply the Terzaghi
Weighting to joints measured on a curved borehole, by determining the orientation of the
borehole for each joint measurement and applying the appropriate weighting factor based
on the relative orientation of the borehole and the joint plane.

If you have unprocessed oriented core taken from a curved borehole (i.e. alpha/beta
angles) then you should use the Curved Borehole Oriented core option rather than
the Curved Borehole Televiewer option.

 Traverse ID

For a Curved BH Televiewer traverse, the default Traverse ID will have a "CBH-T"
prefix (e.g. CBH-T1, CBH-T2 ...) when you initially add/create traverses. After adding
traverses, you can change the default ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

The Data Format options for a Curved Borehole Televiewer traverse are the same as
for a Linear traverse.

 Dip/Dip Direction
 Strike(Right)/Dip
 Strike(Left)/Dip
 Trend/Plunge

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See the Linear Traverse topic for details.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format for a Curved Borehole Televiewer traverse is Survey File. The
Survey File data is entered in the Survey Data tab in the Traverse Information dialog. See
below for details.

 Collar Data

For Curved Borehole Televiewer traverses, the collar data is entered in the Collar
Data tab in the Traverse dialog.

1. Select the Collar Data tab.

2. Select the Add button to add the required number of rows. This should correspond to the
number of Curved Borehole Televiewer traverses defined under the Traverses tab.
3. Enter the Traverse ID for each traverse. The Traverse IDs should be the same as entered
under the Traverses tab. You can use Copy/Paste to transfer the traverse IDs.
4. Enter the XYZ values of the collar locations (XYZ = Easting, Northing, Up).
5. Enter the Total Depth (length) of each Curved Borehole Televiewer traverse.

NOTE: The Collar Data is not currently used in the Dips analysis, however it will be
used for filtering and viewing purposes in a future update.

 Survey Data

For Curved Borehole Televiewer traverses, the survey data is entered in the Survey
Data tab in the Traverse dialog.

1. Select the Survey Data tab.

2. Select the Add button to add the required number of rows. This should equal the total
number of survey readings for ALL Curved Borehole Traverses that you are defining.
3. Enter the Traverse ID for each survey point. Traverse IDs entered in the Survey tab should
correspond to those entered in the Traverse tab and Collar tab.
4. Enter the Distance readings for the survey points.
5. Enter the Trend / Plunge readings for the survey points.

NOTE:

 The orientation format convention for survey file data is always Trend / Plunge. This is
equivalent to the standard Azimuth / Dip terminology commonly used to record
borehole survey orientations.

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 The conventions used for Plunge (e.g. positive or negative) are determined in

the Settings dialog, see below for details.

 For multiple traverses, data is entered consecutively in the ID, Distance, and Trend /
Plunge columns for ALL traverses.

 Curved Borehole Options

For Curved Borehole traverses, if you select the Settings button at the
bottom of the Traverses dialog, the following options are available.

Plunge Options (Survey Data)

There are two options for defining the Plunge convention for Survey Data:

 Negative = Down, Positive = Up

 Positive = Down, Negative = Up

If you choose the Negative = Down option, then negative plunge values will
represent the downward direction for the survey data.

If you choose the Positive = Down option, then positive plunge values will represent
the downward direction for the survey data.

NOTE: this option ONLY applies to Survey Data plunge values entered for curved
traverses in the Traverse dialog. It does NOT affect the data conventions used in the
main Dips spreadsheet.

De-survey options

For analysis purposes, curved borehole surveys in Dips are represented by a series of
linear segments. There are two possible de-survey options. The Linear, at segment
ends option, will directly connect the survey points with linear segments. The Linear, at
mid-points option, will assume each survey point is the mid-point of a linear segment, and
generate the segments accordingly.

3.3.4.7 Clinorule Traverse

Mapping in magnetic orebodies (sulphides, disseminated base metals) is normally

impossible using a magnetic compass. Difficulties may also arise where rockbolts and
screen are present as ground support in underground excavations.

In these environments, it is necessary to measure joint orientations using a device

called the CLINORULE.

 Clinorule Description

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This is a simple device (normally used in carpentry or by underground drillers)
consisting of two arms connected at one end by a pivot hinge. On this hinge, there is an
angle measure (ranging from 0 to 180 or from 0 to 360 degrees) to record the angle formed
by the two hinged arms. It is handy, as well, if one of the arms is fitted with a bubble level
along its EDGE. This is to allow accurate measurement of DIP.

 Data Measurement

DIP is measured by holding the arm with the level in a horizontal position such that
the other arm moves in a vertical plane about the hinge. Move the second arm until it is
parallel with the DIP (line of maximum slope) in the joint plane. Read off the (acute) angle
as the DIP.

The azimuth direction is taken as a relative angle with respect to a REFERENCE LINE.
This line is usually the axis of a drift of tunnel but can be any reference direction which is
known (accurate measure of this reference azimuth should be taken from level plans).

For example, if the CLINORULE is used to measure relative STRIKE, hold one arm of
the clinorule so that it is parallel to the REFERENCE LINE. Treat this as local "NORTH". Move
the other arm (in a horizontal plane) so that it is parallel to the strike line (line in the plane
which is horizontal) obeying the RIGHT or LEFT HAND RULE as appropriate (be consistent).
Read this angle as the apparent STRIKE.

 Traverse ID

For a Clinorule traverse, the default Traverse ID will have a "CL" prefix (e.g. CL1, CL2
...) when you initially add/create traverses. After adding traverses, you can change the
default ID values to any numeric or alpha-numeric values.

 Data Format

The Data Format options for a Clinorule traverse are the same as for
a Linear traverse.

 Dip/Dip Direction
 Strike(Right)/Dip
 Strike(Left)/Dip
 Trend/Plunge

See the Linear Traverse topic for details.

 Traverse Format

The Traverse Format for a Clinorule traverse is always Trend / Plunge, and is applied
as follows.

 The azimuth of the CLINORULE REFERENCE LINE (see above) is input in the Traverse
Information dialog as the Trend of the traverse.

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 This value is ADDED to the DIPDIRECTION or STRIKE data measured on the traverse and
recorded in the Orientation Columns .
 The CLINORULE traverse acts as a LINEAR traverse for bias correction.

 Declination

Ensure that the Declination in the Project Settings dialog is ZERO if clinorule drift
orientations are taken from grid north.

 Examples

An example traverse information line (in the Dips data file) for a horizontal clinorule
reference line with an azimuth of 250 degrees is shown below:

1;CLINORULE;250;00;Main Access Drift

An example Dips file which uses the CLINORULE Traverse Type is the
EXAMCLIN.DIPS7 file, which you should find in the Examples folder in your Dips installation
folder.

3.4 GRID DATA

It is assumed that the user is familiar with standard spreadsheet operations, and these
will not be described here. However, a few noteworthy features of the Dips Grid are described
below:

 Grid View

The Dips data entry grid or spreadsheet is referred to as the Grid View. Only one Grid
View may be displayed per document. If the Grid View has been closed (and other views of the
document are still open), you can generate a new Grid View with the New Grid View option in
the Window menu.

 Last Row

A valid row is a row which contains a valid orientation data pair in the two Orientation
Columns. If non-numeric, or blank data is encountered in the Orientation Columns, Dips will
ignore ALL rows in the spreadsheet including and AFTER the first such row, for the purposes of
plotting, etc. Therefore, you MAY NOT leave blanks or write comments in the Orientation
Columns, all rows must contain valid numeric orientation data pairs, in order for data to be
plotted. In this way, Dips makes no assumptions about the data plotted (i.e. a blank is NOT
interpreted as equal to zero, etc.).

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 Data Columns

The Dips data columns are described in detail in the following topics:

 Overview of Data Columns

 Orientation Columns
 Quantity Column
 Traverse Column
 Set Column
 Distance Column
 Extra Columns

 Column Titles
 The titles of the Orientation, Quantity, Traverse, Set and Distance Columns are displayed
in Title Case.
 The titles of Extra Columns are displayed in UPPERCASE.
 However, the Quantity, Traverse and Set columns may appear in UPPERCASE, if they
have been saved as Extra Columns using the Save Processed File or Rotate Data options.

3.4.1 Data Column

The Dips data columns are summarized below, in order of appearance in the
spreadsheet. For detailed information, see the individual topics.

Only the two orientation columns are mandatory; all other columns are optional, and
may be included as required by the user.

 Orientation Columns

The Orientation Columns are always the first two columns in the spreadsheet, and are
required for all Dips files.

 Quantity Column

The Quantity Column is toggled on/off in Project Settings and allows you to record the
number of identical features represented by a particular measurement.

 Traverse Column

A Traverse Column is automatically created if Traverses are defined, and allows you to
assign the data units to the traverse from which they were measured using a Traverse ID.

 Set Column

A Set Column is automatically created if Sets are defined, and records the Set ID of
data belonging to sets.

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 Distance Column

A Distance Column is required in order to use the Curved Borehole options, Joint
Spacing, RQD or Joint Frequency Options.

 Extra Columns

Extra Columns are created with Add Column option. Any data columns after the above
columns are considered "Extra Columns", and can be used to store any other quantitative or
qualitative data that you wish to record. Extra Columns are added / removed with the options
in the Edit menu.

3.4.1.1 Orientation Columns

The first two columns of the Dips spreadsheet are for entering the raw orientation
data pairs that you wish to analyze. The two Orientation Columns are present in
all Dips files, and represent the minimum data file configuration, i.e.:

 YOU MAY NOT DELETE, MOVE OR RENAME THE ORIENTATION COLUMNS!!!

The format of the orientation pairs in the Orientation Columns is determined by

the Global Orientation Format in the Project Settings dialog. For example:

 if the Global Orientation Format is STRIKE/DIPR, then Dips will interpret the numbers in
the first orientation column as STRIKE (right hand rule) and the numbers in the second
orientation column as DIP.

There are two important exceptions to this, however:

1. If data has been collected on Traverses, then the Data Format in the Traverse dialog can be
used to specify a different orientation format for any given traverse. This allows the user to
combine mixed data formats in the same file.
2. If data has been recorded from borehole oriented core logging (i.e. Traverse Type = Linear
BH Oriented Core or Curved BH Oriented Core). In this case, the data pairs in the
Orientation Columns will represent alpha and beta angles measured on the oriented core.
See the Borehole Orientation Data Pairs topic for details.

 Valid Orientation Data Input

 All values are in degrees.
 Only INTEGER data is allowed in the Orientation Columns. Decimal places are ignored by
Dips, and will not be saved when you save the file.
 NEGATIVE ORIENTATION VALUES – Negative values ARE allowed in the Orientation
Columns. Where negative values, or values which exceed 90 or 360 degrees (for dip and
dip direction, for example) are present, an attempt will be made to convert to a
corresponding orientation in the lower hemisphere. For example, if dip/dip direction is
input as –35 400, Dips will convert this measurement to 35 220. To ensure correct
plotting, it is best to record all measurements so that they fall in the lower hemisphere
and are within standard limits.

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 If non-numeric, or blank data is encountered in the Orientation Columns, Dips will
ignore ALL rows in the spreadsheet including and AFTER the first such row, for the
purposes of plotting, etc. Therefore, you MAY NOT leave blanks or write comments in
the Orientation Columns, all rows must contain valid numeric orientation data pairs, in
order for data to be plotted. In this way, Dips makes no assumptions about the data
plotted (i.e. a blank is NOT interpreted as equal to zero, etc.).

 Orientation Column Titles

The titles of the two Orientation Columns will correspond to the Global Orientation
Format except when:

1. Mixed data formats are used (at least one Traverse has a Data Format which is different
from the Global Orientation Format), or
2. Borehole Oriented Core traverses have been used.
 In these cases, the titles of the two Orientation Columns will simply be Orient
1 and Orient 2, to reflect the fact that mixed data formats, or oriented core alpha/beta
values, are present in the Orientation Columns.

3.4.1.2 Oriented Core Alpha/Beta Angles

 If orientation data was measured from the logging of core from a borehole, then
the Orientation Columns must contain the measurements of the "Alpha" and "Beta"
angles, as defined below. This applies to both Linear Borehole Oriented
Core and Curved Borehole Oriented Core traverse types.
 Alpha (entered in Orientation Column 1)

The minimum angle between the maximum dip vector of the plane of the
discontinuity, and the core axis.

 Beta (entered in Orientation Column 2)

The clockwise angle from the reference line to the direction of the maximum dip
vector, looking along the direction of borehole advance.

See the figures below for illustration.

****************************************************************

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!

Also see the Borehole Traverse Orientation topic for ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
concerning the orientation data required (orientations 1, 2 and 3) to set up a borehole
logging traverse.

****************************************************************

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