Model Maker is a digital terrain modelling program and the most advanced in the Model Maker Systems software suite. It started off with the purpose of merely reducing tachometric survey data to x, y and z co-ordinates and today we are proud to present the most advanced functions available in terrain modelling.
The program consists of 21 modules, which are available in four different versions of the program. The versions are determined by the number of DTM points that each project can model.
This modular design gives users access to only those features required for their application and thereby the cost of the software can be reduced greatly.
Provision is made to input data manually using any survey method, importing data from electronic data recorders ranging from manual surveys, GPS systems to scanners and drones as well as from various fixed and free format ASCII files.
Data can also be captured from existing drawings using the built-in digitizing option.
In addition, a facility exists to survey new data or to use an existing model to do real-time setting out work on site by connecting a computer to an electronic survey instrument in the field.
Model Maker also includes a full and comprehensive integrated CAD link between the survey data and all the basic and advanced drawing functions. This enables the user to create detail drawings efficiently on screen with their survey active in the background. In addition to the line styles available the user may also create new line styles and symbols to be used on drawings.
The model is created using a fast automatic triangulation routine with or without restrictions. After the model is created the user still has full control over the various functions provided for editing the model graphically and continuing to the design environment.
Once the model is created various calculations may be done, e.g. four methods of calculating volumes, extracting long or cross sections, slope and watershed analyses, three-dimensional viewing, area (plan and surface) and perimeter calculations, automatic toe point generation for platforms, mine planning, rehabilitation (landscaping) of excavations and stockpiles, 3Dmasshaul planning, power line templating and earth dam design.
Output of results may be printed or saved in a file and drawings may be plotted directly to any HPGL-compatible plotter, plot file or various CAD data exchange ASCII formats.
Basic Data Input and Modelling
This module is used to manipulate data from various sources by automatically creating a triangular model. The user can use break-lines to define changes in slope and direction which will be accounted for in the triangulation process. Data can be edited graphically or in text mode. The user has full control over the triangulation with functions for editing the triangulated model after the automatic triangulation. Images and terrain data can also be imported from GPS, Scanners and Google Earth.
Graphical Output
This module is required for any graphical output.
The output is determined by using an extensive range of user-definable plotting parameters and the graphical setting of plotting windows covering the total project area. Contours, survey point information, co-ordinate grids and CAD data can be plotted. Plotting can be done directly to an on-line plotter, various ASCII file formats e.g. DXF, or DWG/DGN files. The data and CAD can also be exported to overlay onto Google Earth or GIS system.
Single Surface Volume Calculations, Analysis Horizontal Alignments and Extraction of Sections
When dealing with stockpiles or quarries this module can be used to calculate the earthworks volumes using contours, triangles or crosssectional areas. The analysis function calculates the sloped surface area, as well as plan area and a slope, height and valley analysis. Long-section or cross-section data can be extracted along a horizontal alignment which can be defined on the graphic screen or can be captured from CAD entities.
Toepoint and Multiple Surface Volume Calculation
Model Maker can be used to model two (up to 50 surfaces) different excavation models. Where the second model is a terrace that must meet the ground model at specified batter slopes, MODEL MAKER will automatically determine these toepoints on the ground. The terrace level for balanced earthworks can be determined, taking into account a bulking factor and the batter slopes.
Once the two models have been created, the earthworks volume can be calculated using crosssections or a more accurate grid method. It can also be used to determine the cut/fill line in earthworks or model and contour the depths of mass earthworks.
Perspective (3D) Views
Use this module to view the active model from any side or vertical angle in a wire-frame grid or solid fill format. Contours at a userspecified interval can be displayed and the full view can be converted to the CAD environment.
Computer Aided Draughting (CAD)
This module is a comprehensive CAD module with all the basic drawing functions intelligently linked to the DTM data to create detailed survey maps. A drawing can consist of any number of drawing elements, e.g. lines, circles, text, dimensions, hatching, etc. on different layers with a variety of pen, line and font types.
Draw or Import Sections as CAD
Ground cross-section data extracted using module 3 can be loaded and plotted into the CAD module. The user can specify a horizontal and vertical scale, the paper size and a layer name. A more advanced option for similar functionality is achieved with module 11 or Road Maker.
Horizontal Alignment Setting Out
A horizontal alignment defined using module 3, giving the following data for each point of intersection. (PI): Name, Y & Z coordinate, curve radius , transition lengths starting and ending the curve.
This module can now be used to obtain all the curve information – BC, EC peg distance, curve length, as setting out data – distance and direction – from specified set-up stations.
Opencast Mine Planning (Strip blocks, Volumes and Ratio)
In initial planning for an opencast mine this module calculates volumes between different material layers or strata. Borehole data is used to create up to 99 models defining the different strata. The mining areas can be defined as geographical areas and volumes or average depths can be calculated between different strata within each strip area. Forgeological evaluations there is an advanced borehole manager to manage borehole data input.
Planed areas can be defined. Each area is then numbered and its area and boundary perimeter is calculated.
Borehole Manager (Geology, Soil Sampling)
The borehole manager allows you to: Import borehole logs from an excel CSV file; To enter borehole logs manually; To assign colours and DTM layer numbers to the log categories; To visually compare logs on a same scale; To view the logs in
Model Maker’s virtual 3D option; To export the logs to a CSV file; To create DTM projects based on the log coordinates and
layer depths.
Module 11
Geometric Alignment Strings
A geometric alignment string may be seen as a 3D poly-(CAD)-line where each endpoint/node on the line has an elevation. This may be viewed and manipulated in plan or long-section format. Strings may be used in various design applications, e.g. slope tracking and clashing services. It is also used to define the layout of roads and pipe networks to be designed in Road- or Pipe-Maker.
Module 12
Landscaping
Landscaping of new areas or the rehabilitation of old mine dumps can be done in accordance with slope parameters. An existing model will automatically be updated to the slope parameters to give a balanced (cut/fill) earthworks model. Geometric alignment strings can be used to define restrictions on the movement of material.
Material to be imported from or exported to another area can be specified. This module can also be used in golf course design.
Module 13
3D Masshaul and Volume Centroids
The movement of material in a cut/fill operation can be presented by distance lines between the cut and fill areas. The total volume in a cut or fill area can be shown at the centroid of that volume. This could typically be used for effective planning.
Module 14
Optimising Terraces
Where terraces need to be designed in very restricted areas this module can be used to determine the perimeter of a terrace within a specified boundary. MODEL MAKER determines a final elevation, outside perimeter and volume for each terrace according to specified slope parameters.
Rural Power Line Designs
This module uses the geometric alignment strings and CAD modules to design the route and pole positions for rural power lines. A user-definable pole database can be created, as well as standard profiling templates.
Earthdam Design
Indicate the centreline position of a dam wall in a valley, specify the wall construction parameters and catchment area and within minutes calculate various position options. The result is dam earthworks volumes and water capacity.
Irrigation System Design
This module will assist the irrigation design engineer with a flexible and indispensable tool without confining him to rigid limitations. Full graphical control over the automatic and manual design of an irrigation network is provided.
Analysing the hydraulics of an open network with predefined or computer selected pipe sizes is done with ease. Global manipulation of groups of pipes and nodes may be done to optimise the design.
Standard pipes, emitters and fittings may be defined in a user database. Model Maker DTM and CAD functions are available throughout the design. Design drawings and installation parts lists can be extracted.
Road Geometry
Designing the horizontal alignment geometry of a road is supported by using this module to determine sight distances on horizontal curves.
Vehicle turning circles may also be tested graphically within confined areas. The test vehicle dimensions and parameters may be fully defined by the user and the result is a graphical output of sight lines or vehicle wheel paths.
Module 19
Datum Conversion
Co-ordinates from the old South-African Clarke datum may be converted to the new WGS84 datum using this module. The WGS84 datum is implemented in South-Africa as from January 1999 and all new surveys must be done in this format. Using this module, you may do a transformation of all the data loaded into MODEL MAKER ie. DTM, CAD and geometric alignment strings. Data in the British datum format OSG36, can be converted to WGS84 to use the Google Earth overlay functions.
Module 20
Hydrosim Stormwater Layout
After drawing the layout of a storm-water pipe network and the catchment areas in Model Maker’s CAD, this module may be used to create the data needed by the HYDROSIM – Storm-water analysis program.
Module 21
Sewer ERF Connection Depth Analysis
In conjunction with PIPE MAKER a sewer network can be designed. With this as an overlay on a township layout drawn in MODEL MAKER CAD you can determine the required positions and invert levels for erf connections to ensure the proper drainage of all stands.
Module 22
GNSS Machine Guidance
The Model Maker GNSS module can be used on the job site right inside the cab of your favourite construction vehicle! Connected via Wi-Fi with compatible RTK GNSS receivers, Model Maker can now guide your construction equipment to the exact DTM point, along a GXT string or even tell you how much you should cut or fill anywhere on a design surface.