Why Use Map3D

Map3D has been developed specifically for mining applications from the ground up. The program is designed to allow you to get high accuracy answers quickly, to get on with the engineering instead of the modelling. Large complex problems can be built easily either with Map3D’s own CAD interface or outside the program then imported in a variety of different formats. No other program can handle the analyses that Map3D can in the time (run pre & post processing time), cost (may times cheaper) and ease (Map3D can be used on site for routine analyses). Some of the advantages of Map3D are as follows:

• Convenient upgrade path from elastic, fault slip, thermal/fluid-flow, non-linear and visco-plastic analysis (Map3D Versions) using the same interface
• Extensive training program for both program functionality and detailed engineering results interpretation (see Map3D Training)
• Powerful integrated CAD interface - no third party software required
• Easy construction of simple or complex 3D shapes (Examples)
• Very large problem sizes easily solved on a desktop computer (1,000,000 degrees of freedom)
• Automated facility to geneate Excel plots from contoured data
• Probability of failure plots
• Automated block intersection capability relieves the user of manual construction effort
• Allows for backfill placement
• Multi-step mining sequences
• High accuracy elements (requires half as many elements to achieve the same degree of accuracy as most programs)
• Do to advanced lumping procedures, run times are very quick compared to other programs
• Up to 100 different material zones
• Visco-plastic fault slip simulations
• Tabular mining with yielding pillars
• Automated discretization ensures easily controlled and consistent degree of accuracy
• Powerful integrated results viewer
• Easy manipulation of results for interpretation of rock mass failure, slip on fault planes, results on oriented bore holes and ubiquitous slip on bedding planes or joint sets.
• Integrated interactive visualization database allows for display and contouring of seismic data
• Contour plotting of user defined functions
• Free program support
• Continuous development and enhancements for over 18 years
• Incorporation of both Fictitious Force and Displacement Discontinuity elements (as well as special elements for thermal/fluid flow, and 3D plasticity).
• Higher order elements for bending problems
• Planar grids, line grids and point grids for viewing results
• Isotropic and anisotropic failure criteria
• RCF (rock condition factor) plots
• Integrated accelerated, pre-conditioned and conjugate-gradient solvers work together for fast, reliable accurate solutions
• Import/export facility for input data to other CAD programs
• Import/export facility for analysis results to other programs
• No expensive buy in fees - Map3D is leased on an annual basis

About Map3D

Map3D is developed and supported by Dr. Terry Wiles (support@map3d.com) of Mine Modelling Pty Ltd. Development of Map3D began in the late 1970's and has gone through many major revisions since then. It has been commercially available since 1990. The program is constantly under development and supported by dedicated professionals who have been in the rock mechanics/numerical modelling business for over 30 years. 

The program is used by many hundreds of mining, civil and geotechnical companies, consultants, research centres and universities around the world (including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, England, Finnland, Guatemala, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Nedlands, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, UK, USA and Zambia). Map3D is often specified as a prerequisite for employment on job advertisements. The demo_version is used worldwide for teaching students the fundamentals of numerical modelling and 3D CAD.

It has been used in many projects including underground and open pit mine design, mine stability assessment, rock burst hazzard assessments, nuclear waste repository design, fracture propagation simulations, fault slip problems, in situ stress back-analysis, rock quarry design, open-pit wall stability, hydraulic-fracture propagation, earth slope failures, etc.. Current research and development is focusing on quantitative design procedures, 3D plastic modelling, ground support simulation, the capability to assess the potential for rock bursting, simulation of discing and integration of modelling with seismic monitoring.

Boundary Element Method - Map3D is formulated using the very efficient Indirect Boundary Element Method and incorporates simultaneous use of fictitious force (FF), displacement discontinuity (DD) and special proprietary boundary elements incorporated for the thermal and non-linear analysis versions (Map3D Versions).

Research and development over the past 30 years has allowed many of the supposed limitations of the boundary element method to be overcome. The program can accommodate multi-step mining sequences, multiple material zones with different material properties and stress states, and discontinuous rock response with a limited number of discrete features. Both 3D zones and DD zones are permitted to behave non-linearly. Multiple intersecting fault planes can slip and open according to user specified shear strength. Coupled steady state thermal/fluid stress analysis can be simulated. Real time creep and relaxation problems can be accommodated using explicit time stepping.

Program Accuracy - Solution accuracy is controlled by an automated discretization procedure. Elements can be automatically concentrated in areas of interest according to user controlled parameters. This relieves the user of the tedious process of manually discretizing their model, while improving accuracy and minimizing problem size.

Problem Size - Map3D can accommodate over 1,000,000 degrees of freedom on a PC with a few GBs of disk space. Although small problems can be solved in minutes, the largest problems can require overnight or a few days. This tremendous efficiency is achieved by use of matrix lumping. This permits users to specify existing mine-wide mining geometry in detail, and add new mining as required. This greatly reduces the effort required to set up and run analyses and permits the whole mine to be considered when necessary.

Pre-processing - A complete CAD package is incorporated into Map3D featuring numerous facilities for exchanging data with other CAD packages. Many features including the automated trace and extrude functions allow complex models to be built with ease. Extensive error checking and automatic correction routines allow almost any model geometry to be used. Boolean intersection routines correct overlapping and mismatched block connections without user intervention.

Post-processing - A complete display package is included featuring hundreds of plotting and data export functions. User defined plots and visually selected dumps of data ease the effort required for interpretation and reporting.

Some Users - Some current and past users of Map3D include: University of Toronto (Canada), Vael INCO Ontario (Creighton Mine, Stobie Mine, Frood Mine, South Mine, Garson Mine, Levack Mine, Mines Research, Mines Technology - Methods & Design), INCO Manitoba (Canada), Noranda (Canada), CNG Softeck Co. (Korea), Anglo Gold (South Africa), Golder Associates (Canada and Australia), Placer Dome Western Area Joint Venture (South Africa), Mount Isa Mines (Australia), Brunswick Mining and Smelting (Canada), Goldcorp (Canada), Mincad Systems (Australia), Kanowna Belle Gold Mines (Australia), U. of British Columbia (Canada), U. of Western Australia, U. of New South Wales (Australia), Laval U. (Canada), McGill U. (Canada), Rock Mechanics Technology (England), Endeavor Mine (Australia), Australian Mining Consultants, Aur Resources (Canada), CSIR Division of Mining Technology (South Africa), Snowden Mining Industry Consultants (South Africa and Australia), Tara Mines (Ireland), Georock Inc. (Canada), Romec n.v. (Belgium), Agnico Eagle - Division Laronde (Canada), Queensland University (Australia), Geomechanics Research Centre Laurentian U. (Canada), Agnew Gold (Australia), Western Mining Corp. (Australia), Tao Lekoa Mine (South Africa), AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa and Australia), Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (Australia), INWE Rock Engineering, Lourence Geotechnical (Australia), Western Deep Levels (South Mine, West Mine, Regional Office), Zinkgruvan Mining AB (Sweden), Zincgruvan Mining AB (Sweden), Elandsrand Gold Mine (South Africa), TWP Consulting (South Africa), Tshepong Mine (South Africa), CAMBIOR Inc. (Canada), Natural Resources Canada, Avmin Target Mine (South Africa), SRK Consulting (South Africa and Australia), U. of Waterloo (Canada), St Ives Gold (Australia), Mine Geant Dormant (Canada), Normandy Jundee Operation (Australia), KULeuven - Unit Mining (Belgium), Leinster Nickel Operation (Australia), Doyon Mine (Canada), ISS International (South Africa), ISS Pacific (Australia), Musselwhite Mine (Canada), Finsch Diamond Mine (South Africa), Queen's University (Canada)., Plutonic Gold Mine (Australia), Campbell Mine (Canada), JCI Travistock Colliery (South Africa), Strata Control Technology (Australia), Cayeli Bakir Isletmeleri A. S. (Turkey), Asker - Thabazimbi ISCOR (South Africa), Douglas Partners (Australia), U. of Queensland (Australia), Bambanani Mine (South Africa), Palabora Mining Company Ltd. (South Africa), Newcrest Mining Ltd. (Australia), Delft U. of Technology (The Nedlands), ANGLOVAAL (South Africa), Impala Platinum (south Africa), Battle Mountain Canada, Black Mountain (South Africa), Tsumeb - Otjihase Mine (Namibia), Kloof, Division of Kloof G.M. Co. Ltd. (South Africa), Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd. (South Africa), Savuka Mine (South Africa), BCL Botswana (Botswana), Terra Sancta (Austtalia), Mines Aurizon - Casa Berardi (Canada), Rockland Ltd. (Canada), Darlot Gold Mine (Australia), Forrestania Gold NL (Australia), WA Department of Minerals and Energy (Australia), Great Central Mines - Wiluna Gold (Australia), Central Mines Engineering Group - Inco Ltd (Canada), Kundana Gold (Australia), Henty Gold Mine - Goldfields Ltd. (Australia), Elura Mine (Australia), Western Australia School of Mines, Cannington - BHP World Minerals (Australia), WMC Olympic Dam Operations (Australia), BFP Consultants Pty Ltd (Australia), Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (Australia), Mountan U. of Leoben (Austria), CNR-C.S. Problemi Minerari (Italy), Japan Nuclear Development Institute (Japan), Lassonde Mineral Engineering (Canada), Coffey Geosciences Pty Ltd (Australia), Pajingo Joint Venture (Australia), TauTona Mine (South Africa), Bronzewing - McClure Gold Operations (Australia), Normandy Golden Grove Operation (Australia), McArther River Mining Pty Ltd (Australia), Boulby Mine - Cleveland Potash Limited (United Kingdom), AngloGold Ashanti Mineracao: Cuiaba (Brazil), Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Australia), Mirarco Mining Inovation (Canada), Northam Platinum Limited Zondereinde Division (South Africa), Open House Management Solutions (South Africa), Great Noligwa Mine (South Africa), Konkola Copper Mines (Zambia), Osborne Mines (Australia), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Atomic Energy Canada, Ekati Diamond Mine (Canada), Musslewhite Mine (Canada), Cadia Holdings Ltd. (Australia), INGWE Rock Engineering (South Africa), Mountan University of Technology (Austria), Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Granites Gold Mine (Australia), Northparkes Mines (Australia), Basis Soft Inc. (Korea), Japan Nuclear Development Institute (JNC), Science & Technology Central South University (Changsha, Hunan China), Groundwork Consulting (Australia), LionOre Australia, MPI Mines (Australia), Lisheen Mine (Ireland), Northeastern University (Shengyang, Liaoning, P.R.China), Beck Arndt Engineering (Australia), La Mine Niobec (Canada), Second Avenue Subway (New York USA), Anglo Platinum (South Africa), Ressources MSV Inc. (Canada), Selwyn Operations (Australia), Newmont Australia Technical Services (Australia), Kigam - Geotechnical Engineering Division (Korea), Dempers and Seymour P/L (Australia), Cobar Management Pty Ltd (Australia), Big Bell Mining Operations (Australia), Auriongold Kalgoorlie Operations (Australia), Peak Gold Mines (Australia), Driefontein Consolidated (Pty) Ltd (South Africa), Newmont - Pajingo Joint Venture (Australia), AurionGold - Paddington Gold Pty Limited (Australia), Mincor Operations (Australia), Falconbridge Ltd. (Canada), Sons of Gwalia - Southern Cross Operations (Australia), E-Mining Technology S.A. (Chile), Beaconsfield Gold (Australia), Zinefex Rosebery Mine (Australia), Instituto Innovacion en Mineria y Metalurgia (Chile), IRSM of Chinese Academy of Sciences (China), Brently, Lucas & Associates (South Africa), Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.(Canada), Chelopech Mining AD (Bulgaria), Northwind Enterprises (Australia), Cameco Corporation (Canada), Barrick Goldstrike Mines (USA), Barrick Gold -Lawlers Gold Mine (Australia), RMIT - Faculty of Engineering (Australia), Perilya Broken Hill Ltd (Australia), Placer (PNG) - Porgera Joint Venture (Papua New Guinea), Codelco Chile - Division Andina (Chile), Codelco Chile - Division El Teniente (Chile), Codelco Chile - Division Norte (Chile), IM2 S.A. - Filial Codelco (Chile), Codelco Chile - Division Salvador, Geo-Engineering Technology Limitada (Chile), Xstrata Copper (Australia), Xstrata Nickel (Australia), Mining Geotechnical Solutions (Australia), Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold (USA), Kopanang Gold Mine (South Africa), Seoul National University (Korea), Lawlers Gold Mine (Australia), Bendigo Mining Limited (Australia), Codelco, Gerencia Corporativa (Chile), Stawell Gold Mines (Australia), Samancor - Western Chrome Mines (South Africa), Mponeng Mine (South Africa), KMCL - Bulyanhulu Site (Tanzania), Ballarat Goldfields (Australia), Goldfields Mine Management (Australia), Dynatec Corporation (Canada), P.T. Freeport Indonesia, EKJV Management (Australia), BHPB Nickel West - Leinster Nickel Operation (Australia), Birla - Mt. Gordon (Australia), Ridgeway Project - Cadia Holdings (Australia), U. of South Australia, Sunrise Dam Gold Mine (Australia), Oxiana Golden Grove (Australia), Moab Khotsong Mine (South Africa), MIDD & MIDDindi Consulting (South Africa), Redco Ltda (Chile), Mining One Pty Ltd (Australia), Birla Nifty - Nifty Copper (Australia), Cracow Gold Mine (Australia), Beta-Hunt Mine (Australia), Universidad de Chile - Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas y Mathematicas, Geotechnical Consulting Pty Ltd (Australia), NVI Mining Ltd. Myra Falls (Australia), East Bolder Mine - Stillwater Mining (USA), Cambior - La Mine Geant-Dormant (Canada), University of Quebec Chicoutimia (Canada), New Gold Afton Project (Australia), A Karzulovic & Associates (Chile), Strata Engineering (Australia), Peter O'Bryan & Associates (Australia), Barrick Granny Smith (Australia), Xstrata Nickel - Raglan Mine (Canada), Genivar (Canada), President Steyn Gold Mine (South Africa), GFL Mining Services Limited (South Africa), Mopani Copper Mine (Zambia), Tau Lekoa Mine (South Africa), Stanford University Department of Geophysics (USA), Simon Fraser University - Department of Earth Sciences (Canada), Resolution Copper Company (Canada), North American Tungsten Corporation (Canada), Gold Fields Technical Services (South Africa), Maggie Hays - Lake Johnston Operations (Australia), Nickel West Cliffs Project - BHP Billiton (Australia), Ditton Geotechnical Services (Australia), GeoMech Services (Australia), Outokumpu Torino Works (Finland), Wardell Armstrong International Ltd (UK), Cosmos Nickel Project - Jubilee Mines NL (Australia), Long Nickel Project - Lighting Nickel Pty (Australia), RESPEC (USA), Xstrata Nickel - Craig Mine (Canada), Northern 3500 Orebody - Xstrata Copper (Australia), Xstrata Zinc - Mount Isa Mines (Australia), Goldfields - Beatrix 4 Shaft (South Africa), Montana Exploradora de Guatemala, Omya Central Europe (Austria), Pyhasalmi Mine Oy (Finland), Outokumpu Torino Works (Finland), Mining One Pty Ltd (Australia), P.T. Newmont Tenggara (Indonesia), Peak Gold Mines (Australia), Argyle Diamond Mine (Australia), Bullant Gold Mine (Australia), Geosinergia Ingenieria y Medio Ambiente Ltd (Chile), Lonmin Platinum (South Africa), DERK Ingenieria y Geologia Ltda (Chile), Montana Exploradora de Guatemala S.A.(Guatemala), St. Barbara Limited (Australia).