Draw Block Model

This command draws a block model in the CAD drawing. Once in the CAD drawing, the blocks can be viewed with the 3D Viewer Window or by orbiting the drawing itself. When the command is executed, you will be prompted to select a .blk file and a grade parameter file (.gpf file - controls coloring of the blocks). After selecting these files, the below dialog will appear.


Use Top/Bottom Surface Limit Grid: These toggles allow you select constraining elevation grids. Any blocks with a centroid above/below these elevation grids will not be drawn.

Use Inclusion Perimeter Polyline: When enabled, you will be prompted to select an inclusion polyline. Any blocks with a centroid outside this polyline will not be drawn.

Use Solid for Inclusion: When enabled, you will be prompted to select a solid (.mdl file). Only blocks with centroids inside of this solid will be drawn.

Draw as 3D Faces: When enabled, all six sides of the blocks will be drawn as 3D faces. When this option is disabled, the blocks will be drawn as points. Drawing the blocks as points will reduce the demand on your computer's hardware, thus allowing for quicker camera movements.

Edit: This button will allow you to customize the properties of the selected grade. When clicked, the below dialog will appear. You may also open this dialog by double-clicking a grade name.


Draw Grade: When enabled, the selected grade category will be drawn.

Layer Name: This field sets the layer name for the blocks. You may select an existing layer by clicking the Set button.

Color: This button allows you to select a new color for the blocks within the selected grade.

After clicking OK and answering any prompts, the block model will be drawn in CAD, as shown below.


Even though the blocks may be drawn as points, these points will be rendered as full blocks if loaded into the 3D Viewer Window. When the blocks are drawn as 3D faces, you may wish to modify the SHADEMODE variable to toggle between a wireframe view and a shaded view.

Keyboard Command: drawblkm

Pull-down Menu Location: Block Model
Prerequisite: Need a *.BLK file and a *.GPF file from Make Block Model, Input-Edit Block Model and Define Grade Parameters.