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Mine Mapper 3.0: Official Release of the Final Version



Mine Mapper 3.0 has officially launched, marking the end of the beta phase since its release on September 17, 2023. User feedback during the beta testing phase was invaluable, and based on three key suggestions, the final version now incorporates significant enhancements.

Enhanced Location Information:

Users can now access latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as accuracy and elevation information directly from the point map. This addition provides users with more comprehensive location details.

Field Notes Feature:

In response to user requests, Mine Mapper 3.0 now allows users to enter field notes directly into the point map, enhancing the capability for detailed annotations and documentation.

Elevation Data Inclusion:

The final version features the incorporation of elevation data. Alongside latitude, longitude, and accuracy information, Mine Mapper now displays elevation data. It is important to note that this elevation data is presented in meters above mean sea level and is sourced through Google's Elevation services.

While Google's Elevation services are valuable, the accuracy may not match that of differential GPS (dGPS) data. For precise elevation measurements, the use of dGPS and Ground Control Points (GCPs) is recommended. In Kerala, many Recognized Qualified Persons (RQPs) use Google Earth elevation data for the preparation of mining plans and hence the data from Mine Mapper will be useful to cross check the values provided by RQPs. However, the users should be aware that the elevation data provided by Google is based on SRTM data collected in the year 2000. The elevation data presented in Mine Mapper 3.0 reflects the surface elevations as of the year 2000, meaning any substantial changes to the Earth's surface, like large excavations or quarries made after 2000, won't be reflected in Mine Mapper's elevation data. Users are reminded that Mine Mapper captures the original surface of quarries, providing a historical perspective on the terrain.

While acknowledging the potential errors in Google's elevation data, it's crucial to recognize that, even if the actual elevation (i.e., height above mean sea level) differs, the gradient or slope of the surface is accurately depicted in Google's data. In the context of geological reserve and mineable mineral reserve estimation, what matters is the slope of the terrain, not necessarily the precise elevation of the points used in generating the contour map. Therefore, as long as the source of the elevation data remains consistent, the computation of volume poses no issues during the preparation  of a scheme of mining or the final mine closure plan.

Users can cross-check elevation data with Survey of India Toposheets for additional verification.

Those who wish to receive the Mine Mapper 3.0 Official Release, please send an email to bsebastian@gmail.com or theminemapper@gmail.com. 


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