GEMCOM GEMS™ FAQ
Is it possible to automate tasks in GEMS?
Yes. GEMS incorporates a Microsoft Visual Basic for Application (VBA) engine allowing users to create customised scripts to, for example, automate tasks.
What stages of exploration and mining does GEMS support?
GEMS is used all the way from field exploration through production. The software is used by geologists, engineers, surveyors, and technicians. Resource estimation, plotting, block modelling, mine design, short-term and long-term planning, and grade control are just a few of the areas in which the software is employed. As an integrated system, data flows freely between all of these domains.
What areas of exploration does GEMS support?
GEMS is used in both field and office environments, for everything from drillhole management and geological modelling, to geostatistical analysis. It is common to find GEMS used in scoping and feasibility studies.
Why would I want a database-driven geology and mine planning system?
Many operations place a high value on their exploration and operational data, viewing it as a critical asset that cannot be replaced if lost. Other operations value its ability to provide access to the latest data wherever it’s needed. GEMS SQL Server version secures, provides rights-based access to, and manages exploration and mining data.
What’s the difference between GEMS running on Microsoft© Access© and Microsoft SQL Server©?
Access is intended to run on desktops. It does not provide the data security, backup, and user management capabilities found in SQL Server. Centralised data storage and availability also set SQL Server apart from Access.
Can GEMS read data from other applications?
Yes. GEMS has been built to easily exchange data with other geology and mine planning systems, popular database formats, and many other types of mining applications. This includes points and lines, drillholes and sample data, block models, and surfaces and solids data types.
WHAT IS THE BLOCK MODEL CONVERSION ENGINE AND WHY WOULD I NEED IT?
The block model conversion engine is used when working with block models generated in other software packages, including those created via different model types, such as sub blocked models. The block model conversion engine allows you to convert these models and read them into GEMS, and to reblock models if required. This makes GEMS much easier to use in collaboration with other software packages, ensuring data integrity and saving time.
How can I add to and upgrade my GEMS system?
GEMS has been designed as a modular system. You choose the modules that suit your needs today and add to them over time.
What presentation capabilities does GEMS offer?
GEMS incorporates a 3D working environment. Images and fully interactive 3D visuals can be exported for use in presentation software and on the Web.
What’s the difference between GEMS and Surpac?
GEMS and Surpac are both geology and mine planning systems. You will find the same broad functionality exists in both products, but with some differences in the modules and feature sets available in each. What distinguishes the two systems is that GEMS incorporates a Microsoft or SQL database backend.
Does GEMS have a scheduling module?
Yes. GEMS has an integrated production scheduler module.
