2. Create Strip Lines

To position an initial strip line, the Measure tool can be used against a reference layer:

An initial strip line can then be drawn in Smart Snap mode, with Limits set for Distance, Bearing and Grade.

A starting Z value can also be determined by using Snap to Point on Segment to determine the lowest extents of the pit. The Move Z tool can then be used to adjust the Z level of the strip line accordingly. (The pit shell can be given some transparency to be able to see the line.)

The Measure tool can also be used against a reference layer to determine an appropriate strip width, before the Offset tool is used (with the multiple offset option selected) to create strip lines running across the bottom of the pit. (A negative or positive offset distance value may be entered, depending on the direction in which the initial strip line was drawn. Alternatively, you can use the Reverse Sequence tool to reverse the direction of the strip line.)

Once the strip lines have been offset, the Projection tool can be used to project the strip lines up to a Z level above the top of the pit.

To determine the parameters to apply to project the strip lines up to a Z level above the top of the pit, the Measure tool can be used in Smart Snap mode and with appropriate Limits set for Distance, Bearing and Grade.

In this example, the projection is not surface-limited. If a surface limitation is required, a structural boundary can be drawn based on available grid data. The Multi-line Relimit tool can then be used to ensure the strip lines fall within the boundaries of the grid.

Tip: In more complex scenarios, you can generate strip lines by applying a Projection Sequence. An existing sequence of offsets and projections can be selected and modified if required, or a new sequence can be created in the Projection Sequences Window, which is accessible from the Apply Projection Sequence tool or the Design | Setup right-click menu in the Project Explorer.

Once the strip lines are positioned and sized, the Set Attributes by Direction tool is used to increment a Strip attribute value, from West to East, for each strip line.