Course Introduction

Understanding Contouring

Version: 18 January 2010

Betty L. Gibbs Dr. Stephen A. Krajewski

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
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Introduction

Contouring of irregular spatial data by hand has been used by geoscientists for many decades. Contouring using a computer is relatively new and has become more widely used in the earth sciences only in the last 20 years. The availability of inexpensive microcomputer hardware and software makes the use of a computer for contouring affordable for nearly everyone.

Gridding and contouring software has become flexible enough to satisfy nearly all needs for contouring with speed and convenience. Computer contouring is not perfect, so it is necessary to constantly be on guard and check results for artifacts and make sure the contour results are representative of the data. This course will help build awareness of what to watch for when using each contour method, when a method is most suitable, and when it is not.

Since the early 1980's, we have experienced a significant increase in access to computer programs for contouring, as well as a large variety of computer algorithms. Books have been written about the algorithms and how they are used. The purpose of this course is to pull together information on the most commonly used contouring algorithms and reveal the 'secrets' of how and why they are used. These 'secrets' are not really secrets, but to find all this information you have to dig through many books, use the algorithms (hundreds of times) and observe results. We have explored all these resources for you and present the findings in this course.

Hand contouring is still done by some people, and the first section of the course covers hand contouring methods, when to use them, and the pitfalls to avoid. Understanding hand contouring is a first step to using contour software effectively.

Course Content

The course is presented in four parts ...

• Part 1: Introduction to Contouring, Triangulation and Gridding

• Part 2: Gridding Algorithms

• Part 3: Gridding Results and Computer Mapping

• Part 4: Appendices

The course comprises 17 learning sessions of 30 - 60 minutes each, supported by images, figures, tables, and appendices, plus three reviews of multiple choice questions. Estimated course duration is equivalent to approximately 17 hours of learning content.

Learning Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete this course and the certification requirements will be able to perform the following.

• Understand and discuss different contour methods.

• Verify whether of not contour results are representative of a data set.

• Select the most suitable contour method and parameters for a particular data set.

Course Requirements

Basic requirements for successful completion of this course include the following.

• High school science.

• Familiarity with maps and contours.

• Observant disposition and eye for detail.

Course Certification

This course qualifies for EduMine Certification. A certificate will be issued to an EduMine enrollee who registers for certification and successfully completes the certification requirements. The total certification fee for this course is Can$227.

1.7 CEUs  (Continuing Education Units) will be awarded for successful completion of certification requirements for this course. EduMine meets the Criteria for Certification established by the Authorized Provider Commission of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 1620 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 615, Washington, DC 20006.

To register for certification for this course use the "Course Certification Entry or Registration" link above or below on the right.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies as online learning for the University of British Columbia - Certificate in Mining Studies in the Exploration Geology Reserves stream. Students who complete the certification requirements for this course may optionally register for the Certificate in Mining Studies program and complete the associated classroom component. For further information click UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

[Note: Participation in the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies program is optional. For EduMine certification proceed as described under Course Certification above.]

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)