Open ShapeMetrix File

The ShapeMetrix file reader option allows users to read in custom files created by 3GSM ShapeMetrix with a *.3gdps file extension. These files contain joint information such as dip, dip direction, location, and persistence, and allow users to analysis their ShapeMetrix data in Dips.

To read in a ShapeMetrix file:

1. In the Dips program, select File > Open in the menu or click the ShapeMetrix icon in the toolbar.
2. Select the *.3gdps file containing your ShapeMetrix information.
3. Click Open.

File Format

The *.3gdgps file exported by ShapeMetrix is a plain text, comma delimited file. The file contains the following data:

• Version #
• Units
• Declination
• XYZ Coordinates - X(Easting), Y(Northing), Z(Elevation)
• Persistence
• Dip
• Dip Direction
• Set ID
• Colour
• Set statistics:
  • Set ID
  • Set Name
  • Set Colour
  • Mean Dip
  • Mean Dip Direction
  • Spherical Aperture
  • Fisher Concentration
  • Degree Of Orientation
  • Cone Of Confidence
  • Confidence Level
  • Weight Indicator
  • Mean Spacing
  • Std Dev Spacing
  • Mean Trace Length
  • Std Dev Trace Length

Saving a File

After completing your Dips analysis, you can save your ShapeMetrix/Dips project by selecting File > Save. The project will be saved as *.dips8 file, which can then be imported into other Rocscience programs for further analysis.