Open ShapeMetriX File

The Open ShapeMetriX File 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 create a Dips project with ShapeMetriX data.

To read in a ShapeMetriX file:

1. In the Dips program, select File > Open ShapeMetriX File in the menu (or double-click on a file with .3gdps extension).
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 *.dips9 file.

Import ShapeMetriX File

To import one or more ShapeMetriX files to an existing Dips project, use the Import ShapeMetriX File option instead.