Spatial continuity as described by a variogram is a reflection of
the underlying mineralisation/geology. Modelling of the spatial
continuity (variogram) must account for both the quantitative data
(ie sample grades), on which the variogram calculations are
based, and the qualitative information as provided by the
geological interpretation. An understanding of the geology and the variogram
interpretation tie together the sample values and allow us to go
beyond the actual data (Journel, 1995). Variography makes
geology transportable and allows the geological interpolations to
be channelled downstream into mine planning, ultimately
affecting the economic decisions surrounding a deposit. As such
the process of variography and resource modelling is critical.
Thus consistent expert decisions need to be made which force
geologists to have a closer look at the available information and
the geological interpretations. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the latest
developments in visualising variography and to demonstrate their
usefulness in decisions regarding the spatial continuity of
mineralisation. New ideas concerning potential future
developments in visualising and modelling spatial continuity
through variography are introduced.