Improvements in hardware performance/price ratios, surface and solids modelling and display, standardising of user interfaces and representation of grade distribution in the orebody have all contributed to recent underground mining software. Models of topography, water table, oxidation surfaces, faults and contact zones often allow manual editing and volume calculations. Solid geometry is commonly represented by detailing a succession of parallel or non-parallel sections and forming polygons between them, with various 3-D viewing facilities, volume integration and intersection calculations. Sample data can be viewed and plotted. Most systems can sub-block the underlying model of grade distribution for application to a particular stope model. A number of simple coordinate geometry functions are required in order to lay out the centre line of a proposed development heading. The production of detailed scale plans and wireframing of junctions to create a 3-D model of development openings is also necessary. There should be integrated surveying and grade/tonnage calculation systems. Ancillary aspects being considered by developers include geotechnical analysis, ventilation, blast design, scheduling and computer-aided design., Improvements in hardware performance/price ratios, surface and solids modelling and display, standardising of user interfaces and representation of grade distribution in the orebody have all contributed to recent underground mining software. Models of topography, water table, oxidation surfaces, faults and contact zones often allow manual editing and volume calculations. Solid geometry is commonly represented by detailing a succession of parallel or non-parallel sections and forming polygons between them, with various 3-D viewing facilities, volume integration and intersection calculations. Sample data can be viewed and plotted. Most systems can sub-block the underlying model of grade distribution for application to a particular stope model. A number of simple coordinate geometry functions are required in order to lay out the centre line of a proposed development heading. The production of detailed scale plans and wireframing of junctions to create a 3-D model of development openings is also necessary. There should be integrated surveying and grade/tonnage calculation systems. Ancillary aspects being considered by developers include geotechnical analysis, ventilation, blast design, scheduling and computer-aided design.