Open integration for blast data

Maptek is aware that for customers to integrate and automate their mining operations, data needs to be more accessible to third-party systems and tools in a secure manner.

From September 2024, an easy-to-use Application Programmer Interface (API) will enable Maptek BlastLogic customers to read and write data more directly, while maintaining data integrity.

You own your data

The server is the central source of truth in the BlastLogic ecosystem, which is the foundation for continually improving drill and blast outcomes. 

The server has strict rules about how data is written, and requires special knowledge to read and write. Applications such as the BlastLogic Tablet and Desktop clients read from and write to the server to perform data related functions.

Although one of the benefits of BlastLogic is ‘You own your data’, until now customers could only use data through the lens of Maptek applications. 

For example, the companion application, BlastLogic Integration Service (BLIS) only allows for the scheduled import of drilling and custom hole data from a database, based on various rules.

Facilitating integration

A new API has been added to the BlastLogic Server to integrate third party systems, custom software, scripts and tools with the BlastLogic ecosystem. 

The API allows users to create custom workflows to facilitate adding backfilling, dipping and loaded charge deck data. 

For example, a machine could measure holes of a blast and automatically send the measurement to the BlastLogic server through the API, without the need for it to learn how to use the Tablet application.

With the Public API wrapped as part of the Maptek Extend SDK update later in 2024, users will be able to write Python code to interact with the API. This will provide a seamless connection between other Maptek applications, via the SDK and the BlastLogic Public API.

When two independent pieces of software can communicate with each other it’s most likely through an Application Programmer Interface.

Solving a problem

Drill and blast engineers have a growing appetite to integrate and automate their mining operations. Therefore, BlastLogic data needs to be more accessible to third-party systems and tools.

The challenge when designing any API is that anyone attempting an integration must be able to understand and use it with ease. Flexibility to integrate with multiple technologies and workflows is essential. 

A unique challenge arose when demonstrating the BlastLogic Public API, which is an abstract idea to many people. A new feature usually entails new UI elements or a tactile object to operate that solves a problem directly. 

‘Walking in the shoes’ of the customer helped Maptek to demonstrate a hypothetical solution using the API. This approach was better than just presenting the API specifications, and promoted understanding of its use cases and future value.

BlastLogic customers will be able to benefit from full open integration functionality in late 2024; contact Maptek to find out more.