The last decade has brought many breakthrough technologies that have completely changed the way we work, live and communicate. One of them is drones, which have become an indispensable tool in many industries, from photography and film to agriculture and industry. In this article, we will focus on an aspect that has an undeniable impact on earth geometry, namely – how drones are changing heap measurements .

Traditional methods of measuring heaps

Traditional methods of measuring heaps were time-consuming, labor-intensive and potentially dangerous. Using tachymeters, GPS or total survey stations not only required a lot of time and skill, but also exposed workers to potential accident risks. What’s more, these measurement methods were not always accurate, especially when large areas were involved.

How drones are changing heap measurements

This is where drones come in. These small and lightweight flying machines are capable of taking accurate measurements of large areas in a short period of time and without exposing workers to any risk. Using advanced technologies such as photogrammetry and LiDAR, drones can create precise 3D maps of an area and then use that data to precisely measure heaps.

The advantage of technology

The advantage of drones over traditional heap measurement methods is evident on many levels. First of all, with drones we can estimate the volume of heaps with unprecedented precision. Drones are also extremely versatile – they can fly at different heights, around heaps, above them, and even inside them, allowing us to better understand heap structure and characteristics.

How does it work?

The process of measuring heaps with drones is simple and efficient. A drone equipped with a suitable camera and 3D mapping software flies over the area, creating hundreds or even thousands of photos. These photos are then combined using special software, creating an accurate 3D map of the area. This map can then be used to make precise measurements of heap volumes.

Coming to the end of our topic about drones changing heap measurements, we want to emphasize that the advantage of technology in this area is undeniable. Thanks to drones, heap measurements are becoming faster, safer and more precise, which translates into savings in time and money, as well as greater safety for workers. An industry that decides to fully exploit the potential of this technology will certainly gain a huge advantage.

How to plan drone missions to make the data suitable for photogrammetry?

Free E-book

Learn how to prepare a mission step-by-step, avoid raid mistakes and create accurate orthophotos and 3D models. The perfect guide before your first commercial assignments.

Table of Contents

Do you own a drone? Start earning real money with it.

Test the SkySnap Portal without obligation – expand your service offerings, increase efficiency, and earn more with drones.

Tips, news, insights

Related articles

Check out our articles and get the latest industry news.

  • Surveyor’s Day with professional field support. DJI Matrice 4E and 4D Combo with Portal SkySnap package

    On the occasion of Surveyor's Day, Megadron and SkySnap have prepared a special promotional campaign for those who want to work faster, more convenient and more professionally. It's an offer aimed at surveyors, drone operators and companies carrying out measurements, documentation and field analysis using BSP technology.

  • Data accuracy in low-altitude photogrammetry: How drones are revolutionizing engineering measurements.

    In modern construction and surveying, data has become the new currency, whose real value depends on one uncompromising factor - accuracy. While traditional field surveying has for years been regarded as synonymous with reliability, drone photogrammetry is still sometimes seen by some as a glamorous but risky gadget. This is misguided thinking, as a properly designed raid process and professional processing can achieve geodetic precision of 1-5 cm, saving hundreds of hours of work. Therefore, it is worth considering how to move from the stage of taking aesthetically pleasing photos to creating full-fledged engineering documentation that will pass any inspection.

  • Volume analysis of earth materials from a drone - how to accurately measure masses?

    Volume analysis of earth materials from a drone – how to accurately measure masses?