Scribd
Upload
130 views5 pages

A Cost Effective Method For Stockpile Volume Estimation Using Aerial Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry uses digital photographs taken from different angles to generate 3D models of objects. This technique provides accurate volume estimations of stockpiles down to the sub-centimeter level. The document describes a cost effective method using aerial photography from a helium balloon/kite platform to generate 3D models of large stockpiles. Ground control points surveyed with GPS are used to georeference the aerial images. Volumetric analysis is then performed by subtracting the 3D stockpile surface from the original ground surface to determine stockpile volume.

Uploaded by

Fernando Elizalde Ramirez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
130 views5 pages

A Cost Effective Method For Stockpile Volume Estimation Using Aerial Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry uses digital photographs taken from different angles to generate 3D models of objects. This technique provides accurate volume estimations of stockpiles down to the sub-centimeter level. The document describes a cost effective method using aerial photography from a helium balloon/kite platform to generate 3D models of large stockpiles. Ground control points surveyed with GPS are used to georeference the aerial images. Volumetric analysis is then performed by subtracting the 3D stockpile surface from the original ground surface to determine stockpile volume.

Uploaded by

Fernando Elizalde Ramirez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

A Cost Effective Method for Stockpile Volume

Estimation using Aerial Photogrammetry


Unit 2, Ocean House,
Hunter Street, Cardiff CF10 5FR UK
Tel: +44(0)8707 303050 [email protected]
www.terrageomatics.com
Photogrammetry is a computer
based process that performs 3-D
measurement from digital
photographs. The software
conducts 3-D measurements
from stereo images - two
images taken from different
angles to the left and a right - of
the object of measurement.
The resulting model 3-D
surface is accurate often on a
sub-centimetre level which
makes it ideal for field
mapping.
An aerial perspective is best for
large targets such as stockpiles,
and we have developed a highly
stable all-weather helium
balloon / kite hybrid
photographic platform.
The data is co-ordinated into
the real world through the use
of wooden targets placed on the
ground and surveyed using
GPS.
Left: TerraDats aerial platform
enables an unrestricted birds eye view
of a target.
Above: Orthorectified stereo images of the stockpile. Note the GPS targets and yellow
Polygon defining the limits of the photogrammetric model
The workflow for generation of 3-D models from stereo imagery is very efficient and can be
completed by an experienced operator in under one hour. Once theimage pair is related to the
ground control points, a model area is defined via a polygon. The software then carried out an
automatic surface measurement at a pre-defined mesh (5cm in this example) to produce the
TIN (triangular irregular network). The original photography canbe warped onto the TIN as
show below.
Volumetric Analysis
Volumetric analysis is
carried out by subtracting
the generated 3-D surface
of the stockpile from the
original ground surface.
Either the original ground
surface prior to the
stockpile can be used, or a
flat ground surface can be
generated from the stereo
photographs using the
elevations of the edge of
the polygon (see yellow
line above).
The volume of the stockpile in this example, using the surface difference model is
1435 cubic metres. Given a representative density, the mass can be easily worked
out.
Contours of the original stock yard surface derived from polygon edge elevations
Cross Sections
The photogrammetrysoftware also has a useful function for drawing cross sections.
The plan above shows an X_Y plot of the stockpile surface model (TIN) and the line
of the cross section in red.
Stockpile cross section A-B derived from the surface model.
The software used to generate the model presented in this case study was produced by
Topcon. PI-3000 image station is available from authorised Topcon distributor:
TerraDat. See www.terrageomatics.com for further information.

You might also like