Automated Volume Analysis of Open Pit Mining Productions Based on Time Series Aerial Survey

Photogrammetry based 3D model creation provides a new opportunty to survey and to evaluate natural and arificial surface formations. The photos needed for 3D model building can be taken using fixed wing aircraft or multicopters. These machines are more economical and are capable of more precise route tracking than big machines operated by human personnel. Depending on the size of the area (0.5 to 10km
²
), the survey can be finished within an hour. The volume calculation method is introduced in the paper through the example of an actual, operating mine. Previous, mainly manual but competent analytical tasks, which demand engineering work, can be partly replaced agorithmically. The method may provide more accurate volume results than a conventional geodetic survey, as it builds a model with 10 cm resolution of any examined area or object. Another advantage is that the results are ready within a few hours after beginning the survey, it is not necessary to wait days for accurate volume data.