Revolutionising Stockpile Measurement with Drones

Frazer Harrison

Coal Stockpile

In recent years, the use of drones has been on the rise across various industries, and one area where they have proven to be particularly valuable is stockpile measurement.


Traditionally, measuring stockpiles has been a time-consuming and labour intensive task. However, with the advent of drone technology, companies are now able to streamline this process, saving time, resources, and improving overall efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and applications of using drones in stockpile measurement.


Accuracy and Precision

One of the significant advantages of using drones for stockpile measurement is the improved accuracy and precision they offer. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors can capture detailed data of stockpiles from various angles and heights. This data can then be processed using specialized software to create accurate 3D models and measurements. The precision of drone-based measurements eliminates the errors often associated with manual methods, ensuring reliable and consistent data.

 

Time and Cost Efficiency

Traditionally, stockpile measurement involved manual surveying and data collection, which required a significant amount of time and resources.With drones, the process becomes much faster and more cost-effective. Drones can rapidly capture data from large stockpile areas in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. This allows companies to allocate their resources more efficiently, saving both time and money.

With drones, the process becomes much faster and more cost-effective. Drones can rapidly capture data from large stockpile areas in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

This allows companies to allocate their resources more efficiently, saving both time and money.

 

Improved Safety

Another key advantage of utilizing drones for stockpile measurement is the improvement in safety conditions. In many cases, stockpiles are located in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas with large machinery such as construction sites or mining operations.

Sending personnel to manually measure these stockpiles can put them at risk. Drones, on the other hand, can easily navigate these areas, collecting data without endangering human lives. By using drones, companies can prioritize safety while still obtaining accurate and reliable stockpile measurements.

Enhanced Data Analysis

Drones not only capture visual data but can also gather other valuable information using advanced sensors. LiDAR-equipped drones, for example, can generate precise 3D point clouds, allowing for detailed analysis of stockpile volumes, shapes, and even material composition.

This data can be integrated with stockpile management systems and provide valuable insights for inventory control, resource allocation, and production planning. The enhanced data analysis capabilities offered by drone technology enable companies to make data-driven decisions, leading to more efficient operations.

Scalability and Versatility

Drones offer scalability and versatility in stockpile measurement. They can be deployed in a wide range of environments and can adapt to different stockpile types and sizes.

Virtual Surveyor

Whether it's measuring stockpiles of minerals, aggregates, agricultural products, or even waste materials, drones can efficiently capture the required data. Moreover, the scalability of drone technology allows for measuring stockpiles at regular intervals, providing valuable data for tracking changes over time and identifying potential issues or inefficiencies.


The use of drones in stockpile measurement has revolutionised the way companies manage their inventories. The accuracy, time and cost efficiency, improved safety, enhanced data analysis, and scalability offered by drones make them a valuable tool for various industries.

As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements in data processing, automation, and integration with stockpile management systems. Embracing drone technology for stockpile measurement not only optimizes operations but also empowers businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable data, ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability.

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The Power of Multispectral Drones

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Benefits of using a drone for surveys