Measuring Volumes with Drones

Accurately measuring stockpile volumes can be a complicated, time-consuming, costly and labor-intensive process oftentimes subject to significant variances and unreliable accuracy. Capturing aerial images, processing data using photogrammetry and computing stockpile volumes is quick, safe and significantly less expensive than traditional measurement methods. Some of the advantages of using drones for volumetric measurements include:

• Accurate – Equal to or better than ground-based LiDAR methods
• Affordable – Considerably lower cost than traditional ground-based methods
• Eliminate Inventory Adjustments and Write-offs – Frequent and Accurate Stockpile Measurements eliminates surprise adjustments
• Fast – Reports provided within 24 – 48 hours of inspection
• Frequency – Measure Daily, Monthly, Quarterly and/or Annually
• Improved Decision Making and Planning – Having confidence in the accuracy of your volumetric data allows you to plan smarter and make better decisions with fewer end of year accounting adjustments.
• Improved Operating Efficiency and Profitability – Lower internal labor costs and increase inventory knowledge in order to reduce costly stock-outs. Utilize your company personnel for their highest and best use which often is not volumetric measurements.
• Improved Reporting to Banks and others – Accurate, documented material inventory readily available to support financing.
• Quick Data Collection – Save significant time and labor – collect an entire site’s data in hours, not days.
• Reduce Capital Expenditures – Eliminate the need to purchase expensive measuring equipment.
• Safety – Eliminates the need to climb on stockpiles – significantly improves employee safety, MSHA compliance and reduces site insurance costs.
• Streamline Inventory Material Audits – Readily available, documented, independent third party inspection with audit history of all material inventories.