Introduction

In industries ranging from mining, aggregates, and construction to waste management and agriculture, precise and timely measurement of stockpile volumes is paramount for effective inventory management, accurate financial reporting, optimized resource allocation, and efficient project execution. Traditional methods, such as manual surveys, ground-based measurements, or reliance on heavy machinery, are often hazardous, time-consuming, and prone to significant inaccuracies, leading to costly errors, waste, and operational inefficiencies. The advent of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems - UAS) has revolutionized stockpile measurement, offering a safe, rapid, and highly accurate alternative. Equipped with high-resolution RGB cameras and advanced photogrammetry software (and sometimes LiDAR), drones can capture detailed aerial data to create precise 3D models of stockpiles, enabling calculations of their volume with unparalleled accuracy. This essential training course focuses on Drone-Based Stockpile Volume Calculation, empowering professionals to master this cutting-edge technology for superior inventory control and operational optimization.

This intensive training course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to leveraging drone technology for precise stockpile volume calculations. Participants will gain hands-on experience with drone mission planning specifically for stockpile surveys, selecting and utilizing appropriate drone platforms and sensors, and mastering data acquisition techniques to ensure volumetric accuracy. We will delve into photogrammetry processing to generate accurate 3D models and digital surface models (DSMs), the critical steps for defining base planes, and the methods for calculating cut and fill volumes. By mastering the operational workflows, technical skills, and data analysis crucial for drone-based volumetric measurements, you will be equipped to conduct efficient, accurate, and safe assessments, ultimately reducing operational costs, improving inventory accuracy, and enhancing overall project profitability and safety.

Target Audience

• Mining Engineers & Operators
• Quarry & Aggregate Site Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Civil Engineers & Surveyors
• Landfill Managers
• Inventory & Logistics Coordinators
• Drone Service Providers
• Financial Auditors & Analysts (for inventory valuation)

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of drone-based photogrammetry for volumetric calculations.
• Identify suitable drone platforms and high-resolution cameras for stockpile mapping.
• Master drone flight planning and data acquisition techniques for accurate stockpile surveys.
• Learn to implement and utilize Ground Control Points (GCPs) for high accuracy in volumetric measurements.
• Process drone imagery using photogrammetry software to create accurate 3D models and orthomosaics.
• Understand the concept of base planes and their critical role in stockpile volume calculation.
• Apply various methods for calculating stockpile volumes (cut/fill) using drone-derived data.
• Interpret and utilize volumetric reports for inventory management and financial reporting.
• Explore techniques for tracking changes in stockpile volumes over time.
• Implement safety protocols and best practices for drone operations on industrial sites.
• Design a practical drone program for continuous stockpile inventory management.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Stockpile Management & Drones

• Importance of accurate stockpile measurement in various industries.
• Limitations and dangers of traditional volumetric survey methods.
• The paradigm shift: drones for safer, faster, more accurate stockpile calculations.
• Overview of drone technology for inventory management.
• Economic benefits and ROI of drone adoption for volumetric analysis.

Module 2: Drone Platforms & Sensors for Volumetric Surveys

• Recommended drone types (e.g., DJI Phantom 4 RTK, Mavic 3 Enterprise) for high-accuracy mapping.
• Understanding camera specifications: sensor size, resolution, rolling vs. global shutter.
• The role of RTK/PPK GPS technology in achieving centimeter-level accuracy without excessive GCPs.
• Introduction to LiDAR for volumetric surveys in challenging environments (e.g., vegetated piles).
• Essential drone accessories for professional mapping (extra batteries, charging hubs).

Module 3: Flight Planning for Stockpile Surveys

• Using automated flight planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot 2, Pix4Dcapture, DroneDeploy).
• Defining flight parameters: altitude, speed, front overlap, side overlap for optimal data.
• Strategies for capturing irregularly shaped stockpiles and piles against walls or bins.
• Considerations for lighting conditions, shadows, and reflective surfaces for image quality.
• Planning flights to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimal data gaps.

Module 4: Ground Control Points (GCPs) & Accuracy

• The fundamental role of GCPs in achieving survey-grade accuracy for volumetric calculations.
• Best practices for GCP placement, distribution, and measurement using a GNSS receiver.
• Understanding absolute vs. relative accuracy in drone mapping.
• Techniques for validating accuracy using checkpoints.
• Reducing reliance on GCPs with RTK/PPK drones.

Module 5: Data Acquisition & On-Site Workflow

• Step-by-step process for capturing high-resolution aerial imagery over stockpiles.
• Ensuring consistent image quality and sharp focus.
• Pre-flight safety checks and site assessment.
• Managing weather conditions and environmental factors that impact data quality.
• Rapid data offloading and initial quality review in the field.

Module 6: Photogrammetry Processing for 3D Models

• Deep dive into photogrammetry software for processing drone imagery (e.g., Pix4Dmatic, Agisoft Metashape, DroneDeploy, Virtual Surveyor, DJI Terra).
• Workflow for image alignment, dense point cloud generation, and mesh creation.
• Generating high-resolution orthomosaic maps of the site.
• Creating Digital Surface Models (DSMs) for volumetric analysis.
• Understanding processing parameters for optimal results.

Module 7: Stockpile Volume Calculation Methods

• Defining the base plane (mean plane, lowest point, custom ground surface) for accurate calculations.
• Methods for delineating stockpile boundaries in 2D and 3D.
• Calculating volume above a defined base plane (cut volume).
• Calculating fill volume for excavation areas.
• Understanding volume comparison (cut/fill analysis) between different survey dates.

Module 8: Analysis & Interpretation of Volumetric Data

• Interpreting volumetric reports: total volume, cut/fill values, associated areas.
• Visualizing stockpile shapes and changes on 3D models and orthomosaics.
• Identifying discrepancies between physical inventory and calculated volumes.
• Using volumetric data for production tracking and material reconciliation.
• Applying density factors to convert volume to tonnage/weight.

Module 9: Tracking & Reporting Stockpile Changes

• Implementing a regular schedule for stockpile monitoring.
• Comparing sequential drone surveys to track material movement and consumption.
• Generating trend reports and progress charts for inventory levels.
• Utilizing software features for automated change detection.
• Creating customizable reports for internal stakeholders and external audits.

Module 10: Integration with Management Systems

• Exporting volumetric data in compatible formats (e.g., CSV, DXF, PDF).
• Integrating drone data with existing inventory management systems (IMS).
• Linking volumetric data to financial reporting and accounting software.
• Enhancing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with real-time inventory insights.
• The role of GIS in visualizing stockpile data within a broader site context.

Module 11: Safety & Best Practices for Industrial Sites

• Comprehensive risk assessment for drone operations on mining, quarry, and construction sites.
• Mitigating hazards: heavy machinery, unstable ground, dust, active operations.
• Establishing safe operational zones and communication protocols.
• Adherence to site-specific safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Emergency procedures and contingency planning for incidents.

Module 12: Troubleshooting & Optimization

• Common challenges in drone-based volumetric surveys (e.g., poor lighting, reflective surfaces, complex geometries).
• Techniques for troubleshooting data quality issues.
• Optimizing flight plans and processing settings for efficiency and accuracy.
• Best practices for maintaining drone equipment and sensors.
• Continuing education and staying current with drone technology advancements.

Module 13: Case Studies & Business Implementation

• Analysis of successful drone stockpile projects from various industries.
• Review of lessons learned from real-world volumetric challenges.
• Discussion of quantifiable cost savings and efficiency gains achieved.
• Developing a business case for adopting drone technology for stockpile management.
• Strategies for establishing an in-house drone program or engaging drone service providers.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.