Study compares UAV photogrammetry and terrestrial scanning at an open-pit mine
A Measurement journal pre-proof available online on 3 November compares UAV-derived surface models with terrestrial laser scans at an active mine. The authors report a 0.50 m UAV DEM grid and volume-change deviations of 7.42% for a dump and 7.85% for a pit in the studied areas.
Sun, 8 Nov 2026
Volume agreement depends on sight lines, common-area definitions and survey methods; a visually smooth model does not establish quantity accuracy.
Treat the figures as study results, not industry-wide UAV error rates. Compare independent check data, occluded faces and common survey extents before choosing a method.