For industries like mining, construction, and resource management, understanding exactly how much material is on the ground is critical. Whether you're tracking stockpiles, planning earthworks, or monitoring site changes, accurate volume estimates help keep operations efficient and costs under control. But getting these measurements right isn’t always simple—piles shift, terrain changes, and rough estimates can lead to costly mistakes.
That’s where volumetric reporting comes in. This method uses geospatial data to provide fast, precise volume calculations. By measuring material quantities accurately, teams can improve inventory tracking, reduce waste, and make better-informed decisions.
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Volumetric reporting calculates the volume of a defined area, such as a stockpile or excavation, using aerial imagery or photogrammetry. This process provides a clear understanding of available materials—whether it’s rock, soil, sand, gravel, or other resources used in industrial operations.
For many industries, volumetric reporting is essential for operational efficiency. Overestimating stockpiles can lead to unnecessary purchases, while underestimating can halt production. Regular volume tracking ensures businesses maintain the right balance, reducing waste and improving project planning.
With Birdi’s new volumetric annotations in Map View 2.0, measuring stockpile volumes is easier than ever. Watch how it works in just 30 seconds:
Different calculation methods are used depending on the terrain and the type of material being measured.
Linear fit method: This method estimates the base surface by fitting a plane through the selected area. It works best on relatively even ground, providing a smooth and balanced reference for volume calculations.
Lowest point method: This method sets the base surface at the lowest point within the selected area. It’s ideal for stockpiles on uneven terrain or situations where a conservative estimate is needed to avoid overestimation.
Need to know how much material is in a stockpile? Volumetric reporting helps track inventory levels, ensuring accurate stock reports and preventing over- or under-supply issues.
In construction, mining, and earthworks, terrain often needs reshaping to match design specifications. Cut-and-fill analysis calculates the difference between the current surface and the target grade, helping teams estimate how much material needs to be excavated (cut) and how much needs to be added (fill). This improves cost estimation and project efficiency, reducing waste and keeping projects on track.
Tracking landfill capacity is essential for efficient waste disposal planning. Volumetric analysis helps measure available space, ensuring proper waste management and site expansion planning.
Volumetric reporting isn’t just for construction—it’s also useful for tracking erosion, flood risks, and land changes over time. Conservation teams can use it to monitor terrain shifts, ensuring better land management and sustainability efforts.
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With Birdi’s volumetric annotations, you can quickly determine the volume of your stockpiles. Simply draw a polygon around the stockpile, choose the relevant Digital Elevation Model surface data and hit Calculate! Watch the video here.
To learn more about how Birdi can help you with your volumetric reporting needs, book a demo with us.
