Innovative use of UAVs and photogrammetry for automation of mining surveying in open-pit mining

Maryna Kunytska*, Ihor Piskun

km_kms@ztu.edu.ua

Received 24.12.2025, Revised 02.06.2026, Accepted 30.06.2026, Published 06.07.2026
Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based photogrammetry for automating spatial monitoring in open-pit mining. The methodology included comparative field experiments conducted in June-September 2024 at granite quarries. UAV flights were performed at altitudes of 60, 80 and 120 metres using sensors with a resolution of 20 Mpix and 45 Mpix to analyse the impact of flight altitude and sensor characteristics on spatial accuracy. The results showed a direct dependence of the accuracy of digital terrain models on flight altitude and sensor characteristics. With an increase in altitude to 120 metres, the errors increased to 6.1 cm (planimetric) and 10.3 cm (altimetric). The camera with higher resolution demonstrated consistently higher accuracy at all altitude levels, which was confirmed by statistical analysis (p < 0.05). In addition, the critical role of the density of the ground control point network was established: reducing their number from 18 to 6 caused an increase in the plan error from 3.4 cm to 8.9 cm, and the elevation error from 4.8 cm to 11.5 cm, with significant local deformations of the models at the periphery. When comparing three software platforms for automated calculation of rock mass volumes, the smallest error was recorded in 3D Survey (1.6% of the reference laser scan), while Trimble Business Centre demonstrated the highest performance (1.5 hours of processing versus 2.6 hours in 3D Survey). Statistically significant differences (p = 0.033) indicate the importance of a well-informed choice of software in accordance with priorities of accuracy or speed. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility of implementing the results obtained by mining companies, surveying services and engineering and geodetic departments to improve the accuracy, productivity and safety of monitoring while minimising human and technical resources

Keywords:
spatial monitoring; planned errors; point cloud density; photogrammetry; autonomous aerial vehicle; geodetic instruments; digital model

Retrieved from Vol. 60, No. 1, 2026

Pages 60–71

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Kunytska, M., & Piskun, I. (2026). Innovative use of UAVs and photogrammetry for automation of mining surveying in open-pit mining. Mining Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University, 60(1), 60-71. https://doi.org/10.31721/2306-5435-2026-1-60-71
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