In this blog series, we will embark on a captivating journey through the realm of photogrammetry and its outputs.

Photogrammetry is a technique used to measure and map physical objects or environments using photographs. It combines the principles of photography and geometry to create accurate 3D models or measurements from 2D images. Photogrammetry is used in the military, construction, land surveying, real estate, etc.

Through the process of photogrammetry, multiple images of an object or scene are captured from different angles or viewpoints. These images are then analyzed and matched to extract precise measurements, shapes, textures, and even colors. The software algorithms used in photogrammetry can reconstruct the 3D structure of the object based on the visual information provided by the images.

With the help of a Worldfile we can also import an orthomosaic into AUTOCAD and georeference it with the help of the GEOREFIMG AutoCAD command.

• Worldfile: It is a six line plain text sidecar file used by geographic information systems (GIS) to georeference raster map images.
  

• JPEG: JPEG is a common image format and orthomosaic maps can be saved as high-quality JPEG files. While they are more accessible for visualization, they may lack the georeferencing information that GeoTIFF provides.

• PDF (Portable Document Format): Orthomosaic maps can be exported as PDFs for easy sharing and printing. However, like JPEG, they may not contain geospatial data.

I have used Surveyaan Geoworkspace photogrammetry software to create the orthomosaic and its formats.

The possibilities of orthomosaic mapping are limitless, and as technology continues to advance, we can expect even greater achievements and innovations.

The figure above is an Orthomosaic image in GeoTif format. The red points are the Ground Control Points overlaid on the orthomosaic file in shapefile (SHP) format.

The figure above shows the GCP data in Comma Separated Value (CSV) format.

From the figure above, we can view the GCP report in .doc format.

In the figure above, the black shape shows the waste dump, and the blue shape shows the reclaimed area. Both are in Shapefile (shp) format and in UTM Projected Coordinate System.

In the figure above, the area is calculated from the Surveyaan Geoworkspace using the Area tool in the Measurement Tools. The measurements are then saved with a suitable name. The shapefiles are then generated then using the DXF SHP export button.

In the figure above, the red points show the boundary pillars’ position. Here the points are in shapefile (shp) format and are in UTM Projected Coordinate System.

In the figure above, the red points show the boundary pillars’ position. Here the points are in shapefile (shp) format and are in Geographic Coordinate System.

The figure above, is kind of a General Log Sheet and IBM has not defined any standard format for it.

You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box

You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box

The Government released several sets of instructions to allow the operation of UAV drones called the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for carrying out drone survey and submission of Digital Aerial Images of Mining areas to Indian Bureau of Mines.

Standard Operating Procedures for carrying out drone survey and submission of Digital Aerial Images of Mining areas to Indian Bureau of Mines

From Airspace Map of India above, In the Airport Yellow [8-12 km] zone , drones can be operated only upto 60m. In the Airport Yellow [5-8 km] zone and Airport Red zone , drones can be operated only after permission from DGCA.

From the figure as shown above, we can see that this is the International Boundary. This is a highly restricted zone.

8. Co-ordinate Reference System

From the Figure above, these are the photos captured by the drone and here you can see that the (Latitude, Longitude) values are in Degree Minute Second (DMS).

The Orthomosaic shall be submitted in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and unit as meters.

From Figure  above, this is an orthomosaic file and here it is in UTM Coordinate Reference System having EPSG Code: 32643 and the coordinate values are in meters.

The GCPs survey data and boundary pillar coordinates shall be submitted in (Latitude, Longitude) with WGS84 Datum and Degree Minute Seconds as unit.

The precision of the data submitted in (Latitude, Longitude) with WGS84 Datum should be in format as (DD MM SS.SSSSSS)

From Figure  above, it shows the properties of an image used in drone survey. Here the (Latitude, Longitude) values are in Degree Minute Second (DMS) and in the seconds value you need to have precision upto 6 digits.

9. Preservation of Raw and Processed Data

The raw and processed data of each survey must be kept safely with the lessee for a minimum period of five years. The data must be submitted to IBM in case required by IBM for verification at any stage. The data can be stored in cloud platforms such as Surveyaan Geoworkspace, so that there is no risk of getting the data lost or corrupted.

Now, we will continue in the next blog mentioning about the data outputs and formats needed to be submitted to IBM.

Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth. The profitable substances that are mined from the earth are called minerals. The minerals are valuable in their pure form, but in earth they are mixed with unwanted rocks and minerals. This mix of mineral and rock is usually carried away from the mine and processed later and refined to isolate the mineral

The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) established in 1948, is a multi-disciplinary government organization under the Department of Mines. It is headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is engaged in promotion of conservation, scientific development of mineral resources and protection of environment in mines other than coal, atomic minerals, petroleum & natural gas and minor minerals. It is primarily advisory body to help in formulation of policy and legal framework for mining sector and advising Central and State Governments on development and utilization of mineral resources.

A Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) is a reference framework that defines the locations of features on an earth model. These coordinates are based on an ellipsoid that approximates the Earth’s shape, allowing us to measure distances and angles between different points of the Earth. In Geographic Coordinate System, locations are defined using angular measurements, usually in decimal degrees. A GCS is required for the data to pinpoint its location on the earth’s surface accurately. The most commonly used geographic coordinate system is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84).

To represent a location in GCS, you need the location in either degree minute seconds or decimal degrees. This is an example of GCS.

Let us find out the location of the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station. Consider the location of the railway station to be 12°59'37.38"N and 77°35'52.87"E in Geographical Coordinate System. Here the location is in Degree Minute Second format.

From the figure above, we can see horizontal lines run east — west. They are called Latitudes or Parallels. They form concentric circles around the Earth and are equally spaced and parallel to one another. The Equator is the line of latitude that cuts across the center of the Earth and marks zero degrees of latitude. Positive latitudes from 0 to +90 degrees are found north of the equator, while negative latitudes from 0 to -90 degrees are located south of the equator.

From the figure above, we can see vertical lines run north — south. They are called Longitudes or Meridians. The Prime Meridian is the line of longitude that is at zero degrees and runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. For most geographic coordinate systems, the prime meridian is the longitude that passes through Greenwich, England. Positive longitudes from 0 to +90 degrees are found east of the Prime Meridian, while negative longitudes from 0 to -90 degrees are located west of the Prime Meridian.

From the figure above, the grid-like network of latitude and longitude lines encircles the entire globe and is called the Graticule. The equator and prime meridian intersection define the origin of the graticule (0,0).

A spheroid or a sphere approximating the Earth’s shape can define a coordinate system. A sphere is based on a circle, whereas a spheroid is an ellipsoid based on an ellipse.

There are many different models of the earth’s surface and, therefore, many different GCS. World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 1984) is designed as a one-size-fits-all GCS, good for mapping global data. Australian Geodetic Datum 1984 is designed to fit the earth snugly around Australia, giving you good precision for this continent but poor accuracy anywhere else.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched an airspace map of India for drone operations on 24 September 2021 for the first time. It enables civilian drone operators to check for delineated no-fly zones or areas where certain formalities must be completed before flying a drone. The map is available on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) digital sky platform.

The drone airspace map is an interactive map of India that demarcates the country’s red, yellow, and green zones. Anyone planning to operate a drone should mandatorily check the latest airspace map for any changes in zone boundaries from the digital sky website.

Green zones are unrestricted zones where drones can be operated without any permission. The green zone is the airspace up to 120 m/400ft that has not been identified as a red or yellow zone. Permission is unnecessary to operate drones weighing up to 500 kg in green zones.

Yellow zones are controlled zones, and the drone can only be operated after permission from DGCA. The yellow zone is the airspace up to 120m/400ft in a designated green zone, up to 60m/200ft in the vicinity of an operating airport that is between 8 and 12 kilometers away, and above ground in the vicinity of an operational airport that is between 5–8 kilometers away.

From Figure 2 above, In the Airport Yellow [8–12 km] zone, drones can be operated only up to 60m/200ft. You need to take permission from the authorities in order to fly above this height.

There are international boundaries besides the Green, Yellow, Red, and Geo Zones. This is a highly restricted zone. You are not allowed to fly the drone here

Remote Pilot License

In India, Drone Pilot Training is now mandatory to fly a commercial-purpose drone of any size. To become a professional drone pilot in India, candidates must obtain a drone pilot license upon completing training from a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approved institute. Flying a drone without the required certificate can result in severe fines and drone confiscation.

To be eligible for the program, One must be at least 18 years old and under 65. They should also have a minimum qualification of Class 10. Candidates must also pass a medical examination and a background check from the relevant government agency. It is not necessary to own a drone to enlist.

This brings us to the end of the blog. I hope this article gained some knowledge for you!

Thank you for reading.

Volumetric measurements are done using aerial or ground surveying techniques to calculate the volume of stockpiles and other materials. Conventionally, it was done on the ground using total station but now, as an alternative, aerial UAVs are used to find the measurements. Surveyors now use drones to calculate the stockpile volume and amount of material removed from the ground. They plan accurate projects at different timeframes, and measure excavations. Surveys are done on the mine, quarry, landfills, coal yards, etc.

Before moving on to the Volumetric calculation, you have to be familiar with some terms given below.

Linear fit: Concerning the points in the polygon, a linear fitted plane will be considered, and the plane that fits the best will be used for calculating the volume. The linear fit is used to calculate the volume of stockpiles whenever the ground underneath the stockpiles is sloped or irregular.

Here in Figure 8 above, you can see two project photos. The photo on the left is the area surveyed first and to the right is a photo of the same area surveyed after one month.