Practical Guide to Drone Volume Measurement
Drone-based volume measurement is an efficient method for calculating quantities of materials such as soil, gravel, stone, waste, or biomass. This technology is particularly valuable in construction, excavation, waste management, and agriculture, where accurate data is essential for planning and documentation. Using drones allows you to cover large areas quickly while collecting precise data without exposing staff to hazardous conditions.
📸 Step 1: Drone Flight and Image Capture
The first step is to plan an automated flight over the target area. The drone systematically captures overlapping images without manual control. Choosing the right altitude and flight speed is crucial to ensure full coverage and high image resolution. Overlap between images should typically be around 70–80%, allowing Ensurvi to generate an accurate 3D model.
For larger sites, you can divide the area into smaller sections and perform multiple flights. It may also be beneficial to mark ground reference points for improved accuracy in your volume calculations.
💻 Step 2: Upload and Data Processing
After the flight, the captured images are uploaded to Ensurvi, where they are processed into a detailed 3D model of the area. The system automatically analyzes elevation differences and creates a precise digital surface model that can be used for volume calculations. The entire process is streamlined to deliver fast and reliable results without manual post-processing.
📐 Step 3: Volume Measurement and Analysis
With the 3D model generated by Ensurvi, you can easily perform precise measurements of both volume and surface areas. Simply draw polygons around the areas you want to measure, and Ensurvi automatically calculates the volume. This allows you to monitor changes over time—for example, tracking material quantities on a construction site or excavation area.
To ensure maximum accuracy, it’s important that the model is correctly aligned with real-world coordinates. Ensurvi supports the use of ground control points and reference markers, enabling you to validate and document your results for reliable reporting and billing.
✅ Benefits of Drone-Based Volume Measurement
- Time-efficient: Cover large areas in minutes instead of hours with traditional surveying.
- High precision: Accuracy down to a few centimeters ensures trustworthy results.
- Improved safety: Avoid manual surveying in hazardous areas such as slopes or unstable terrain.
- Cost-effective: Repeat measurements with minimal extra cost and use historical data for comparison.
- Visual overview: Gain clear 3D models and maps for better decision-making, documentation, and project communication.
💡 Practical Tips
- Plan flights according to weather conditions – avoid strong wind or rain.
- Keep drone batteries fully charged and bring spares for extended sessions.
- Use ground reference points for improved measurement accuracy.
- Save and document your data regularly to build a history of material changes over time.
Drone-based volume measurement combines efficiency, safety, and precision. By following these steps, companies can optimize project planning, documentation, and material tracking—all within the Ensurvi platform.
Get started with precise volume measurement
Do you want a precise and efficient overview of your materials? With Ensurvi you get professional volume measurement that saves time, increases safety and gives you precise data for planning and billing.Get started
