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Both LiDAR and photogrammetry can achieve cm-level stockpile/cut-fill accuracy when executed correctly. Use photogrammetry for open, well-lit sites; choose LiDAR for vegetated, shaded, or complex terrain where clean ground detection and vertical accuracy matter most. Many teams combine both (LiDAR ground + RGB texture) for the most reliable volumes.
For drone pilots working in mining, construction, or surveying, volumetric measurements are a core part of the job. Precision is everything, whether you’re calculating stockpile volumes, tracking earthworks progress, or managing materials on site.
Modern drones make this task faster and safer, but the question remains: LiDAR or photogrammetry? Both approaches can deliver 3D data, but they come with different tools, workflows, and results. This article explores the entire volumetric measurement process, from data capture to analysis, using both LiDAR scanners and photogrammetry.
What Are Volumetric Measurements in Drone Surveying?
In the context of drone surveying, volumetric measurements refer to the process of calculating the volume of a defined 3D space, usually terrain or material piles, based on data collected from above.
Drones capture that data by flying over a site and recording the shape and surface of the target area. That information is then turned into digital surface models or point clouds. From there, software can calculate exact volumes, compare time-stamped data, and track change over time.
Common Use Cases of Volumetric Measurements:
- Stockpile volume tracking in mining and aggregates
- Cut and fill analysis for construction and earthworks
- Progress monitoring for large-scale infrastructure projects
- Landform changes in environmental and floodplain studies
Drone LiDAR vs Photogrammetry, Which is Better for Volume Measurements?
There are two primary ways to gather data for volumetric measurement with drones: LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry. Each has strengths and limitations.
1. Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry uses overlapping 2D images to reconstruct 3D surfaces. A drone photogrammetry setup typically includes a high-resolution RGB camera and flight planning software to capture images with consistent overlap and altitude.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Simple to set up
- Works well in clear, open environments
- High visual detail
Limitations:
- Requires good lighting and weather conditions
- Dense vegetation or shadows can distort data
- Less accurate on very dark, reflective, or texture-less surfaces
Best drone photogrammetry platforms include DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and Phantom 4 RTK, which combine good image quality, stability, and GPS precision.
2. LiDAR Technology
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to scan surfaces and measure distances. A LiDAR scanner mounted on a drone collects thousands of points per second, building a detailed point cloud that represents the terrain or object.
Benefits:
- Penetrates vegetation—ideal for forested areas
- Works in low light or even at night
- Higher accuracy for terrain modeling
- Captures ground even when it’s hidden
Limitations:
- Higher equipment cost
- More complex data processing
- Heavier payloads require robust UAVs
Popular drones for LiDAR scanning include the DJI M300 or M350 paired with sensors like the Zenmuse L1 or other LiDAR cameras for UAVs such as YellowScan or GeoCue. These setups offer excellent drone laser scanner capabilities for topographic work.
How to Calculate Volumetric Data With Drones
1. Plan Your Mission
Use specialized drone topographic survey software like UgCS to define your area of interest, set flight parameters, and ensure proper altitude and overlap. UgCS supports both LiDAR and photogrammetry missions with terrain-following, corridor scanning, and calibration tools.
2. Capture the Data
Fly the drone along the planned path. For LiDAR, the scanner emits rapid pulses and logs reflections. For photogrammetry, ensure consistent lighting and image overlap.
3. Process the Data
- LiDAR scanner data processing involves classifying the point cloud (e.g., separating ground from vegetation), then generating models.
- Photogrammetry requires stitching images and generating an orthomosaic, followed by building a 3D surface.
4. Calculate Volumes
Import your data into GIS or 3D modeling software. Define base levels and boundaries, then run the volumetric measurement tool. You can now measure cut, fill, or material volumes with precision.
5. Compare Over Time
One of the biggest advantages of drone-based volumetric measures is repeatability. You can track changes by comparing datasets over weeks or months, which is essential for project monitoring.
LiDAR Topography for Challenging Sites
Some terrain types are especially difficult for photogrammetry: steep slopes, dense vegetation, shadow-heavy areas, or sites with reflective materials like water or dark asphalt. In these situations, LiDAR topography is often the only reliable method.
Thanks to its active sensor technology, a drone with LiDAR can deliver clean ground returns even under trees or in poorly lit environments. The result? More accurate lidar maps, more reliable volumetric measurements, and better decision-making.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
The right choice between LiDAR and photogrammetry depends on your site conditions and accuracy needs. Photogrammetry is ideal for open, well-lit areas where visual detail matters, while LiDAR delivers cleaner results in vegetated, shaded, or uneven terrain. In many cases, combining both gives the best balance of precision and context.
Final Thoughts: Volumetric Measures, Done Right
Drones have taken volumetric measurement from labor-intensive and risky, to fast, safe, and repeatable. Whether you're using LiDAR technology or photogrammetry, the key to success is choosing the right tool for the job and understanding your data from flight to finish.
For professional pilots and surveyors, the choice between LiDAR vs photogrammetry isn't about which is better overall, but which fits your site, budget, and accuracy needs.
Need help planning your next drone land surveying mission? UgCS supports both workflows with tools tailored for accuracy and speed, no matter what gear you fly.
LiDAR vs Photogrammetry: FAQs
Is LiDar more accurate than photogrammetry for stockpiles?
Not inherently. In open, textured sites, photogrammetry can match LiDAR when flown and QA’d correctly. In vegetation/complex terrain, LiDAR usually maintains superior vertical reliability.
How much overlap do I need for photogrammetry volumes?
Start with 75-80% frontlap and 65-75% sidelap; fly ~3-4× the tallest pile’s height.
What LiDAR point density is ‘enough’ for volumes?
Depends on pile geometry and tolerance; increase pts/m² via slower speed and higher swath overlap; verify with checkpoints.
Can I fly at night?
Yes with LiDAR; photogrammetry requires good ambient light.
Do I still need checkpoints with RTK/PPK?
Yes, use them to validate and report per ASPRS 2023.
