UAV-based photogrammetric mapping processes in surface mining operations

The use of photogrammetric software and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), which are making progress with increasing technological opportunities, is an effective method in mining applications as well as in different disciplines. Although UAV applications in the mining field are in their infancy today, the practicality, cost control, obtaining the final products in a short time and capturing the expected sensitivity from the final products are the most important conveniences offered by the method. One of the important advantages of UAV photogrammetry is that UAVs can measure in places where it is difficult for users to access but need to measure, and that these measurements can be achieved with the precision of classical methods. Through the existing map production, Three-Dimensional (3D) modeling, digital terrain and digital elevation model creation and orthophoto maps offered by UAV technology in mining applications; especially suitable ore production calculations of mine sites, volume and cubage calculations, deformation tracking, determination of inventory locations, calculation of stock areas, tracking of changes in the quarry, 3D quarry design etc. transactions can be carried out in a healthy way. Within the scope of this study, general information about the basic details of UAV technology, which is being used actively and up-to-date in our country and in the world, is given. In addition to the diversity of usage areas of UAVs, the advantages and disadvantages they offer, the benefits they provide today and future expectations, reviews about their use in the mining sector are presented. The main objectives of the thesis study are to specify the benefits to be gained by integrating UAVs into mining applications, how this method will affect the work efficiency compared to the classical measurement methods in the operations of the mine sites, and to investigate what valuable information can be obtained about the mine sites with the use of the resulting products. The aboveground coal mine in the Tavsanli district of Kütahya was chosen as the study area. Agisoft and NetCAD Promine software and DJI Phantom 4 Pro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle were used as study material.