A Practical Methodology for Generating High-Resolution 3D Models of Open-Pit Slopes Using UAVs: Flight Path Planning and Optimization

Abstract

High-resolution terrain models of open-pit mine highwalls and benches are essential in developing new automated slope monitoring systems for operational optimization. This paper presents several contributions to the field of remote sensing in surface mines providing a practical framework for generating high-resolution images using low-trim Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). First, a novel mobile application was developed for autonomous drone flights to follow mine terrain and capture high-resolution images of the mine surface. In this article, case study is presented showcasing the ability of developed software to import area terrain, plan the flight accordingly, and finally execute the area mapping mission autonomously. Next, to model the drone’s battery performance, empirical studies were conducted considering various flight scenarios. A multivariate linear regression model for drone power consumption was derived from experimental data. The model has also been validated using data from a test flight. Finally, a genetic algorithm for solving the problem of flight planning and optimization has been employed. The developed power consumption model was used as the fitness function in the genetic algorithm. The designed algorithm was then validated using simulation studies. It is shown that the offered path optimization can reduce the time and energy of high-resolution imagery missions by over 50%. The current work provides a practical framework for stability monitoring of open-pit highwalls while achieving required energy optimization and imagery performance.

A Comprehensive Review on Internet of Things (IoT) and its Implications in the Mining Industry

“…Determining the three-dimensional location of checkpoints, geochemical sampling, geological structures and mineralization zones are precisely required in all stages of mining from exploration to reclamation (Shekarian et al, 2017;Battulwar et al, 2020). Finding the location of the geological structures orebodies and opening underground, however, is a different challenge in the mining and even oil and gas industry (Asgari et al, 2019;Rahimi et al, 2019).…”

“…Mining is going to change to become safer since technology is enabling mining to occur remotely (Chehri et al, 2011;Hongjiang and Shuangyou, 2008;Moridi et al, 2014). People can sit in the comfort of an office environment and use drones, automated robotic systems, or remotely controlled equipment to perform the mining operations (Bo et al, 2014;Moridi et al, 2014;Qiuping et al, 2011;Singh et al, 2018;Battulwar et al, 2020). Monitoring of environmental parameters in realtime, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, presence of certain gases, water, electricity, etc.…”

“…Also, mining companies are already using autonomous loaders and drilling systems for several years. Just as with other stand-alone applications, the companies assert the innovation has improved productivity away much higher (Battulwar et al, 2020).…”

Modern Solution for Fast and Accurate Inventorization of Open-Pit Mines by the Active Remote Sensing Technique—Case Study of Mikoszów Granite Mine (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)

“…Commonly used worldwide, these surveying techniques have both advantages and disadvantages. Their implementation typically depends on the level of detail expected in the mining map, and thus on the accuracy of a particular measurement method and on the duration of the measurement process [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Optimization of Photogrammetric Flights with UAVs for the Metric Virtualization of Archaeological Sites. Application to Juliobriga (Cantabria, Spain)

“…This type of platforms allows collecting the information (aerial photographs) that is required for the generation of point-clouds and 3D models, which, after the application of the matching texture, lead to the recreation of orthomosaics, interactive PDFs, virtual itineraries through the model, etc. [3]. Therefore, the models themselves are the resources that are required for a virtualization of the object/territory with not only good visual appearance but also a proper metric that permits measuring, and the images obtained with UAVs are adequate for the traditional photogrammetric activities, due to their great resolution and the capacity to cover large areas with low costs.…”