Construction Services
Aerial Stockpile Volume Calculation for Construction Sites
Move beyond visual estimates with a documented photogrammetric workflow. When the pile geometry, surrounding surface, capture conditions, and selected processing method are suitable, flights can support per-pile volume estimates and week-over-week material tracking in your client portal.
The Problem with Manual Stockpile Estimation
Material is money. Every cubic yard of imported fill, every load of gravel, every pile of topsoil has a cost — and tracking that material is harder than it should be:
- Visual estimates can vary significantly between reviewers
- Manual measurement can interrupt operations and provide only a point-in-time result
- By the time you have a number, the pile has already changed
- Truck tickets do not capture where material actually ended up
- No easy way to compare material volumes week over week
- Budget overruns from material miscalculation are a leading source of disputes
How Aerial Volumetrics Work
When volumetrics are selected and conditions are suitable, a mapping flight can produce a Digital Surface Model (DSM) of the visible captured surfaces. The selected workflow can then support volume estimates:
DSM Surface Capture
The drone captures overlapping photos from multiple angles. Photogrammetry software reconstructs the visible surface for volume review when pile geometry, ground visibility, and capture conditions are suitable.
Per-Pile Volume Estimate
Define a stockpile and an appropriate base surface in the viewer. The workflow estimates the volume between the visible pile surface and the selected base in cubic yards or cubic meters.
Surface-Change Review
When dated DSMs are sufficiently aligned and comparable, review apparent cut and fill patterns and estimated net change within the defined area.
Week-over-Week Tracking
A consistent repeat workflow can show estimated changes in documented piles and material areas. Results remain subject to the stated capture, surface, and processing limitations.
Case Study
Chehalis: Tracking Material Across a Mile-Long Site
The Chehalis neighborhood development spans approximately one mile from end to end, with 20+ heavy machinery vehicles operating simultaneously. Material moves constantly — imported fill arrives, topsoil is stripped and stockpiled, gravel is delivered for road base, and excess dirt is hauled away.
Tracking material movement across a large site can be difficult from ground-level observations alone. Weekly aerial documentation can help the team review which visible piles appear to have grown or declined and how selected material areas are trending.
The existing-conditions flight established a dated baseline. Consistent follow-up capture can support comparison over time, with the method and limitations documented for material-management review.
What Can Be Included When Volumetrics Are Selected
Frequently Asked Questions
Review Stockpile Quantities Over Time
Draw your site boundary on our map and get an instant quote — includes volumetric tracking.