Virtual Surveyor includes Stockpile tool that allows you to easily measure quantities from drone surveys. The Stockpile button appears in the TOOLS tab when a Boundary or Surface item is selected. 


The final outputs are stockpile items. Quantities and values display in the Volume box.


Overview


Stockpile Reference Type

You can select the Reference Type when using the Stockpile tool with a Boundary. You can choose among four reference surface types:

  • 3D Surface: Reference surface extrapolated from the boundary vertices.
  • Flat: User defined flat surface. 
    • The elevation value needs to be set by the user in the Elevation box.
  • Flat Minimum: A flat surface set at the lower vertex elevation of the boundary. 
  • Terrain State: Additional terrain models of the same area—captured at different times—that are available in the project as separate "layers". 
    • The reference terrain needs to be set by the user in the Reference State box. 
    • This option is only available when the project contains multiple Terrain States.


Quick Guide for Creating a Stockpile from a Surface 

  1. Select a surface.
  2. Go to TOOLS tab.
  3. In the Volumes group, select the stockpile Material [optional].
  4. Calculate the volume by clicking on the Stockpile button.
  5. A Stockpile item is created in the Viewport, and the quantities are available in the Selection box.





Quick Guide for Creating a Stockpile from a Boundary 

  1. Select a boundary.
  2. Go to TOOLS tab.
  3. In the Volumes group, select the Reference Type and set the expected value/terrain if needed.
  4. Select the stockpile Material [optional].
  5. Calculate the volume by clicking on the Stockpile button.
     
  6. A Stockpile item is created in the Viewport and the quantities are available in the Selection box.


Uses for Stockpile Volume Calculations

  • Quantity survey - Stockpile Volume Calculation. 
    • As describe in the article, the tool is useful to assess stockpile quantities. 
    • Even in complex scenarios, like when the piles are dumped within walls.


Tips and Tricks

  • When you calculate a stockpile, the volume calculation is done between the current terrain and the selected/reference surface. 
    • A "current terrain" means the elevation terrain and the active terrain modifiers (e.g., a removed conveyor or truck) that are applied on top of the terrain.
    • All available data points are used in the calculation.
  • The Stockpile output is a Stockpile item. 
  • You can also select multiple surfaces/boundaries and their volumes are calculated separately for each selected item.
  • You can export the stockpiles as a PDF report or a CAD file.