CASE STUDIES

Client: Local landscaping company

Location: Mackay, Queensland

Project Type: Aerial mapping and stockpile assessment

Technology Used: DJI Matrice 4E, DJI Pilot 2, RTK Module, DJI Terra, Ground Control Points

Objective

Our client required an accurate aerial inspection of their material yard to assess stockpile volumes and site layout for internal inventory tracking and valuation. Their specific requirements included:

• A high-resolution 2D orthomosaic map of the area.

• Accurate volumetric measurements of each stockpile in cubic metres.

• A comprehensive report listing individual volumes.

• High-quality maps and annotated images for internal use.

• All data delivered in a structured, professional report format.

Challenges

• Volume Accuracy & Accountability
  The client required exact cubic metre measurements for internal audits. Even small discrepancies could affect financial valuations, so precise spatial referencing was crucial.

• Complex Stockpile Geometry
  Irregular pile shapes and close spacing between stockpiles made clean edge definition difficult, especially where materials overlapped or blended.

• Busy Worksite Environment
  The yard was operational during the inspection, requiring extra attention to site safety, flight path planning, and timing to avoid machinery and foot traffic.

• Ground Reference Requirement
  RTK alone was not sufficient for the client’s accuracy expectations; Ground Control Points were needed to further validate model positioning and height reference.

Our Solution

We deployed the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise with RTK in combination with strategically placed Ground Control Points across the site. This approach ensured centimeter-grade positional accuracy for both horizontal and vertical measurements.

Flight planning and execution were handled through DJI Pilot 2, and the collected imagery was processed in DJI Terra. The orthomosaic and 3D model were refined and georeferenced using the GCPs, allowing highly accurate volume calculations for each stockpile.

A fully branded stockpile report was generated and included measurement tables, annotated maps, and aerial imagery.

Workflow Breakdown

1. Pre-Flight Planning

• Client consultation to identify stockpiles and priority areas

• Site layout mapped with GCP locations selected and surveyed

• Autonomous flight paths planned in DJI Pilot 2 with RTK and overlap optimization

2. On-Site Execution

• GCPs deployed and measured with high accuracy

• RTK drone flight conducted with 80/70 image overlap

• Additional oblique and low-altitude imagery captured for reference

• Ground control data logged and backed up

3. Processing & Volume Calculation

• Images imported to DJI Terra

• Orthomosaic generated and georeferenced using GCPs

• 3D surface model built with refined accuracy

• Stockpile outlines manually digitized for clean volume calculation

• Volumes calculated in cubic metres using terrain-relative method

4. Reporting & Delivery

• Volumes listed in a structured PDF stockpile report

• Annotated maps, pile IDs, and imagery included for reference

• All files uploaded to a secure client folder with raw exports upon request

Deliverables

• High-resolution 2D orthomosaic (GeoTIFF + JPEG)

• Accurate 3D surface model with GCP correction

• Stockpile volume report in PDF format including:

  • Individual volumes in m³

  • Pile IDs and corresponding map locations

  • Annotated aerial images and pile outlines

• Raw and processed data files delivered digitally

• Optional printed report and map copies on request

Results & Impact

The client received a precisely measured, clearly presented, and visually documented report that allowed them to:

• Audit materials with confidence

• Track inventory over time with comparable data

• Plan future deliveries and sales with real volumetric data

• Avoid manual measurement and improve site safety during assessments

By integrating RTK and GCP workflows, Dimension Drones Mackay ensured a repeatable, accurate, and professional-grade result that now forms part of the client’s quarterly stocktake process.