The use of drones and other unmanned aerial systems for stockpile calculations is quite common these days.  The UAS flies a grid pattern over the stockpile area and georeferenced images are stitched into a three dimensional point cloud prior to volume calculation. 

Some would argue that volumetric calculation via drone only involves relative accuracy and doesn’t need to be “truthed” to real-world/absolute ground control point data.  That said, others have found it necessary to have a GCP survey done prior to any volumetric work that will be done on a recurring basis.  A professional surveyor can typically provide a GCP survey and associated point file for around $1500-$2500.  This point information can then be visually referenced in the digital surface model to “truth” the relative data to the absolute.

Propeller Aero (Australian company) has recently introduced a product called “AeroPoints”, a product that was designed to aid in gathering accurate GCP data while onsite.  The AeroPoint system contains a series of shock resistant pads that are located at various positions around a stockpile.  The solar-powered pads gather GPS location information while the UAS flies the grid (no direct relationship between the AeroPoints and the UAS though).  Each AeroPoint pad then uploads the location information to a Propeller cloud server once an internet connection can be established.  The Propeller service then provides a point file that can be used to include location information for each Aero Point pad that is visually referenced in the surface model. 

Propeller Aero recommends a set of 10 AeroPoint pads for up to 300 acres and 20 AeroPoint pads for surveys up to 850 acres. 

More information can be found within the following link:

• https://www.propelleraero.com/aeropoints

Propeller Aero Aeropoints Propeller Aero Aeropoints Propeller Aero Aeropoints Propeller Aero Aeropoints Propeller Aero Aeropoints