Terrestrial Scanning / Topography & Monitoring

D. Rains "Laserscanning in Open Cast Mining" 28.10.2008

Thiess, a leading Australian integrated engineering, construction and mining services provider, offers fully integrated engineering and construction services and employs more than 11,000 people throughout Australia, Asia and the near-Pacific region.
Laser scanning is now being used in Thiess to quickly create 3D surface models of mining and bulk-earthworks operations as well as a range of structural features, plant, and on-site infrastructure.
Periodic scans of mining excavations and ROM stockpiles for example, allow surveyors to accurately calculate volumes of material moved while mining engineers are able to monitor site productivities, accurately reconcile the movement of materials, and assess features such as the condition and grades of ramps, benches, and haul roads.
This rapid-mapping technology promotes ‘out-of-pit’ survey activities as the laser system measures surfaces through the natural reflectivity of materials. Therefore Laser Scanning can be used in situations where ground access is limited, prohibited to field crews, or where continuous subsidence monitoring or productivity applications are required.
Through this technology three-dimensional data is being utilised more than ever. Terrestrial laser scanning equipment is changing the way we control and/or manage our work in the mining and construction industry and will in the future be adopted and utilised as a key tool to support our operations.