Services
Volume calculations
Stavanger Drone provides stockpile volume measurement and volumetric surveys by drone in Stavanger and the rest of Rogaland, Norway. Periodic RTK-precision flights deliver volume figures with typically under 2 % uncertainty — mass balance, invoicing basis and volume status against permits.
Stockpile, extraction or earthwork volumes?
Different names for the same job: measuring how many cubic metres of material sit in a stockpile, have been extracted from a quarry or have been moved on a site. We establish a baseline on the first flight and measure the change on every subsequent one — in total and per zone, with a change map showing where the material moved. Figures come with a documented method and uncertainty, typically under 2 %.
Documentation that stands up to audit
Typical jobs include measurement before and after blasting in quarries, monthly production tracking in aggregate plants, volume status against permits for landfills and extraction sites, and settling earthwork quantities against contracts. The report documents method, data basis and uncertainty — auditable and ready as an invoicing basis.
The same dataset as surveying
Volume calculations build on the same photogrammetry and LiDAR data as surveying and mapping. If you also need an orthophoto or terrain model of the area, it comes from the same flight — no extra flying time.
What you get
- 01Volume calculation (m³), total and per zone
- 02Change map between two captures
- 03Point cloud and surface model before/after
- 04Written report (PDF)
- 05Production-ready data for your operations system
Use cases
- Quarries and aggregate plants — monthly production tracking
- Stockpiles — volume status against permits
- Construction and excavation — invoicing basis and mass balance
- Winter stockpiles and snow loading — volume documentation
How we work
- 01
Brief
We agree how often you need updated numbers and which areas we measure.
- 02
Baseline
The first flight establishes the reference data.
- 03
Follow-up
Repeat flights on the same route every time for direct comparison.
- 04
Report
Volume numbers and change maps delivered after each round.
Equipment & accuracy
DJI Matrice 350 RTK + Zenmuse P1 or L2. Volume uncertainty typically below 2 %. Report in PDF, raw data in LAS/LAZ and GeoTIFF.
We measure volumes across all of Rogaland — quarries, stockpiles and construction sites in Stavanger, Sandnes, Jæren, Ryfylke and Dalane — with a typical response time of 24–48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are drone volume calculations?
Volume uncertainty is typically below 2 %. We fly with RTK precision and repeat the same route on every capture, so two surface models can be compared directly.
How is the volume calculated?
The first flight establishes a baseline, and each new capture is compared against it. You get the volume difference in total and per zone, plus a change map showing where the material moved.
How often should a quarry or stockpile be measured?
Most operations choose monthly or quarterly follow-up — monthly for production tracking in quarries, quarterly for volume status against permits. We set up a fixed schedule around your needs.
Do operations have to stop while you fly?
No. The flight happens above the site without disturbing machinery or personnel — no surveyor walking rough terrain and no production stop.
Can the report be used for permits and audits?
Yes. You get an auditable report with volume figures, change maps and a method description — suitable as an invoicing basis, mass balance and volume status against permits.
What does drone volume measurement cost?
The price depends on the area, the number of zones and how often you need updated figures — a fixed periodic schedule gives a lower price per measurement than one-off jobs. Describe the quarry, stockpile or site and you'll get a concrete quote — usually within one business day.
Wondering what's legal to fly in the region? Drone rules in Stavanger
Not sure what you need?
Describe the job briefly and we'll suggest the right method and a concrete quote.
Request a quote