Know how much material you have — without climbing the pile.
We fly a controlled survey over bulk material and turn the captured surface into measurable volume data.
From £350Clear measured resultsMultiple piles per visit Request a free quote Call 07395 322 561Email first if you can — lines are busyMeasure more safely. Plan with better information.
Drone photogrammetry records a pile from multiple angles, allowing a detailed 3D surface to be calculated against an agreed base.
- Review several piles in one coordinated visit
- Create a dated digital record for comparison
- Receive results that are easy to share
- Reduce time spent near loose material
Aerial photographs 3D surface volume calculation
Why the base surface decides the number
The pile’s surface is measured. The base underneath it is agreed with you, because it can’t be seen from the air. Move the base and the volume moves with it — which is why we settle it before the flight, not after the invoice.
InputAerial photographs
Overlapping images captured around and above the pile.
Process3D surface
Photographs resolved into a detailed model of the pile’s surface.
OutputVolume calculation
The space between that surface and the agreed base, in cubic metres.
Base surface height above ground- Base height
- 0.0 m
- Volume
- 3,400 m³
- Change
- —
Schematic, for explanation only — a 40 m wide pile at 8 m high over a 25 m run. Not a quotation, and not a measurement of your site.
Useful results, not a folder of unexplained files.
The final scope is agreed before the flight, so every output has a clear purpose.
VOLVolume summary
Each pile clearly identified with its estimated volume.
PLANAnnotated visual
A clear plan or image linking each result to its pile.
VIEWVisual record
Rendered views or a viewable model where included.
NOTESMethod notes
Capture date, base method, assumptions and limitations.
REPEATRepeat comparison
Optional scheduled visits for ongoing inventory monitoring.
From site details to a clear result in four steps.
- 1
Send site details
Share the postcode, approximate pile count, material type, timeframe and useful photos.
- 2
Review and plan
We assess access, airspace, hazards, weather and the appropriate measurement method.
- 3
Capture and model
Overlapping aerial images are processed into a detailed 3D surface.
- 4
Receive the result
Your digital report arrives with clear labels, method notes and support.
What the system enables.
Select a module to fit itSuitable for one-off checks and repeat monitoring.
Reducing time on site and improving health & safety.
Construction & earthworks
Aggregate, soil and excavated material.
Aggregate & quarry yards
Inventory and operational planning.
Recycling & waste
Separated material across working sites.
Landscaping & compost
Soil, mulch, stone and green material.
Farms & estates
Dated records of bulk stored materials.
Ports & storage
Open storage areas where access permits.
A barn site measured from twelve photographs.
Construction · Barn buildNovember 2025
Twelve photographs, captured in under two minutes, gave a measurable 3D model of the plot: the barn's footprint and driveway, the boundary lines, the earth to move, and what else on site would affect the work.
- 12photographs
- 1 min 44 scapture time
- 4,229 m²area covered
- 1.6 millionpoints in the 3D model
- Three mounds of excess earth: 109 m³, 162 m³ and 471 m³.
- Building footprint: 391 m², 87.5 m around.
- Driveway: 185 m².
The largest mound of excess earth: 498 m², about 471 m³.
The barn's footprint, marked out on the model: 391 m².
A boundary line measured along the plot: 83.3 m.
The neighbouring house, flagged for construction noise.
Opens the interactive 3D model. Drag to move around; scroll or pinch to zoom.
All figures were measured on each project's 3D model and are rounded.
Accuracy starts with the right method.
We review how the figures will be used and explain the site-specific limits before you book.
- 01Ground slope and chosen base surface
- 02Pile shape, neighbouring piles and retaining walls
- 03Image quality, visibility and position control
- 04Weather, access and active site movements
Free, no-obligation quotation based on your site.
Straightforward sites with a single pile start from £350. The final price reflects the job, access and outputs required.
Pile CountSite SizeAccessTravelOutputsSurvey Control Stockpile measurementFrom £350 Request a free quoteWhat clients usually want to know.
Can you measure more than one pile?
Yes! Include the approximate pile count when you enquire so we can plan the most efficient visit.
How quickly will I receive the results?
Delivery time depends on the number of piles, the site, the outputs requested and quality checks. The expected timetable is stated in the quote.
Does the site need to stop operating?
Not always. A safe operating window and controlled areas are agreed with the site contact. Some tasks may need a temporary pause or movement restriction.
Can cubic metres be converted into tonnes?
Only with a bulk density for the material, which you supply or agree. Tonnage is an estimate that depends on that figure, so we report it alongside the measured volume.
Is this a certified land survey?
No, not by default. It is a drone volume measurement for stock, planning and reporting decisions. If you need a certified survey, tell us before booking so the right method or a qualified surveyor can be arranged.
Tell us about the piles and the site.
Share the postcode, approximate pile count, material type, timeframe and any useful photos.
Call 07395 322 561Email first if you can — lines are busyLocationIsle of Wight & Hampshire
All flights remain subject to a pre-flight review of weather, airspace, access, people, property and site-specific risk.