New GeoSLAM Solution Simplifies Stockpile Volume Analysis

3D mapping and monitoring specialist GeoSLAM has announced a new and innovative product to enable mine operators to quickly and easily build high-density 3D volumetric models within minutes. GeoSLAM Volumes is an end-to-end way to calculate stockpile mass, instantly turning stockpile point cloud data into actionable 3D information for quick decision-making. This is achieved using the company’s handheld Zeb Horizon SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) scanner, which can be utilized on foot or with a UAV.

Using lightweight scanners, the solution can capture and calculate complex data, such as the weight and bulk of stockpiles, up to ten times faster than traditional tools. GeoSLAM Volumes enables volume calculations to be calculated as frequently as required at all stages of the supply chain, without disruption to site activity or compromising employee safety.

Adaptable for untrained staff

Designed for use in mines and quarries, but also suitable for use in a range of sectors such as agriculture, recycling centres or ports, GeoSLAM Volumes fully-mobile technology is adaptable for untrained staff to use in any environment. In addition, the technology does not require GPS, opening up hazardous or hard to reach areas that are ordinarily off-limits using traditional surveying methods.

Discussing GeoSLAM’s latest innovation, Matthew Bester, mining product manager, explained that the company was proud to draw on more than 20 years of experience in the mining sector. He said: “GeoSLAM has a longstanding pedigree around the world in the mining and quarrying industry and we’re delighted to announce our latest solution to save time and reduce costs for mine operators.”

“GeoSLAM Volumes has been designed to democratize the laser scanning process in the sector. The beauty of our technology is that anyone can pick up our scanners without any previous training or understanding and have accurate, actionable data at their fingertips within minutes,” he added.

“We know that when companies are paid by volume, the need to deliver highly accurate measurements for ‘just in time’ supply chains is critical. Any mistakes can lead to delays, disputes or lost revenues, but we hope that GeoSLAM Volumes will enable mining professionals to manage inventories quickly, frequently and accurately so they can focus on other areas of their jobs,” Bester concluded.

Utilising GeoSLAM’s RobustSLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping) algorithm, GeoSLAM’s Zeb Horizon scanner was launched in 2018. It weighs just 1.3kg and can scan 300,000 points per second at a range of 100 metres with a relative accuracy of between 1 - 3cm.