The transition to connected workflows is primarily driven by safety and speed. Traditional surveying often required personnel to physically traverse dangerous high-risk zones, but modern lidar and remote sensing tools allow surveyors to capture high-density point clouds from a safe distance. This is critical for monitoring slope stability; subtle movements in a pit wall can be detected by comparing daily scan data before they become catastrophic failures. Furthermore, the ability to instantly transmit this data means that decision-makers can identify discrepancies between the “as-built” reality and the design plan immediately, preventing costly production halts that can run into millions of dollars per day.
The article emphasizes that the role of the mine surveyor is evolving from a data collector to a data manager. As operations adopt these integrated systems, the focus shifts to maintaining a continuous loop of information that spans the entire mine life cycle, going from exploration and construction to daily extraction and reclamation. By combining optical, GNSS, and lidar data into a seamless ecosystem, mining companies can unlock the full value of their geospatial assets, ensuring that every ton of material moved is accounted for and every worker remains out of harm’s way.
Read More: https://www.gim-international.com/content/article/how-connected-workflows-optimize-mining-operations
Written by Adam Clark. Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Adam Clark
