Comparing conventional and photogrammetric methods for volume calculation of stone piles: A case study in the Karacadağ Region

Abstract

Several years ago, the erupting Karacadağ volcano spread basalt stones across the Karacadağ
region, causing difficulties for farmers engaged in agricultural activities in the area. This
situation led to the State Hydraulic Works aiming to provide access to each parcel of land in
some villages through land consolidation efforts. During the road opening process, the stones
that formed were piled up in a specific area. However, the volume calculation of this stone pile
is performed using a dangerous conventional method, namely the collection of GPS points by
surveyors. In this study, volume calculations were conducted using both the conventional
method and the photogrammetric methods utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) on the
example of a stone pile located in the rural neighborhood of Dönemeç, affiliated with Siverek
district of Şanlıurfa province. The differences and advantages between the two methods were
examined.