Performance of Photogrammetric and Terrestrial Laser Scanning Methods in Volume Computing of Excavtion and Filling Areas

Volume calculations in filling and cutting areas are required for many engineering applications, particularly those to be used in civil engineering and mining work. Volume calculation, generally, is achieved with classical surveying methods. However, in modern geodetic and photogrammetric methods, volume computations are obtained from the differences between the defined surfaces. Volume calculations must have been carried out as accurately, economically and in a short time period with respect to the expectations. Recently, there are important developments in software and hardware which have had a positive effect on geodetic and photogrammetric methods. Now, many studies related to terrain can be completed more easily, faster and more accurately. The terrain surfaces can be defined by modern geodetic instruments and laser scanners; thus, volumes could be obtained from differences of terrain surfaces. In this study, the ability of digital close-range photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning was investigated in terms of volume calculation. For this purpose, both photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning methods were used for volume calculation in an excavation and filling area. It was observed that each method could be used in volume computing depending on what was expected from the volume process.