© 2009 DG Surveys Ltd

Made by Serif

The starting point for all calculation is a Digital Terrain Model (DTM).

 

The DTM consists of a triangulated network of 3D points that represent the surface of the site at any given stage in development.  In the case of a spoil heap there would be a DTM representing the spoil heap and a DTM representing the ground on which it is sitting.  By comparing the two DTM’s the volume of material in the heap can be calculated.

Wireframe DTM

 

The accuracy of the volumes is dependent on an accurate DTM and most of the time involved in calculating volumes is directed towards ensuring the DTM is a true representation of the site surface

The DTM could be made up levels taken during a site survey or can be derived from proposed levels.