Mine surveying with the aim to provide the necessary geospatial data in all phases of the mineral resource project is an essential part of mineral resource extraction. The regular surveying of the mining operation is absolutely necessary for updating the mining maps (§ 42 Markscheideverordnung 2013), for quantity surveys as well as for quality control and as a basis for all planning considerations. This paper presents the current methods of open pit mine surveying, their respective advantages and disadvantages as well as areas of application, and especially in the light of tasks to be fulfilled all methods are compared with each other.
In addition to the “classical” methods such as GNSS or tachymetry, the focus lies on the latest developments in the field of areal surveying techniques. In particular, technological innovations and new developments are investigated and it is examined to what extent alternative methods, such as laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry or radar, can be a supplement or, in certain areas, a replacement for existing and established solutions.