Drone Photogrammetry for Modeling Surface Hydrology in Open Pit Mines
Surface water flow and accumulation in open pit mines can lead to serious safety and operational hazards. Catchment, flow direction, and ponding of surface runoff are often poorly understood due to the ever-changing topography of open pits and the limitation of observing surface flow only during large, infrequent precipitation events. This study utilizes high-resolution digital elevation models from routine open pit drone surveys coupled with geomorphic terrain analysis methods to proactively map potentially hazardous conditions posed surface water runoff. The resulting maps provide a first order understanding of surface water routing and ponding, which can be combined with mapping of features that could be adversely impacted by runoff such as critical infrastructure, geotechnical and geological features, and nearby ecosystems.
Modeling Surface Hydrology for Hazard Mitigation in Open Pit Mines Using High-Resolution Drone Photogrammetry
McNabb, J. (February 26, 2024). Modeling surface hydrology for hazard mitigation in open pit mines using high-resolution drone photogrammetry [PowerPoint slides]. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration (SME) MINEXCHANGE Conference & Expo 2024, Phoenix, AZ. https://www.mining.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-09/2024_Modeling-Surface-Hydrology-for-Hazard-Mitigation_McNabb_SME-conf.pdf
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