The latest methods for geodetic surveying, investigation and monitoring with unmanned aerial vehicles were presented by M.Eng. Daniel Georgiev, Director of Geodesy and Land Surveying Department at Geostroy AD during the 9^th International Geomechanics Conference organized by the Scientific and Technical Union of Mining, Geology and Metallurgy.

M.Eng. Daniel Georgiev and his team use photogrammetry for creating detailed 3D models of buildings, industrial facilities, cultural monuments, etc. intended to serve as baseline data for performing repair and restoration activities; 3D surface in AutoDesk Civil 3D environment; GeoTIFF - raster images; measurement of stockpile volumes; KMZ/KML file for easy progress tracking. Furthermore, Geostroy’s qualified surveyors also render land survey services and investigation of hard-to-reach areas, thermography, aerial video and photo snapping.

‘We use advanced equipment and software solutions which help us create detailed and highly accurate 3D models of a given terrain within the assigned coordinate system. They serve as a basis to prepare a prefeasibility study and design work, to track stage-by-stage transformation of a given site in the course of ongoing works, to estimate bills of quantities for interim certification of completed works, and optimize earthwork planning,’ explained M.Eng. Georgiev. He also emphasized that drones can be used to investigate and detect defects in hard-to-reach facilities (tailing dams, wind turbines, dam walls, chimneys, facades, etc.). ‘We work with a 30x optical zoom surveillance camera. It enables us to perform a detailed survey from a safe distance and analyze the condition of various objects or facilities. Last but not least, it helps us record hazardous activities such as blasting operations, etc.’ said M.Eng. Georgiev.

The 9^th International Geomechanics Conference is one of the most remarkable and authoritative scientific events. It was attended by more than 100 representatives of the scientific community and business who presented over 40 papers and discussed the major challenges facing the mining industry: the rational use of natural resources and the continuous increase of extraction depths in open-pit mines.

During the event, the Executive Director of Geostroy PhD Eng. Vladimir Vutov was awarded a gold plaque for services rendered to the Scientific and Technical Union of Mining, Geology and Metallurgy.