Understanding the Different Types of Volume Measurement


When you select an area using the Polygon tool, you can choose from a few distinct measurement types to measure the volume within the area of the polygon. 

Types of volume measurements, use cases, and data interpretation for each measurement type

Smart Volume Example.png

Smart Volume Surface

Interpolates a base from the surrounding terrain using the selected points. 

Use Case

Useful for estimating volumes on a flat or largely even base level, such as stockyard inventory.

NET

The volume required to reach the smart volume's interpolated base.

CUT

The volume above the base level.

FILL

The empty areas (voids) below the base level.

Reference Surface Example.png

Reference Surface Comparison

Measures from a horizontal plane based on a defined reference level.

Use Case

Useful for measuring sections from a known base or toe, such as large excavations or mine benches.

NET

The volume required to reach a given reference level within the selected polygon.

CUT

The volume above the reference level.

FILL

The empty area (voids) below the reference level.

Survey Volume Compare Example.png

Survey Volume Compare

Calculates the volume from a previous dataset or imported design surface as a base. 

Use Case

Useful for measuring progress & change to a site and producing accurate measurements with a pre-flight design surface as a base level.

NET

The volume added or removed between the baseline dataset and the comparison dataset or design surface.

CUT

The volume removed based on the compared dataset.

FILL

The volume added based on the compared dataset.

 

Design Volume Compare

Calculates the volume between two design surfaces.

Use Case

Useful for comparing one design file to another for projects such as landfill cell revisions, site plan updates, and mine site benchmarks.

NET

The volume added or removed between the "from design surface."

CUT

The volume removed based on the compared design.

FILL

The volume added based on the compared design.

 

Custom Base Volume

Customise the base from which a volume is measured by adjusting the elevation of the polygon's vertex points. 

Use Case

Useful for measuring stockpiles with irregular bases such as piles located on top of batters, benches, or bins.

NET

The volume required to reach the customized base.

CUT

The volume above the base level.

FILL

The empty areas (voids) below the base level.

 


I still can't do it!

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