Measuring Stockpiles: The Basics


When it comes to streamlining accurate measurement and report creation, Propeller has several templates designed to help you calculate common measurements you need on-site.

We recommend using the stockpile template to measure stockpiles quickly. It calculates the volume of your pile using smart, reference, or custom surfaces.   

How to measure stockpile volume

Select the Polygon tool from the measurement toolbar. Then, select Stockpile from the dropdown menu.

 Measurement Polygon Tool.png

Use the Magic Polygon tool or draw a tight outline around the stockpile by clicking your mouse to drop points around the edge of the pile. Double-click to close the outline. The calculated stockpile volume will appear in the information panel. 

StockpileTemplate_Example.png

Use the Surface Comparison tool to calculate volume changes over time. 

Tools

Use the quick tools to Duplicate or Copy to another dataset. Right-click on the outline, or click in the polygon and select an option.

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The outline of the copied measurement will appear at the exact same coordinates on the dataset it was copied to. Propeller will automatically recalculate any measurement, such as volume, based on the surface of the dataset it has been copied to. 

Share Measurements by creating a link and sending it to users. Anyone with a link can view the measurement.

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Export your stockpile measurement by sending an orthophoto or creating an outline, surface, or contour. 

MeasureTab_Exports_FileType.png

Shrink/swell

Add the shrink and swell factors to the Shrink/swell tool.

Shrink and Swell.png

Enter the shrink-swell factor for the cut and fill to calculate the Cut, Fill, Net, and Total volumes. For example, if your swell factor is 5%, input 1.05. If your shrink factor is 5%, enter 0.95.

When applied to cut or fill, a factor >1 is needed for swell and a factor <1 is needed for shrink.

Shrink swell calculator.png

Calculating mass and dollar value from material properties 

Material Properties help you easily calculate the volumes and value of your inventory on site.

Add Material Properties easily in the information panel for the type, cost, and density of any on-site material. You can then add these properties to any measurements you calculate.

Material Properties.png


I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the support button on the top right corner of your user portal.

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