ASTM D6172/D6172M-18

Standard Test Method for Determining the Volume of Bulk Materials Using Contours or Cross Sections Created by Direct Operator Compilation Using Photogrammetric Procedures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method audits the volume of material in a stockpile and is used with a density value to calculate a tonnage calculation value used to compare the book value to the physical inventory results. This test method is used to determine the volume of coal or other materials in a stockpile.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures concerning site preparation, technical procedures, quality control, and equipment to direct the efforts for determining volumes of bulk material. These procedures include practical and accepted methods of volumetric determination.  
1.2 This test method allows for only two volume computation methods.  
1.2.1 Contour Test Method—See 8.1.1 and 9.1.  
1.2.2 Cross-Section Test Method—See 8.1.2 and 9.2.  
1.2.3 This test method requires direct operator compilation for both contours and cross-section development.  
1.2.4 The use of Digital Terrain Model software and procedures to create contours or cross sections for volume calculation is NOT encompassed in this test method.
Note 1: A task group has been established to develop a test method for Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) procedures. It will address all known data collection procedures such as conventional ground survey, photogrammetry, geodetic positioning satellite (GPS), and so forth.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2018
• ICS: 17.060 - Measurement of volume, mass, density, viscosity
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.07 - Physical Characteristics of Coal

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6172-98(2010) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Volume of Bulk Materials Using Contours or Cross Sections Created by Direct Operator Compilation Using Photogrammetric Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018

Overview

ASTM D6172/D6172M-18 is an international standard developed by ASTM for determining the volume of bulk materials in stockpiles using contours or cross sections created through direct operator compilation with photogrammetric procedures. This test method is essential for inventory control in industries that store materials such as coal, aggregates, and other bulk solids. By utilizing precise aerial photography and stereo plotting techniques, this standard enables accurate calculation of stockpile volumes, supporting inventory reconciliation and operational efficiency.

Key Topics

• Manual Photogrammetric Volume Measurement: The standard covers two primary methods - the contour test method and the cross-section test method. Both require direct operator involvement rather than digital terrain modeling software, ensuring adherence to traditional photogrammetric principles.
• Site Preparation and Quality Control: Emphasizes the importance of proper site and material preparation, control point placement, target marking, and quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of results.
• Equipment and Calibration: Specifies requirements for calibrated aerial cameras, stereo-plotting instruments, and aircraft, with controlled calibration intervals and methods.
• Data Collection: Detailed instructions for obtaining ground control and check points, designing control panel setups, and conducting aerial photography under optimal environmental conditions for visibility and accuracy.
• Calculation Methods: Defines formulas and steps for calculating volumes through contour or cross-section averaging, along with statistical approaches to estimate confidence intervals and percent error for reported stockpile volumes.

Applications

ASTM D6172/D6172M-18 plays a vital role in industries where bulk material inventory is critical for production and commercial operations. Practical applications include:

• Stockpile Inventory Audits: Accurately determining the volume of coal, minerals, or similar materials to reconcile physical counts with book values.
• Resource Management: Supporting decisions on procurement, production planning, and supply chain logistics by providing reliable volume data.
• Material Handling System Evaluation: Assisting in the assessment of storage efficiency, system losses, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Financial Reporting and Asset Valuation: Enabling precise reporting for financial audits, insurance claims, and asset management.
• Quality Assurance in Construction and Mining: Ensuring that reported stockpile volumes meet contract specifications and industry standards for both suppliers and clients.

By following the procedures in this standard, organizations can enhance the accuracy and reliability of their physical inventory measurements using recognized photogrammetric procedures.

Related Standards

• ASTM D6172/D6172M is closely related to other standards that govern geodetic control, photogrammetry, and bulk material measurement, including:
  • Manual of American Society of Photogrammetry: Defines photogrammetric practices referenced in this standard.
  • Guidelines for Aerial Mapping (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highways): Establishes mapping procedures and quality requirements.
  • FGCC Standards for Geodetic Control Networks: Guides ground control accuracy for survey and mapping projects.
  • Future ASTM Standards for Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM): While D6172/D6172M-18 does not cover DTM or GPS-derived volumes, procedural standards are under development.

Organizations managing bulk materials should reference ASTM D6172/D6172M-18 for consistent and reliable stockpile volume determination, aiding compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6172/D6172M − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Volume of Bulk Materials Using Contours
or Cross Sections Created by Direct Operator Compilation
Using Photogrammetric Procedures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6172/D6172M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method covers procedures concerning site
preparation, technical procedures, quality control, and equip-
2. Terminology
ment to direct the efforts for determining volumes of bulk
material. These procedures include practical and accepted 2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
methods of volumetric determination.
2.1.1 base map, n—a map showing the soil surface of a site
usedformaterialstorageincludingcontrolmonumentlocations
1.2 This test method allows for only two volume computa-
and values and surface elevations.
tion methods.
1.2.1 Contour Test Method—See 8.1.1 and 9.1.
2.1.2 calibration forms/reports, n—equipment calibrations
1.2.2 Cross-Section Test Method—See 8.1.2 and 9.2.
performed by federal agencies or equipment manufacturers.
1.2.3 This test method requires direct operator compilation
2.1.3 check panel, n—a target used for the sole purpose of
for both contours and cross-section development.
marking a point on the surface of the stockpile whose value is
1.2.4 The use of Digital Terrain Model software and proce-
used to verify the setup of the stereo model.
dures to create contours or cross sections for volume calcula-
tion is NOT encompassed in this test method. 2.1.4 check point, n—targeted points within the stockpile
area for the purpose of checking the accuracy of the photo-
NOTE1—Ataskgrouphasbeenestablishedtodevelopatestmethodfor
grammetry.
Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) procedures. It will address all known
data collection procedures such as conventional ground survey,
2.1.4.1 Discussion—Elevations are established by ground
photogrammetry, geodetic positioning satellite (GPS), and so forth.
surveying at these points. Points should be evenly spaced at
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
various different elevations in the stockpile.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
2.1.5 ground control, n—surveyor provided xyz values of
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
targets or specific points near the project area necessary to
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
scale and level the stereo model.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
2.1.6 monument, n—a ground control point used to be a
reference position of survey values.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.1.7 peripheral material, n—material existing within the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
site that is above the recognized base and outside of the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
obvious stockpile perimeter.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.1.8 stereo model, n—the overlapping area covered by two
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
adjacent aerial photographs used to create measurement obser-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
vation.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 2.1.9 stereo operator, n—a person who is trained and
competent to make quality measurement observations from
aerial photographs, using a stereo instrument, for the purpose
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal
of creating volume computations.
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.07 on Physical
Characteristics of Coal.
2.1.10 stereo report form, n—a formal document that dis-
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018. Published March 2019. Originally
playspertinentinformationrequiredtoevaluateandreestablish
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6172–98(2010).
DOI: 10.1520/D6172_D6172M-18. the stereo model setup parameters.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6172/D6172M − 18
2.1.11 sweeps, v—repetitive traverse of a pile, by 6.3 Stereo-plotting instrument, optic train analog, or ana-
equipment, to create a cleaner geometric shape. lytical instrument equipped with encoders and interfaced with
a three-axis digitizer, computer collection with storage
2.1.12 target, n—a geometric shape of contrasting color
capability, having a certificate of calibration less than three
used to mark a ground feature such as a monument, or check
years old, issued by a manufacturer trained technician. When
point that otherwise would not be visible on the aerial
the cross section is used, the instrument shall have an elec-
photograph.
tronic or mechanical cross-section guide device that locks the
2.1.13 topographic map, n—a drawing that uses contours to
operator on specific cross sections.
define graphically the shape of a surface.
7. Calibration and Standardization
3. Summary of Test Method
7.1 Horizontal Variance—The ground control point value
3.1 Contour Test Method—The contour test method is the
and its plotted location on the topographic map, used for the
horizontal slice method of determining volume. After creating
volumetric determination, will be within 0.01 in.
a new contour map of the pile, the cubic volume is computed
(0.00254 mm) at map scale of its true position.
by averaging the areas of adjacent contours and multiplying by
7.1.1 The horizontal placement of all planimetric features
the vertical distance between them. See 9.1.
on the manuscript, including the contour lines, will be as
3.2 Cross-Section Test Method—The cross-section test
follows: 90 % of all features will be placed to within 0.025 in.
method is the vertical slice method of determining volume.
(0.635 mm) of their true position at the original map scale, and
Using elevations obtained in parallel lines across the surface
the remaining 10 % will not exceed 0.05 in. (1.27 mm) of their
andbaseofthepilethecubicvolumeiscomputedbyaveraging
true position at the original map scale as determined by test
the areas of adjacent cross sections and multiplying by the
surveys.
horizontal distance between them. See 9.2.
7.1.2 Test surveys to determine the horizontal map accuracy
shall begin and end on one or more of the horizontal control
4. Significance and Use
points used for the photo control.
4.1 This test method audits the volume of material in a
7.1.3 The quality of any horizontal control or test survey
stockpileandisusedwithadensityvaluetocalculateatonnage
line shall meet or exceed FGCC control standards for Second
calculation value used to compare the book value to the
Order Class 2 surveys.
physical inventory results. This test method is used to deter-
7.1.4 The quality and procedures of all photogrammetry
mine the volume of coal or other materials in a stockpile.
related operations shall be controlled as set forth in the Manual
of American Society of Photogrammetry and the Guidelines
5. Required Preproject Setup Data
for Aerial Mapping , or their successors.
5.1 Thefollowinginformationisrequiredfromtheownerto
7.2 Vertical Variance—The vertical control is to be within
conduct and evaluate the work effort properly:
0.1 ft (3.048 cm) of its true value.
5.1.1 Geographic location,
7.2.1 The vertical accuracy of all contours and spot eleva-
5.1.2 Report completion date,
tions shall be as follows: 90 % of all contours correct to within
5.1.3 Date, time, and preflight notification procedure,
⁄2 of a contour interval. The remaining 10 % are not to exceed
5.1.4 Size of overall stock area (length, width, height, and
one full contour interval. Ninety percent of all spot elevations
approximate volume),
shall be correct to within ⁄4 of a contour interval and the
5.1.5 Configuration (clean or rough),
remaining 10 % cannot exceed ⁄2 of a contour interval as
5.1.6 Type of base map (grid, flat, or contour),
determined by test surveys.
5.1.7 Number of piles and separate computations required,
7.2.2 Begin and end test surveys to determine the vertical
includingtheapproximatenumberofsurgepilesandperipheral
mapaccuracyononeormoreoftheverticalcontrolpointsused
material computations,
for the photo control.
5.1.8 The location of the pile in relation to cooling towers
7.2.3 The accuracy of any vertical ground control point or
and stacks,
test survey line shall meet or exceed FGCC control standards
5.1.9 The basic ground control configuration or who will
for Second Order Class 2 surveys.
establish required control,
7.2.4 Check panel values are withheld, requiring the map-
5.1.10 The placement of control and check panels and
ping firm to provide elevations for these test panels. Before
responsibility for placement, and
performing, any stereo compilation of the check panels shall
5.1.11 The number of photographs, maps, and computations
agree within 0.3 ft (9.144 cm).
required by the owner as the final report.
7.2.5 The aerial camera has a calibration report from the
6. Apparatus
USGS Camera Calibration Laboratory that is current within
three years of flight date. Calibration requirements are as
6.1 Aircraft, fixed wing equipped for aerial photography
follows (the following are published in SI units only):
missions and carrying a Code One Air Space Avionics.
6.2 Aerial camera, first order, precision, cartographic cam-
Manual of American Society of Photogrammetry, 410 Governor Lane, Suite
era for obtaining photography usable for mapping and having
210B, Bethesda, MD 20814–2160.
a U.S. Geologic Survey calibration report date within the last
Guidelines for Aerial Mapping, U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of
three years. Highways, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
D6172/D6172M − 18
operating volumes, and then the use of controlled stocking procedures.
7.2.5.1 Calibrated Focal Length—153 mm 6 3 mm.
7.2.5.2 Radial Distortion—No reading shall exceed 10 µm.
8.2 Stockpile Base Determination—Obtain correct base in-
One half of all readings shall be less than 6 µm.
formation. Establish a correct base throughout the stockpile
7.2.5.3 Resolving Power—Averageweightedarearesolution
limits to minimize volume deviations caused by inaccurate
(AWAR) shall not be less than 60 µm.
base data. Establish a maximum stockpile perimeter limit that
7.2.5.4 Magazine platen does not depart from a true plane
includes all future expected expansions. Create base elevations
by more than 13 µm.
within the maximum pile limits. In that originally constructed
7.2.5.5 Model Flatness—Spread shall not exceed 30 µm
base surface elevations can change as a result of many factors,
(sum of the largest plus and minus readings) with a maximum
it is important to monitor base surfaces such as suggested in
reading of 18 µm at any one point.
Note 4.
7.2.5.6 Black-and-white high-speed or color film shall be
8.2.1 Test Method 1—Use elevations taken from points on a
used.
grid map or a contour map correct within 3 in. (7.62 cm) and
7.2.5.7 Filters commensurate with film types and atmo-
on the same horizontal and vertical datum as the control used
spheric conditions are used.
for the mapping. Use this base data for all future inventories. If
such data is not available, a postpile base can be compiled
7.3 Stereo compilation instruments shall be recalibrated
using one of the test methods described in 8.2.2 or 8.2.3.
within three years of use and calibration forms provided.
8.2.2 Test Method 2—Select an elevation commensurate
7.4 Stereo model report forms shall be used to record the
with the average ground level (flat base) and use as a constant
setup parameters including the control point residuals before
for all future volume determinations.
compilation and the model setup caliper readings necessary to
8.2.3 Test Method 3—Usethetoeofslopeatthebasearound
reset the model. This will include before and after compilation
the perimeter of the pile area creating an assumed base.
analysis.Includeacopyofthemodelreportforminthevolume
Connect open-ended contours by a straight line to establish the
report.
base contours. Use this base for all future inventories except
7.5 Model setups shall be checked by a second qualified
when the perimeter of the pile becomes larger, in which case,
individual before compilation. A second qualified individual
extend the expanded ends of the base contours to include the
shall check completed models before volume calculations.
expanded area.
7.6 Minimum standards for photo-control point residuals
NOTE 3—Since 8.2.2 and 8.2.3 are assumed procedures, the first
shall be within 0.2 ft (6.096 cm) vertically and 0.5 ft
inventory using either test method can create a difference from the actual
(15.24 cm) horizontally. The SI values reflected are to correct
volume. All succeeding inventories using the same base will reflect
relative pile volumes.
conversion.
8.3 Observe potential base changes and notify the owner.
8. Procedure
NOTE 4—Developing new base data or monitoring base in a stockpile
8.1 Material and Site Preparation:
can be achieved by drilling and measuring areas under the pile and the use
8.1.1 Smooth all pile surfaces, separate all piles of differing
of ground surveys or aerial photography for exposed areas of the base
around the stockpile. In that stockpiles can settle into the base, periodic
materials, creating more uniform geometric shapes, to result in
boring checks can be made to ascertain base stability. Split spoon
increased precision of computed volumes. Smooth the pile
sampling procedures are considered more accurate for determining
surface making directional sweeps parallel to the stockpile
vertical locations than the small diameter auger procedure.
baseline when using the cross-section test method.
8.3.1 Rotate boring locations, to achieve better random
8.1.2 Compute and make part of the report peripheral
sampling of the base elevations, in subsequent inventories.
material volumes.
8.3.2 Report any base undercutting observed during the
8.1.3 Separate material of differing types with a line of
inventory and recommend base map corrections. Update the
material, of a contrasting color, unless the separation is a
base maps during planned or known pile depletion times.
visible slope break.
8.3.3 Use the same or updated base data for future
8.1.4 Outline foreign material contained within the stock-
inventories, since valid base data is paramount to correct
pile limits with a white line and notify the contractor.
volume calculations.
8.1.5 Theuseofatoeofslopedelineationbetweenstockpile
and peripheral material is expedient and recommended since a
8.4 Ground Control:
stereo operator can precisely define it.
8.4.1 Establish ground control reference points and values
8.1.6 Do not mark stockpiles or photographs to show the
for determining the scale and vertical datum of the resultant
separation of materials having a definite grade break.
topographic map or xyz observations necessary to calculate the
8.1.7 Account for volumes for all hidden structures beneath
volume. Install a minimum of six ground control points per
the stockpile sur
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6172 − 98 (Reapproved 2010) D6172/D6172M − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Volume of Bulk Materials Using Contours
or Cross Sections Created by Direct Operator Compilation
Using Photogrammetric Procedures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6172;D6172/D6172M; the number immediately following the designation indicates
the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures concerning site preparation, technical procedures, quality control, and equipment to
direct the efforts for determining volumes of bulk material. These procedures include practical and accepted methods of volumetric
determination.
1.2 This test method allows for only two volume computation methods.
1.2.1 Contour Test Method—See 8.1.1 and 9.1.
1.2.2 Cross-Section Test Method—See 8.1.2 and 9.2.
1.2.3 This test method requires direct operator compilation for both contours and cross-section development.
1.2.4 The use of Digital Terrain Model software and procedures to create contours or cross sections for volume calculation is
NOT encompassed in this test method.
NOTE 1—A task group has been established to develop a test method for Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) procedures. It will address all known data
collection procedures such as conventional ground survey, photogrammetry, geodetic positioning satellite (GPS), and so forth.
1.3 The values stated in either inch-poundSI units or SIinch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
text, the SI units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, each
system is to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combiningother, and
values from the two systems can result in nonconformance with the specification.shall not be combined.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1 base map—map, n—a map showing the soil surface of a site used for material storage including control monument
locations and values and surface elevations.
2.1.2 calibration forms/reports—forms/reports, n—equipment calibrations performed by federal agencies or equipment
manufacturers.
2.1.3 check panel—panel, n—a target used for the sole purpose of marking a point on the surface of the stockpile whose value
is used to verify the setup of the stereo model.
2.1.4 check point—point, n—targeted points within the stockpile area for the purpose of checking the accuracy of the
photogrammetry. Elevations are established by ground surveying at these points. Points should be evenly spaced at various
different elevations in the stockpile.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.07 on Physical Characteristics
of Coal.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2010Dec. 1, 2018. Published January 2011March 2019. Originally published approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in
20042010 as D6172–98(2004).D6172–98(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D6172-98R10.10.1520/D6172_D6172M-18.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6172/D6172M − 18
2.1.4.1 Discussion—
Elevations are established by ground surveying at these points. Points should be evenly spaced at various different elevations in
the stockpile.
2.1.5 ground control—control, n—surveyor provided xyz values of targets or specific points near the project area necessary to
scale and level the stereo model.
2.1.6 monument—monument, n—a ground control point used to be a reference position of survey values.
2.1.7 peripheral material—material, n—material existing within the site that is above the recognized base and outside of the
obvious stockpile perimeter.
2.1.8 stereo model—model, n—the overlapping area covered by two adjacent aerial photographs used to create measurement
observation.
2.1.9 stereo operator—operator, n—a person who is trained and competent to make quality measurement observations from
aerial photographs, using a stereo instrument, for the purpose of creating volume computations.
2.1.10 stereo report form—form, n—a formal document that displays pertinent information required to evaluate and reestablish
the stereo model setup parameters.
2.1.11 sweeps—sweeps, v—repetitive traverse of a pile, by equipment, to create a cleaner geometric shape.
2.1.12 target—target, n—a geometric shape of contrasting color used to mark a ground feature such as a monument, or check
point that otherwise would not be visible on the aerial photograph.
2.1.13 topographic map—map, n—a drawing that uses contours to define graphically the shape of a surface.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Contour Test Method—The contour test method is the horizontal slice method of determining volume. After creating a new
contour map of the pile, the cubic volume is computed by averaging the areas of adjacent contours and multiplying by the vertical
distance between them. See 9.1.
3.2 Cross-Section Test Method—The cross-section test method is the vertical slice method of determining volume. Using
elevations obtained in parallel lines across the surface and base of the pile the cubic volume is computed by averaging the areas
of adjacent cross sections and multiplying by the horizontal distance between them. See 9.2.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method audits the volume of material in a stockpile and is used with a density value to calculate a tonnage
calculation value used to compare the book value to the physical inventory results. This test method is used to determine the
volume of coal or other materials in a stockpile.
5. Required Preproject Setup Data
5.1 The following information is required from the owner to conduct and evaluate the work effort properly:
5.1.1 Geographic location,
5.1.2 Report completion date,
5.1.3 Date, time, and preflight notification procedure,
5.1.4 Size of overall stock area (length, width, height, and approximate volume),
5.1.5 Configuration (clean or rough),
5.1.6 Type of base map (grid, flat, or contour),
5.1.7 Number of piles and separate computations required, including the approximate number of surge piles and peripheral
material computations,
5.1.8 The location of the pile in relation to cooling towers and stacks,
5.1.9 The basic ground control configuration or who will establish required control,
5.1.10 The placement of control and check panels and responsibility for placement, and
5.1.11 The number of photographs, maps, and computations required by the owner as the final report.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Aircraft, fixed wing equipped for aerial photography missions and carrying a Code One Air Space Avionics.
6.2 Aerial camera, first order, precision, cartographic camera for obtaining photography usable for mapping and having a U.S.
Geologic Survey calibration report date within the last three years.
6.3 Stereo-plotting instrument, optic train analog, or analytical instrument equipped with encoders and interfaced with a
three-axis digitizer, computer collection with storage capability, having a certificate of calibration less than three years old, issued
D6172/D6172M − 18
by a manufacturer trained technician. When the cross section is used, the instrument shall have an electronic or mechanical
cross-section guide device that locks the operator on specific cross sections.
7. Calibration and Standardization
7.1 Horizontal Variance—The ground control point value and its plotted location on the topographic map, used for the
volumetric determination, will be within 0.01 in. (0.002 54 mm) 0.01 in. (0.00254 mm) at map scale of its true position.
7.1.1 The horizontal placement of all planimetric features on the manuscript, including the contour lines, will be as follows:
90 % of all features will be placed to within 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) of their true position at the original map
scale, and the remaining 10 % will not exceed 0.05 in. (1.27 mm) 0.05 in. (1.27 mm) of their true position at the original map scale
as determined by test surveys.
7.1.2 Test surveys to determine the horizontal map accuracy shall begin and end on one or more of the horizontal control points
used for the photo control.
7.1.3 The quality of any horizontal control or test survey line shall meet or exceed FGCC control standards for Second Order
Class 2 surveys.
7.1.4 The quality and procedures of all photogrammetry related operations shall be controlled as set forth in the Manual of
2 3
American Society of Photogrammetry and the Guidelines for Aerial Mapping , or their successors.
7.2 Vertical Variance—The vertical control is to be within 0.1 ft (3.048 cm) 0.1 ft (3.048 cm) of its true value.
7.2.1 The vertical accuracy of all contours and spot elevations shall be as follows: 90 % of all contours correct to within ⁄2 of
a contour interval. The remaining 10 % are not to exceed one full contour interval. Ninety percent of all spot elevations shall be
1 1
correct to within ⁄4 of a contour interval and the remaining 10 % cannot exceed ⁄2 of a contour interval as determined by test
surveys.
7.2.2 Begin and end test surveys to determine the vertical map accuracy on one or more of the vertical control points used for
the photo control.
7.2.3 The accuracy of any vertical ground control point or test survey line shall meet or exceed FGCC control standards for
Second Order Class 2 surveys.
7.2.4 Check panel values are withheld, requiring the mapping firm to provide elevations for these test panels. Before
performing, any stereo compilation of the check panels shall agree within 0.3 ft (9.144 cm).
7.2.5 The aerial camera has a calibration report from the USGS Camera Calibration Laboratory that is current within three years
of flight date. Calibration requirements are as follows (the following are published in SI units only):
7.2.5.1 Calibrated Focal Length—153153 mm 6 3 mm.3 mm.
7.2.5.2 Radial Distortion—No reading shall exceed 10 um. 10 μm. One half of all readings shall be less than 6 um.6 μm.
7.2.5.3 Resolving Power—Average weighted area resolution (AWAR) shall not be less than 60 um.60 μm.
7.2.5.4 Magazine platen does not depart from a true plane by more than 13 μm.13 μm.
7.2.5.5 Model Flatness—Spread shall not exceed 30 μm 30 μm (sum of the largest plus and minus readings) with a maximum
reading of 18 μm 18 μm at any one point.
7.2.5.6 Black-and-white high-speed or color film shall be used.
7.2.5.7 Filters commensurate with film types and atmospheric conditions are used.
7.3 Stereo compilation instruments shall be recalibrated within three years of use and calibration forms provided.
7.4 Stereo model report forms shall be used to record the setup parameters including the control point residuals before
compilation and the model setup caliper readings necessary to reset the model. This will include before and after compilation
analysis. Include a copy of the model report form in the volume report.
7.5 Model setups shall be checked by a second qualified individual before compilation. A second qualified individual shall check
completed models before volume calculations.
7.6 Minimum standards for photo-control point residuals shall be within 0.2 ft (6.096 cm) vertically and 0.5 ft (15.24 cm) 0.2 ft
(6.096 cm) vertically and 0.5 ft (15.24 cm) horizontally. The SI values reflected are to correct conversion.
8. Procedure
8.1 Material and Site Preparation:
8.1.1 Smooth all pile surfaces, separate all piles of differing materials, creating more uniform geometric shapes, to result in
increased precision of computed volumes. Smooth the pile surface making directional sweeps parallel to the stockpile baseline
when using the cross-section test method.
8.1.2 Compute and make part of the report peripheral material volumes.
8.1.3 Separate material of differing types with a line of material, of a contrasting color, unless the separation is a visible slope
break.
Manual of American Society of Photogrammetry, 410 Governor Lane, Suite 210B, Bethesda, MD 20814–2160.
Guidelines for Aerial Mapping, U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highways, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
D6172/D6172M − 18
8.1.4 Outline foreign material contained within the stockpile limits with a white line and notify the contractor.
8.1.5 Outline foreign material contained within the stockpile limits with a white line and notify the contractor.The use of a toe
of slope delineation between stockpile and peripheral material is expedient and recommended since a stereo operator can precisely
define it.
NOTE 2—The use of a toe of slope delineation between stockpile and peripheral material is expedient and recommended since a stereo operator can
precisely define it.
8.1.6 Do not mark stockpiles or photographs to show the separation of materials having a definite grade break.
8.1.7 Account for volumes for all hidden structures beneath the stockpile surface that do not contain material, for example, piers,
bunkers, and tunnels.
8.1.8 Account for volumes in the materials handling system containing material not accounted for as burned, for example,
conveyors, silos, hoppers, and bunkers.
NOTE 2—The recommended procedure for site and pile delineation is to create these lines, on a base drawing, using an area large enough to contain
operating volumes, and then the use of controlled stocking procedures.
8.2 Stockpile Base Determination—Obtain correct base information. Establish a correct base throughout the stockpile limits to
minimize volume deviations caused by inaccurate base data. Establish a maximum stockpile perimeter limit that includes all future
expected expansions. Create base elevations within the maximum pile limits. In that originally constructed base surface elevations
can change as a result of many factors, it is important to monitor base surfaces such as suggested in Note 54.
8.2.1 Test Method 1—Use elevations taken from points on a grid map or a contour map correct within 3 in. (7.62 cm) 3 in.
(7.62 cm) and on the same horizontal and vertical datum as the control used for the mapping. Use this base data for all future
inventories. If such data is not available, a postpile base can be compiled using one of the test methods described in 8.2.2 or 8.2.3.
8.2.2 Test Method 2—Select an elevation commensurate with the average ground level (flat base) and use as a constant for all
future volume determinations.
8.2.3 Test Method 3—Use the toe of slope at the base around the perimeter of the pile area creating an assumed base. Connect
open-ended contours by a straight line to establish the base contours. Use this base for all future inventories except when the
perimeter of the pile becomes larger, in which case, extend the expanded ends of the base contours to include the expanded area.
NOTE 3—Since 8.2.2 and 8.2.3 are assumed procedures, the first inventory using either test method can create a difference from the actual volume. All
succeeding inventories using the same base will reflect relative pile volumes.
8.3 Observe potential base changes and notify the owner.
NOTE 4—Developing new base data or monitoring base in a stockpile can be achieved by drilling and measuring areas under the pile and the use of
ground surveys or aerial photography for exposed areas of the base around the stockpile. In that stockpiles can settle into the base, periodic boring checks
can be made to ascertain base stability. Rotate boring locations, to achieve better random sampling of the base elevations, in subsequent inventories. Split
spoon sampling procedures are considered more accurate for determining vertical locations than the small diameter auger p
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