Integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and photogrammetry for rapid 3D-modeling of mine workings
A.M. Kuleshov1, A.M. Kuleshov1, M.A. Roenko1, I.I. Link1, E.A. Tagaev1
1 National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №2/ 2026 p. 68-72
Abstract: This paper discusses integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and photogrammetry for rapid three-dimensional modeling of mine workings. UAV-based surveys significantly improve the speed and safety of mine surveying, providing detailed geometric data on open-pit and underground mines. The study outlines operational differences between the two environments, i.e. the open-pit mines require accurate GNSS/RTK navigation and high-quality optics, while the underground workings demand autonomous SLAM navigation and powerful artificial lighting. Photogrammetric processing stages include point cloud generation, 3D mesh construction, and accuracy assessment using reference points. Case studies demonstrate that the technology is efficient in monitoring the excavation volumes, slope stability, and rock mass deformation. Development of the LiDAR and thermal imaging modules, along with artificial intelligence in data processing, further enhances the modeling capabilities. Integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and photogrammetry is identified as a key element in digitalization of mining operations and as an essential step towards creating their comprehensive digital twins.
Keywords: UAV; photogrammetry; 3D modeling; mine workings; open pits; underground mines; SLAM navigation; LiDAR; digital twin; mine surveying
For citation: Kuleshov A.M., Kuleshov A.M., Roenko M.A., Link I.I., Tagaev E.A. Integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and photogrammetry for rapid 3D-modeling of mine workings. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(2):68–72. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-2-68-72
Информация о статье
Поступила в редакцию: 01.12.2025
Поступила после рецензирования: 09.02.2026
Принята к публикации: 12.02.2026
Информация об авторах
Artem M. Kuleshov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geology and Mine Surveying, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Andrey M. Kuleshov – Student, Department of Geology and Mine Surveying, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Maxim A. Roenko – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geology and Mine Surveying, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Igor I. Link – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geology and Mine Surveying, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Egor A. Tagaev – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geology and Mine Surveying, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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