**Summary**
Topographic surveying is a complex and systematic process that has traditionally relied on aerial photogrammetry. However, conventional aerial photography systems are expensive, require strict weather conditions, air traffic control, and skilled operators, making them less efficient and limiting their widespread use. To address these challenges, UAV-based aerial photography has emerged as a flexible, cost-effective, and rapid alternative. This paper presents a case study of an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia where the Sirius free image-controlled drone system was used to generate DOM, DEM, and point cloud data without ground control points. The results demonstrate high accuracy, proving the system’s suitability for complex terrains where field access is difficult.
**Introduction**
With China's rapid economic growth, topographic mapping has evolved from manual methods to aerial photography. Traditional systems face limitations in small-scale projects due to high costs and environmental constraints. Drone-based aerial systems, however, offer flexibility, speed, and lower operational costs, making them ideal for emergency or small-area surveys. This paper explores the application of the Sirius UAV system in a mining area, highlighting its ability to produce accurate topographic data without ground control points. The study confirms that the system meets the requirements for large-scale mining areas with complex terrain.
**1. Technical Advantages of the Sirius UAV Aerial Photography System**
**1.1 Built-in High-Frequency RTK Module for Image-Free Surveying**
Traditional methods rely heavily on ground control points, which consume time, resources, and effort. In remote or featureless areas, this becomes a major bottleneck. The Sirius UAV system uses a ground base station with a 100Hz RTK GPS module, enabling real-time positioning during flight. This ensures precise POS (Position and Orientation System) data, allowing for accurate image-free photogrammetry. As a result, both horizontal and vertical precision meet topographic requirements without the need for ground control.
**1.2 MAVinci Desktop for Intelligent Flight Planning**
MAVinci Desktop allows users to plan flights based on the survey area, automatically adjusting altitude according to terrain changes. This ensures safe operations, consistent image overlap, and high-quality data collection. With one-button operation, it simplifies route planning, flight height settings, and overlap rates, significantly improving efficiency.
**1.3 Agisoft PhotoScan Pro for Fast Data Processing**
The Agisoft PhotoScan Pro software automates the creation of orthophotos, DEMs, and point clouds without requiring camera calibration or initial values. It supports all major drone data processing platforms, enabling quick and professional results. In the Inner Mongolia case, the system processed 1,460 images in just 12 hours, generating DOM, DEM, and point cloud data efficiently.
**2. Engineering Implementation**
**2.1 Project Overview and Flight Parameters**
The project aimed to create a high-precision digital elevation model for earthwork calculations in a mining area. The survey covered 4.6 km² with an average elevation of 1,650 m and significant terrain variations. Due to the lack of clear features, the Sirius system was chosen for its image-free capabilities. Flight parameters included a GSD of 8 cm, 80% forward overlap, and 65% side overlap, ensuring accurate data capture.
**2.2 Workflow of UAV Aerial Survey**
The entire workflow—from route design to image stitching—was managed through MAVinci Desktop. Agisoft PhotoScan Pro then generated DOM, DEM, and point cloud data, while Global Mapper created contour lines. This streamlined process allowed a team of three to complete the project in just three days.
**2.3 Detection Targets and Accuracy Assessment**
To evaluate accuracy, 21 detection points were placed across the site, including stone, soil, turf, and corner markers. Each point was measured three times using RTK technology to ensure reliability. The results showed that the system met the required elevation accuracy standards, even in challenging terrain.
**3. Accuracy Analysis of Topographic Survey**
Elevation accuracy was the main focus of the analysis. According to specifications, the error between adjacent control points should not exceed 7 cm, and general elevation points should be within 15 cm. The DEM data from the project had a maximum error of 0.362 m, well within the acceptable range. The system proved capable of producing 1:500 scale topographic maps suitable for mining applications.
**4. Conclusion**
This case study highlights the effectiveness of the Sirius UAV system in complex terrains, demonstrating how drones have become a reliable and efficient tool for topographic surveying. By eliminating the need for ground control points and reducing labor, the system offers a practical solution for areas where traditional methods are impractical. Its user-friendly workflow and high-precision outputs make it an innovative alternative to conventional methods, especially in inaccessible or rugged regions. The success of this project underscores the growing importance of intelligent drones in modern surveying and mapping.
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