Applications of Photogrammetry and Lidar Techniques in Mining Areas
A special issue of Remote Sensing (ISSN 2072-4292). This special issue belongs to the section "Remote Sensing in Geology, Geomorphology and Hydrology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1231
Special Issue Editors
Interests: photogrammetry and laser scanning
Interests: LiDAR SLAM; point cloud processing; 3D deep learning
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and greater automation. Central to this evolution are photogrammetry and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technologies, which have revolutionized how we capture, analyze, and interpret 3D spatial information in complex mining environments. Moving beyond traditional surveying methods, modern photogrammetry (e.g., Structure from Motion) and LiDAR (from terrestrial, mobile, and aerial platforms) provide dense, accurate, and rapid point cloud data for both surface and underground operations. These technologies are foundational for tackling critical challenges, especially in the context of intelligent mine construction. In harsh and GNSS-denied underground environments, such as those in coal mines, LiDAR-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and photogrammetry are paramount for autonomous navigation, vehicle positioning, and dynamic environment mapping. The importance of this research area lies in its direct impact on creating safer working conditions, optimizing resource extraction, and enabling the next generation of autonomous mining systems.
This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest research, innovations, and case studies on the application of photogrammetry and LiDAR in the mining sector. We seek to highlight novel techniques, algorithms, and integrated systems that address the unique challenges of acquiring and processing 3D data in both open-pit and subterranean mines. This topic is perfectly aligned with the scope of Remote Sensing, as it focuses on advanced sensor technologies (LiDAR and cameras), data processing methodologies (point cloud analysis, SLAM, and sensor fusion), and their application to earth science and engineering challenges. We hope to foster a collection of high-quality articles that will serve as a benchmark for future research and development in this vital field.
Prospective authors are invited to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies on a broad spectrum of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Photogrammetric and LiDAR-based 3D mapping of underground tunnels, stopes, and caverns;
- SLAM algorithms for positioning, navigation, and mapping in GPS-denied mining environments;
- Applications in intelligent coal mine construction and autonomous mining;
- UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry and LiDAR for open-pit mine mapping;
- Volumetric analysis of stockpiles, ore passes, and excavation progress;
- Deformation analysis, convergence monitoring, and slope stability assessment;
- Sensor fusion of LiDAR, photogrammetry, IMU, and other geodetic sensors;
- Development and validation of point cloud processing algorithms for mining applications (e.g., change detection, segmentation, and ecological monitoring);
- Creation of digital twins for mining operations;
- Challenges and future directions for 3D remote sensing in the mining industry.
Dr. Zhihua Xu
Guest Editor
Dr. Zhenghua Zhang
Dr. Xiaohu Lin
Guest Editor Assistants
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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Keywords
- photogrammetry
- laser scanning
- mining engineering
- slope stability
- deformation monitoring
- SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- point cloud processing
- mine surveying
- ecological monitoring
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