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Smarter Blasts. Safer Sites.
Drilling & Blasting Assessment Drones
Drones equipped with photogrammetry and LiDAR sensors are transforming how mining operations plan, execute, and evaluate drill and blast activities. From pre-blast condition mapping and vibration prediction to post-blast fragmentation analysis and muckpile assessment, aerial data enables safer, faster, and more accurate decision-making across the blast lifecycle. Capture precise measurements of rock faces, borehole patterns, and muckpile shape without sending crews into hazardous zones. With automated flight paths and repeatable outputs, drone-based blast surveys reduce risk, improve explosive efficiency, and support better outcomes.
Precise Data. Safer Blasts.
Why Use Drones for Drilling & Blasting Assessment?
Aerial data supports faster decision-making, fewer re-drills, and smarter use of explosives, while creating a timestamped visual record for audits, environmental reporting, and vibration prediction analysis. Integrate drone outputs directly into your existing mine planning, blast design, or data analytics platforms to enable defensible, repeatable, and efficient drill-and-blast workflows.
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Improved Safety
Eliminate boots-on-ground exposure near highwalls, active equipment, or unstable terrain. Capture face and borehole data from a safe distance. -
Faster Turnaround
Fly full blast zones in minutes. Generate actionable 3D models and terrain data within hours. No need to delay drilling or staging. -
Higher Blast Quality
Identify deviations in burden, spacing, or borehole angles before detonation. Reduce misfires, flyrock, and excessive fines with better QA/QC. -
Regulatory Defensibility
Maintain a timestamped digital record of pre- and post-blast conditions. Support compliance with MSHA, environmental agencies, or internal audits. -
Workflow Integration
Export drone data in industry-standard formats for import into blast design tools, mine planning software, or vibration modeling platforms. -
Reduced Rework & Waste
Optimize charge plans and timing sequences using accurate face profiles and muckpile analysis. Minimize overuse of explosives and rehandling costs.
Blasting Data You Can Trust
Drilling & Blasting Drone Use Cases
Post-Blast Performance & Fragmentation Analysis
Evaluate blast efficiency and muckpile shape to optimize fragmentation and reduce rehandling costs.
- Fragmentation Feedback: Assess rock breakage quality and adjust timing or charge loads accordingly.
- Muckpile Modeling: Analyze pile displacement to improve digability and shovel performance.
Boretracking & As-Drilled Hole Verification
Compare drilled boreholes to design plans to identify collar deviations and burden inconsistencies.
- QA/QC Oversight: Detect misaligned or missed holes before charging begins.
- Design Validation: Quantify actual burden and spacing to improve blast reliability.
Geology Mapping & Seam Detection
Identify rock mass features and structural discontinuities to inform charge distribution and timing.
- Automated Structure Mapping: Detect seams, faults, or joints using AI-assisted drone imagery.
- Risk-Aware Planning: Improve pattern design in variable geology zones.
Regulatory & Compliance Documentation
Capture timestamped pre- and post-blast data to support regulatory reporting and environmental audits.
- Visual Records: Document blast site conditions for MSHA, EPA, or internal safety reviews.
- Defensible Data: Maintain accurate, consistent records to reduce liability and improve transparency.
Workflow Integration & Digital Twins
Feed drone outputs into mine planning, blast design, and vibration modeling platforms for unified insights.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Export models in standard formats for seamless tool integration.
- End-to-End Visibility: Build a digital twin of your blast zones to support team collaboration.
Safe Drill Planning & Design Visualization
Improve flight planning, hazard detection, and site visualization from the air before drilling begins.
- Elevation-Aware Routing: Plan safe drone missions over benches and irregular terrain.
- Hazard Avoidance: Identify unstable areas or vertical faces before mobilizing crews or equipment.
Our Top Recommendations
Drilling & Blasting Assessment Drone packages
We have a wide variety of enterprise drone solutions to help you and your team accomplish your jobs quicker and easier. View the drone packages below or give us a call and get a specialized quote for your needs.
Matrice 350 RTK
Fully Powered to Forge Ahead.
An upgraded flagship drone platform, the Matrice 350 RTK sets a new benchmark for the industry. This next-generation drone platform features an all-new video transmission system and control experience, a more efficient battery system, and more comprehensive safety features, as well as robust payload and expansion capabilities
- Up to 55 Minute Flight Time
- 20km Max Transmission Range
- Multiple Cameras
- Higher Payload Compatibility
WingtraOne Gen II
A mapping drone for fast and accurate surveying data every time.
VTOL Mapping Drone - WingtraOne GEN II brings the next level of drone worksite reliability and mapping versatility with an oblique payload leading the way..
- Up to 59 min Flight Time
- 61 MP Full-Frame Camera
- 0.28 in/px GSD
- 0.4 in** Absolute Horizontal Accuracy
IF800 TOMCAT
Portable. Dependable. Deployable.
The IF800 TOMCAT by Inspired Flight features a lightweight, compact, and foldable frame, making it easily transportable and deployable in diverse environments. Its specially designed case provides ample space for batteries and payload, ensuring convenience and protection during transit. Professionals in need of cutting-edge aerial capabilities, such as infrastructure inspections, terrain mapping, or lidar surveys, can rely on the IF800 TOMCAT as a dependable and versatile tool.
- 54 min. Flight Time with 1.5kg Payload
- Dual Hot Swappable Batteries
- 6.6 lbs Max Payload
- FPV Camera
Freefly Astro
Compact Industrial Platform
Freefly’s latest commercial drone platform with RTK, 61 megapixel Sony camera, LTE cloud connectivity, mission computer and more. Astro is backed by the team at Freefly with 100,000+ successful commercial drone flights.
- 25 min Flight Time w/Payload
- IP43 Rating
- 100,000+ Commercial Flights
- Made in the USA
DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise
The Age of Intelligent Flight.
Unleash precision and intelligence with the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise, featuring advanced AI, dual-camera capabilities, and enhanced safety for superior performance in mapping, surveying, and more.
- Advanced AI for Real-Time Detection
- 112x Hybrid Zoom with Dual Cameras
- 49-Minute Flight Time & 15-Second Takeoff
- 5-Directional Oblique Capture Boosts Efficiency by 40%
- Smart 3D Capture for Accurate Modeling
- Rapid 0.5-Second Interval Shooting for High-Speed Surveys
DJI Zenmuse P1
Efficiency through Flexible Full-frame Photogrammetry
The Zenmuse P1 sets a new benchmark for aerial surveying with its full-frame sensor and interchangeable fixed-focus lenses, delivering unparalleled efficiency and accuracy for photogrammetry missions.
- 45 MP Full-frame Sensor with 4.4μm Pixel Size for high-resolution imaging
- 3-axis Stabilized Gimbal with Smart Oblique Capture for versatile 2D and 3D modeling
- Global Mechanical Shutter and TimeSync 2.0 for centimeter-level accuracy without GCPs
- High Efficiency: Cover up to 3 km² in a single flight with photo capture every 0.7 seconds
- Smart Data Management for streamlined mission data handling and post-processing
DJI Zenmuse L2
Powerful Range, Elevated Precision
The Zenmuse L2 is a high-precision aerial LiDAR system that integrates frame LiDAR, a self-developed high-accuracy IMU, and a 4/3 CMOS RGB mapping camera. Designed for DJI flight platforms, it delivers precise, efficient, and reliable geospatial data acquisition, offering a turnkey solution for 3D data collection and high-accuracy post-processing with DJI Terra.
- Vertical Accuracy: 4 cm; Horizontal Accuracy: 5 cm without GCPs
- Exceptional Efficiency: Cover up to 2.5 km² in a single flight
- Superior Penetration: Smaller laser spots and denser point clouds for detailed mapping
- Extended Detection Range: Up to 450m at 50% reflectivity
- Turnkey Solution: One-click processing on DJI Terra for streamlined workflows
Teledyne Geospatial EchoONE
Longrange and Lightweight
EchoONE is a high-precision aerial LiDAR system designed for versatility and efficiency. Weighing just 1.2kg, it seamlessly integrates with smaller UAVs, delivering long-range capabilities and exceptional accuracy. Compliant with the latest NDAA requirements, EchoONE ensures data security without compromising on affordability.
- Long-Range Performance: 270m range to 20% reflectivity targets with up to 8 returns per pulse
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighs only 1.2kg, compatible with UAVs like Freefly Astro, Inspired Flight IF800, and DJI M300/M350
- High Precision: Achieves up to 1.5cm RMS vertical accuracy and 5mm ranging precision
- Accurate and Fast: Generates full undecimated georeferenced point clouds in real-time with rapid post-processing
- Integrated Colorization: Features a 5MP global shutter camera with an optional 61MP camera for enhanced imaging
GeoCue TrueView 1
Your Gateway to Precision and Affordability in LiDAR Technology
The GeoCue TrueView 1 delivers survey-grade point clouds and RGB imagery in a flexible subscription model. It combines a Hesai XT-32 dual-return scanner, configurable global-shutter camera options, and LP360 Drone software—giving teams an end-to-end LiDAR solution that’s lightweight, cost-effective, and ready for immediate deployment.
- Dual-return Hesai XT-32 laser for accurate and dense vegetation penetration
- Selectable 26 MP, 45 MP, or 61 MP cameras for tailored image resolution
- Includes LP360 Drone for QA/QC, editing, and deliverable creation
- Lightweight (1.5 kg) design supports wide UAV compatibility
- Annual subscription model includes hardware, software, and U.S.-based support
GeoCue TrueView 1 Lite
Most Accessible, Professional Grade LiDAR Sensor
The GeoCue TrueView 1 Lite offers a streamlined LiDAR solution for professionals who need dependable results without complex configuration or high startup costs. It combines a Hesai XT-32 dual-return laser, FLIR 5 MP camera, and integrated POS—delivering survey-grade outputs in a lightweight, compact payload with U.S.-based support and an annual processing plan.
- Dual-return Hesai XT-32 laser scanner for dense point cloud generation
- FLIR 5 MP global-shutter camera with 80° FOV for effective colorization
- Compact, lightweight form factor (~1.4 kg) for broad UAV integration
- Includes TV1 Lite Annual Processing plan for outputs up to 10 km²
- Assembled and supported in the USA with dedicated year-one assistance
Phoenix Recon-XT
Great Value Meets Great Performance
The Recon-XT is Phoenix LiDAR's ultimate value-driven LiDAR system, designed for the DJI Matrice 350 and Freefly Astro UAVs. Weighing just 1.8kg, it offers exceptional precision and long-range capabilities, making it ideal for surveying teams seeking affordability without compromising performance.
- High Precision: Achieves 2-5 cm RMS vertical accuracy at 80m with 5mm ranging precision
- Lightweight & Versatile: Weighs only 1.8kg, compatible with DJI M300/M350 and Freefly Astro UAVs
- Long-Range Performance: Operates reliably up to 80m AGL with a maximum detection range of 80m
- Accurate and Fast: Generates full undecimated georeferenced point clouds in real-time with rapid post-processing
- Flexible Mounting Options: Easily integrates with UAVs, vehicles, and mobile mapping applications
Phoenix Ranger-UAV22 Flex
Fly It, Drive It, Mount It Anywhere
The Ranger-UAV22 Flex is Phoenix LiDAR's most adaptable mapping system, seamlessly integrating into backpacks, UAVs, vehicles, and dual-head mobile scanning solutions. With a high pulse repetition rate and exceptional precision, the Ranger-UAV22 Flex is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern surveying and mapping projects.
- Ultimate Versatility: Integrates effortlessly with backpacks, UAVs, vehicles, and dual-head mobile scanning setups
- High Precision: Achieves 1.5-3.0 cm RMSEz system accuracy at 120m with 5mm ranging precision
- Long-Range Capability: Reliable operation up to 490m AGL at 20% reflectivity
- Advanced Performance: 1200 kHz pulse repetition rate and up to 15 returns per pulse for detailed and accurate point clouds
- Robust Mounting Options: Compatible with a wide range of platforms including UAVs like DJI M300/M350 and VTOL systems
PIX4Dmapper
Industry-leading photogrammetry software for professional drone mapping
PIX4Dmapper is the industry-leading photogrammetry software for professional drone mapping, transforming aerial and ground images into accurate, georeferenced maps, 3D models, and orthomosaics.
- Image Capture: Import aerial or ground RGB, thermal, or multispectral images from any camera or drone.
- Photogrammetric Processing: Generate orthomosaics, dense point clouds, and DSMs using advanced algorithms.
- rayCloud Quality Control: Assess project accuracy with tie points, GCPs, and detailed quality reports.
- Automatic Classification: Distinguish surfaces and objects with machine-learning point cloud classification.
- 3D Model Export: Export georeferenced maps and models in GeoTIFF, LAS, OBJ, or DXF formats.
- Batch Processing: Automate workflows for multiple projects and reduce manual intervention.
- Cloud & Collaboration: Sync with PIX4Dcloud for online processing, sharing, and remote collaboration.
PIX4Dsurvey
Surveying software bridging photogrammetry and CAD for engineering-ready vector outputs
PIX4Dsurvey bridges the gap between photogrammetry and CAD by merging point clouds, imagery, and LiDAR in a single project. With advanced vectorization tools, extract essential features—like curbs, building footprints, and catenary curves—with just a few clicks, delivering engineering-ready CAD and GIS datasets.
- Capture Data: Acquire images or point clouds via drone or laser scanner and streamline flights with PIX4Dcapture.
- Import Flexibility: Combine .p4d, .p4m, .las, or .laz files and integrate multiple datasets into one project.
- Optimized Vectorization: Generate TIN models and CAD-ready vector files by extracting key project elements.
- 3D Modeling: Use Smart Grid and terrain classification to create accurate TIN surfaces.
- Volume Measurements: Calculate object and site volumes with intuitive measurement tools.
- Accuracy Assurance: Validate with GCPs, checkpoints, and manual tie points, complete with exportable quality reports.
- Smooth Export: Assign layers and properties, then export to any CAD or GIS software for seamless integration.
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Get a full, personalized system built for your specific needs. Our expert team can assess your situation, and recommend the best drone system for your organization.
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Drilling & Blasting Assessment Drones FAQ
How accurate is drone-based fragmentation analysis compared to manual sampling?
Drone imagery combined with calibrated fragmentation models can yield particle size distribution within ±5–10% of sieve-based results, especially when validated against muckpile sample sets. Accuracy improves with consistent image resolution, lighting, and camera angle.
Can drone data fully replace boretrak or collar surveying equipment?
No. Drone-derived models enhance spatial awareness and help detect pattern anomalies, but boretrak tools are still preferred for subsurface trajectory validation. Drones and boretraks used together provide the most complete QA/QC.
What deliverables can we expect from a drone blast survey?
Typical outputs include orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, borehole overlays, muckpile volume models, burden heatmaps, and fragmentation analyses. File formats like LAS, DXF, OBJ, GeoTIFF, and CSV can be imported into blast design and GIS tools.
How does drone data help reduce explosive waste or misfires?
By validating burden, spacing, and drill collar alignment before charging, drone models help optimize charge loading. This reduces overcharging, minimizes flyrock, and increases effective energy use within the blast zone.
How do drone-based systems handle elevation changes and multi-bench blasts?
Autonomous flights with terrain-following or elevation-aware modes allow drones to map vertical faces and benches safely. 3D models help visualize spatial relationships across multiple elevations for better charge timing and cast direction.
Do drones still work in GNSS-degraded areas like highwalls or near crushers?
Yes, but with caveats. RTK/PPK workflows and ground control points (GCPs) will greatly help maintain accuracy in GNSS-challenged zones. Pilots may also leverage manual control or tethered flights to maintain LOS and signal stability.
Can drone data be used to predict vibration or flyrock risk?
Yes. Blast models generated from drone-derived terrain and borehole data can be fed into software for vibration modeling and flyrock estimation. Accurate terrain geometry is critical for reliable predictive modeling.
What processing software is required to extract useful blast data from drone flights?
Most teams use photogrammetry or LiDAR post-processing software to generate models, then import results into platforms like SHOTPlus, FragTrack, Split-Desktop, or custom analytics dashboards for further analysis.
How long does a typical drill-and-blast drone mission take from flight to report?
Flight time ranges from 15–45 minutes depending on area size. Processing and analysis can be completed within a few hours, depending on hardware specs and the complexity of outputs like fragmentation modeling.
How often should drones be flown during a blasting cycle?
Ideally twice per blast: once for pre-blast condition mapping and once post-blast for muckpile and fragmentation analysis. Additional flights may be warranted for boretracking overlays or unexpected pattern deviations.
Get started
Ready to build your UAS program?
Give us a call and get a full, personalized system built for your specific needs. Our expert team can assess your situation, and recommend the best drone system for your organization.