Validation of UAV-Derived Discontinuity Data Against Field-Based Measurements for Kinematic Analysis in an Open-Pit Mine

Abstract

This study conducted a kinematic analysis of rock slopes in an open-pit feldspar mine in Çine (Aydın, Türkiye) and explicitly focused on the validation of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)–based photogrammetry with structural data obtained from traditional field surveys. Input parameters (dip direction and dip angles) were collected using a traditional geological compass at 119 observation points and extracted from a UAV-generated dense point cloud using the CloudCompare Compass plugin. A direct reliability assessment between the two methods revealed that the UAV-derived orientations matched the traditional field measurements with high precision, specifically within a 2° to 3° margin of error. Furthermore, the UAV approach effectively facilitated data collection in inaccessible or hazardous zones, such as high bench faces and block debris areas, safely increasing spatial data coverage and saving time. Using these validated parameters, kinematic analyses identified 65 wedge, 40 planar, and 87 toppling failures, predominantly concentrated on northwest-facing slopes. Spatial evaluations using geographic information system (GIS) mapping techniques highlighted the finding that stable wedges are restricted to paleo-stream channels, whereas unstable cases are located in weathered zones affected by water infiltration. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that integration of UAV photogrammetry with conventional surveys provides a highly reliable, safe, and efficient framework for kinematic assessments in open-pit mines.