Overview
DroneDeploy allows Aerial Pro customers to apply a customized multiplier to specific volume annotations. This capability helps you calculate and report adjusted quantities for loose or compacted materials quickly, without altering your original base measurements.
Whether you are evaluating compressed earth or loose, excavated material, you can use this tool to determine accurate haulage requirements and material values directly within your project view.
Availability: Who has access?
This feature is available for Aerial Pro subscriptions.
The tool applies directly to volume annotations within your map dashboard.
How to use the compaction and swell factor
Open your project. Navigate to the desired map or project view containing your stockpiles.
Select or create a volume annotation. Click an existing volume annotation or use the Volume tool to define a new material pile.
Locate the adjustment settings. Look for the Compaction/Swell Factor input field within the annotation measurement details panel.
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Enter your multiplier value. Input the factor required for your specific material type:
Enter a factor below 1.00 to account for compaction (for example, enter 0.85 for a material compacted by 15%).
Enter a factor above 1.00 to account for material swell (for example, enter 1.25 for material that expands by 25%).
Leave the field blank or set it to 1.00 to maintain the standard, unadjusted measurement.
Review your adjusted outputs. The platform automatically calculates and displays your adjusted net volume, material mass and total material value based on the formula:
Adjusted Value = Measured Value x Compaction / Swell Factor
Key features
Dynamic calculations: When you apply a factor, DroneDeploy updates the calculation metrics automatically across your workflow panels.
Data export compatibility: Your saved factors sync cleanly with external workflows. All annotation and stockpile report CSV exports include dedicated VolumeFactor and adjusted data columns whenever a factor is applied.
Preserved geometry: Applying a factor changes only the reported material quantities. Your original base measured volumes and geometric boundaries remain completely intact and unaffected.
Limitations and considerations
Input ranges: The current user interface permits factor values between 0.01 and 10.00.
Missing calculations: If adjusted values fail to appear in your panel, confirm that you have saved a numeric factor other than 1.00 on that specific annotation.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I leave the factor field blank?
A: If a factor is unset or explicitly set to 1.00, DroneDeploy displays your default stockpile experience with standard, unadjusted measurements.
Q: Does entering a factor alter my physical map data?
A: No. The factor only adjusts the calculated mathematical outputs shown in your reports and metrics panel. Your baseline geometric measurements remain unmodified.
V2.2