Why SLAM works underground
Underground there is no satellite signal, so GNSS is useless. SLAM positions itself from its own LiDAR and motion sensors, mapping tunnels, drives and stopes in the dark as you walk or drive through. It is one of the few methods that works at all in a GPS-denied void.
Stockpiles, tunnels and stopes
SLAM is fast for stockpile volumes — walk around a pile and compute the volume from the cloud. It captures tunnel profiles and convergence over time, and as-builts of headings and chambers. Pole- or drone-mounting keeps the operator clear of unsupported ground for safety.
Safety and workflow
Because you can scan from a distance and move quickly, SLAM reduces time spent in hazardous areas. Plan looped routes, georeference to mine control where accuracy matters, and export to your mine-planning software. Centimetre accuracy is plenty for volumes and most as-built; confirm in the accuracy guide.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does a SLAM scanner work underground without GPS?
Yes. SLAM determines position from its LiDAR and inertial sensors, not satellites, so it maps tunnels, stopes and underground voids where GPS/GNSS does not work.
Can a SLAM scanner measure stockpile volumes?
Yes. Walking around a stockpile with a SLAM scanner captures its surface as a point cloud, from which volume is computed — fast and without climbing the pile.
How accurate is SLAM for mine surveys?
Handheld SLAM reaches 1–5 cm, which suits most volumetric and as-built mine work. For precise control points you would still use a total station georeferenced to mine control.
Can SLAM scan tunnels?
Yes — SLAM is well suited to tunnels and drives, capturing continuous profiles as you move through. It also supports convergence monitoring by comparing scans over time.