Historically BHP Billiton Alliance Coal Operations Pty Ltd (BMA) have generated resource models from widely spaced data points (drill holes). The accuracy of these models has been influenced by the degree of local structural disturbance of the coal seams and by the choice of interpolators used in the modelling process. In some circumstances unacceptable vertical errors of up to 10 m have been observed whilst mining._x000D_
New terrestrial photogrammetry or laser imaging technology now allow the 150 or so kilometres of exposed highwalls in BMA to be rapidly, accurately and safely mapped and the three-dimensional images economically incorporated into resource models, reconciliation grade control models, drill and blast designs and for pit stability analysis._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:McNichol, T, 2005. Highwall mapping using advanced terrestrial photogrammetry at BM Alliance Coal Operations, Queensland, in Proceedings New Leaders' 2005, pp 37-40 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).