Validation of dry bulk pile volume estimation algorithm based on angle of repose using experimental images

Estimation of volume of piles in shipping ports plays a pivotal role for logistics management, facilitates better ship rescheduling and rerouting for economic benefits and contributes to overall efficient shipping management. This paper presents validation results for a volume estimation algorithm for dry bulk cargo piles stored in open ports. Using remote sensing images obtained in a laboratory setting, the method first detects the contour of the pile and then reconstructs its 3D model based on the material’s angle of repose, and estimates the volume accordingly. We validated the algorithm on full conical piles and single-ridge elongated piles, and further tested it on reclaimed conical and elongated piles. The results demonstrated the algorithm’s strong potential for accurately estimating pile volume from experimental images and a reference satellite image, achieving high accuracy in our validation.