Caving of overlying strata following the exploitation of an ore body underground might lead to severe damages on surface topography. Regular monitoring and recognition of subsidence are vitally important to overcome adverse effects, especially at the surface. In recent years, remote sensing techniques are widely used to measure and interpret these effects. This article presents the results of a multidisciplinary study incorporating mining, geodetic and photogrammetric engineering. In this study, an aerial photogrammetric technique is applied to determine the amount of displacements (subsidence) at the surface over Sector B at Cayirhan lignite mine. Digital elevation models of the study area both before and after exploitation of the coal seam were obtained from digitised aerial stereo photos by using MATCH-AT software. Changes between the profiles, especially in vertical direction (z-axis) which defines the amount of subsidence, were found to be up to 4 m. Both field observations and results determined from the models reveal that the extent of subsidence was in good agreement with the aerial photogrammetric characteristics and topographical survey measurements. As a result, use of aerial photogrammetry can be considered as a fast and reliable alternative method for the assessment of subsidence effects over large areas.