DRONE MAGNETOMETER SURVEYING
Airborne magnetic surveying is a passive sensing technique used in geophysical surveying to measure the Earths’ magnetic field, this can be used to understand lithological features and aid mineral exploration and geological mapping.
Sensorem offers ultra high-resolution drone-based magnetometer surveys. Our survey specifications meet and exceed industry standards, enabling us to offer higher resolution and low noise threshold data with our excellent altitude and terrain-following control.
Magnetic intensity is inversely proportional to the distance between source and sensor, so there is great benefit to reducing this distance. By flying closer to the earth’s surface, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operated magnetometers are able to provide higher resolution data. The closer proximity allows for weaker magnetic bodies, near-surface features, and smaller, focalized bodies to be more recognizable. It also allows improved recognition of magnetic gradients for better identification of bodies, features, ridges, and vein systems. UAV magnetometer surveys can complement existing survey data to focus and improve the results for a specific location.
The difficulties with conducting manned airborne magnetometer surveys, and the associated risks, prevent them from being able to achieve as high-resolution results as drone-based surveys. UAVs provide the balance between survey resolution, area coverage, signal strength and data quality that traditional airborne and ground-based methods cannot achieve.
Captured with the MagArrow magnetometer
The UAS deployable Geometrics MagArrow is engineered to simplify surveys that are difficult due to the various limitations of pilot-on-board surveys and ground surveys.
SERVICE: MAGNETOMETER SURVEY
CLIENT: PEEL MINING
LOCATION: MEENAR
Working in collaboration with leading geophysicist consultants, Sensorem strives to meet the specific requirements for achieving accurate, high quality magnetometer data thereby optimizing the survey accuracy. Implementing methods to conduct in-field quality control allows us to meet and maintain stringent survey specifications.
The integration of remote sensing techniques, including a suite of software and sensors in Real Time Kinematics (RTK), True Terrain Following (TTF) and on-board data logging, are used to improve the UAV flight performance and data correlation. This enables the UAV to follow complex topography and fly lower and closer to magnetic sources.
Sensorem understands the inherent difficulties of UAV Magnetometer surveys, and therefore, has invested in R&D to ensure innovation in our survey techniques and equipment. We use an engineering approach to improve sensor stability and develop bespoke solutions. These modifications have provided a notable reduction in the induced and environmental noise that is common with UAV magnetometer surveying, and as a result, we have seen a significant improvement in our survey data.
