Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Drone-based aeromagnetic surveys are a cost- and time-effective tool for high resolution mapping of unexposed geological structures. This technology is particularly advantageous for areas where it is difficult or impossible to conduct ground-based surveys such as beneath water bodies. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are robust and versatile platforms adapted to ensure precise and more controlled surveying at different scales in operational conditions. During the last years we have been developing and testing a series of workflows to efficiently acquire and process aeromagnetic data. Using an inhouse developed python toolbox we automate the data quality assessment on-site and implement a data-driven decision making algorithm to optimise the survey operation. With low altitude flights (<12m) and tight line spacings we ensure the acquisition of high-quality, detailed maps facilitating the geophysical interpretation of small-scale geological features.

To demonstrate the potential of our approach we present a demanding study area on a lake in Rogaland, Norway with low GPS coverage (valley), high magnetic gradients affecting the navigation system of the drone and non-ideal weather conditions to showcase the advantages of UAV magnetic surveys.