Drone-based Magnetometry Sensing
Magnetometry is the science of measuring the strength and direction of magnetic fields – providing a valuable tool in Archeology, Mineral Exploration, and Public Safety. Originally developed in the 1800’s by Carl Friedrich Gauss to formulate his law of magnetism, the application and use of Magnetometry has grown over its decades of use to become one of the most widely used geospatial survey techniques in the world.
In delivering these types of surveys, a Magnetometer is used to measure the strength and direction of magnetism in a specific area. Measuring magnetism allows for the detection and identification of any magnetic metals or materials, and allows an operator to deliver inspections that may include Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) searches, locating buried infrastructure, archaeological inspections, or any survey searching for metal objects weighing a few hundred grams or heavier underground.
While valuable, delivering these type of inspections can be time consuming and hazardous. The magnetometer is not an active sensor, so it only measures the magnetic field at the point where it is located. That means detecting objects (especially small ones) requires comprehensive coverage of an entire site – a process that can take days with traditional ground based surveys. In addition, delivering these surveys in undeveloped areas requires field staff to trek into potentially unsafe or unfamiliar locations, adding both time and risk to the project.
That is where the benefit of a drone-based system comes into play. The type and sensitivity of magnetometers does mean that magnetic inspections differ greatly from other aerial surveys. While typical drone-based surveys derive benefit from higher altitude capture with a high degree of accuracy and detail, drone-based magnetometry requires the platform fly as close to the surface as possible.
As a Level 2 Distributor, Partner and Trainer of SPH Engineering, which develops the UgCS line of equipment, we have the experience and the technology to complete these low altitude inspections safely and quickly. Our platforms use a SENSYS MagDrone magnetometer, and true terrain-following systems with a precise laser altimeter – allowing our drones to fly as low as 1m AGL while rapidly collecting data on magnetic metals and materials.
Applications
The risk of recovering UXOs is clear. Unexploded ordinances, regardless of age, can explode. By using our Magnetometry equipped drones, we are able to quickly and efficiently scan a site – providing a clear picture of risks areas without any additional risk to human health.
Using our Magnetometry equipped drones, we are able to provide a clear picture of the potential risks present on your site prior to project development.
Since the 1950’s, Magnetic prospection has become one of the most important archaeological methods for the detection and mapping of buried remains at large archaeological sites. Traditional application of this approach has been costly and time consuming – requiring hand held deployment, and manual data collection due to the oftentimes sensitive nature of sites.
With the ability to deploy rapidly, conduct assessments without disturbing dig sites, and the ability to conduct inspections quickly and accurately – Our drone-based magnetometry solutions provide significant advantages without risk to the cultural heritage of the site.
How Can We Help?
We approach every project as a partnership. It’s our goal to develop solutions that directly meet the challenges of our clients operations. We achieve this by working alongside our clients to deliver tailored drone services that leverage the incredible potential of drone technology. Let’s talk.
Our Partners
DRONE-INTEGRATED MAGNETOMETRY ENABLES SCANNING AND DETECTION IN AN AREA SEVERAL TIMES FASTER THAN TRADITIONAL HANDHELD DEVICES