Compatible methods
ALS · digital aerial photography · IR
Laser scanning, digital aerial photography and thermal survey — within the overall project and a single coordinate system.
Airborne geophysics
Methods of airborne geophysics
Physical methods, geophysical instruments and software for airborne surveys.
MagnetometryMeasurement of the magnetic field.
Gamma-ray spectrometryRecording of the gamma-ray spectrum.
Electromagnetic surveyStudy of the electrical properties of the subsurface.
GravimetryMeasurement of the gravity field.
Methods
Measurement methods
Magnetometry, gamma-ray spectrometry, electromagnetic survey and gravimetry characterise different physical properties of the subsurface. Additional remote sensing methods provide information on the surface and topography.
Airborne magnetometry and gradiometry
Measured: total intensity of the geomagnetic field and its gradients.
Anomalies reflect differences in the magnetic properties of rocks. Structural and tectonic mapping, delineation of mineralised zones and mapping of intrusive bodies and metasomatic zones.
Airborne gravimetry
Measured: gravitational acceleration on board the carrier.
Gravity anomalies are related to density variations in rocks. Density models, regional structural framework, assessment of the sedimentary cover structure.
Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry
Measured: spectrum of natural gamma radiation: uranium (radium), thorium, potassium.
Concentrations of radioactive elements in the near-surface layer. Lithological subdivision, exploration for radioactive raw materials, indications of superimposed processes and environmental applications.
Multi-frequency EM survey
Measured: in-phase and quadrature components of the secondary field at several frequencies.
Mapping of the conductivity distribution with an estimate of its variation with depth: fault and fracture zones, buried palaeovalleys.
Time-domain EM survey
Measured: decay of the eddy-current field after the pulse is switched off.
The time-domain EM (TEM) method gives a detailed geoelectrical section laterally and in depth: sulphide and polymetallic ores, ore-controlling faults.
Thermal infrared survey
Measured: intrinsic thermal radiation of the surface.
Thermal anomalies of areas and objects: engineering and environmental surveys, condition monitoring of utility networks and structures.
Laser scanning and aerial photography
Measured: ranges of laser returns and image orientation parameters.
Topography, orthophoto maps and a topographic base — for route planning, landscape zoning and interpretation of geophysical fields.
Instruments
Geophysical instruments
Instruments of in-house design for magnetometry, gamma-ray spectrometry, electromagnetic survey and gravimetry.
Magnetometry
AGF-MAG
Quantum magnetometer with a rubidium sensor in a towed bird for unmanned carriers.
Magnetometry
UniMaster
Multichannel magnetometer and on-board data acquisition system for geophysical sensors.
Magnetometry
BaseMaster
Magnetic base station for correcting the diurnal variation of the field.
Radiometry
Gamma-ray spectrometer
Scintillation spectrometer with a 0.4 L or 1 L NaI(Tl) crystal; part of the AGF-1600 SPEKTR system.
Electromagnetic survey
HoriZOND EM
Time-domain (TEM) induction survey, recorded together with magnetometry and gamma-ray spectrometry on a single line grid.
Gravimetry
AGP-GRAV
Strapdown inertial airborne gravimeter that operates under disturbing carrier accelerations.
Carriers
Aircraft, helicopter, UAV
The carrier type is determined by the survey area, topography and required grid density; unmanned systems are used on detailed survey sites.
Applications
Fields of application
Geophysical instruments are used in mineral exploration, engineering studies and environmental assessment. The set of methods is determined by the geological task and measurement conditions.
Solid mineral deposits
Airborne magnetometry, gamma-ray spectrometry and electromagnetic survey are used to map structures favourable for the localisation of ore bodies at the regional and prospecting stages. Joint data interpretation is used to compile anomalous field maps and structural-tectonic schemes.
Hydrocarbon exploration and appraisal
Airborne geophysical data are used in exploration for hydrocarbon deposits: to study the gravity and magnetic fields of an area, for structural mapping and for comparison with the existing geological model.
Engineering surveys
Study of geological structure, hazardous processes and man-made objects — from the air, at a controlled level of detail.
Environmental studies
Environmental monitoring of areas, thermal IR survey, assessment of anthropogenic impact and environmental condition.
Monitoring of municipal utility infrastructure
Condition monitoring of housing and utility infrastructure by remote sensing and airborne geophysical means.
Multipurpose surveys
Combining exploration, engineering and special tasks in one flight cycle — where the carrier and instrument set are compatible.
Integrated interpretation
Joint processing and geological interpretation of multi-method data: from maps and sections to models suitable for planning ground work.
Problem statement
Integration of geophysical methods
In geological interpretation, geophysical anomalies, geological information and legacy data are compared.
Mapping the localisation factors of a target object uses geological information and legacy data. To this end, geophysical methods are integrated.
Airborne geophysical technologies include magnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, electromagnetic, gravity and remote sensing observations.
Support
Deployment and technical support
Support for the centre's geophysical instruments and software.
01
Configuration
Agreement on the set of equipment, software and interfaces.
02
Commissioning
Installation and commissioning of the selected configuration.
03
Training
Training specialists to use the instruments and software.
04
Maintenance
Technical support, maintenance and repair of equipment.