Geowebinars’21. Trends in modern airborne electromagnetic surveying: technologies and results

Lecture series “Airborne electromagnetic surveying”. Topic: “Trends in modern airborne electromagnetic surveying: technologies and results”. Speaker: A. A. Trusov, Head of the Department of Geological and Geophysical Technologies.

Trends in modern airborne electromagnetic surveying: technologies and results

Airborne electromagnetic surveying comprises a set of Earth remote-sensing methods that provide information on the electrical and magnetic properties of subsurface structures. This technology is playing an increasingly important role in modern geological exploration, geophysics and archaeology, delivering impressive results and developing rapidly.

One key trend is the active introduction of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) as platforms for airborne electromagnetic surveying. UAVs offer high manoeuvrability, low flight costs and the ability to collect data in hard-to-access areas. Modern drones are equipped with increasingly sophisticated geophysical sensors capable of recording even weak electromagnetic anomalies. This enables subsurface structures to be mapped in unprecedented detail.

Another important trend is the development of multisensor airborne electromagnetic systems. In addition to electromagnetic measurements, modern systems integrate gravimetric, radiometric, infrared imaging and other data. Integrating different geophysical parameters provides more comprehensive and reliable information on the geological structure and resource potential of the areas under study.

The resolution and sensitivity of airborne electromagnetic equipment are increasing markedly. New high-accuracy magnetometers and electromagnetic probes enable structures to be mapped in unprecedented detail, revealing even minor anomalies. This is of great importance for mineral exploration, engineering site investigations and archaeological research.

Furthermore, the rapid development of uncrewed technologies, satellite navigation and onboard computing systems is increasing the productivity of airborne electromagnetic surveying. Modern systems can automatically plan flight routes, perform geophysical measurements, and process and interpret data with minimal human involvement.

All these trends are being put into practice in numerous successful airborne electromagnetic survey projects worldwide. The technology has demonstrated its effectiveness in fields ranging from mineral exploration to archaeological investigations and environmental monitoring.

For example, UAV-based airborne electromagnetic surveying is widely used in Canada to study the structure of the Earth’s crust and identify prospective areas for the extraction of gold, copper, nickel and other valuable resources. In Australia, this technology has helped map complex geological formations in the country’s desert regions, which is of great importance to the mining industry.

In Europe, airborne electromagnetic surveying is actively used to locate and map archaeological sites buried beneath the ground. In France, for example, dozens of previously unknown ancient settlements and burial sites have been discovered. In the United Kingdom, the method is used to assess the environmental condition of areas, identify contamination and monitor landscape changes.

Russia has also accumulated successful experience in airborne electromagnetic surveying. Russian specialists use this technology for oil, gas and mineral exploration, engineering site investigations and archaeological research. Highly sensitive magnetic and electromagnetic systems capable of operating from uncrewed platforms have been developed.

Airborne electromagnetic surveying will undoubtedly continue to develop rapidly in the coming years. Further improvements are expected in geophysical equipment, data-processing software and interpretation algorithms. UAVs equipped with integrated geophysical sensors will become increasingly widespread. These trends will improve the efficiency, speed and accuracy of airborne electromagnetic surveys, which in turn will contribute to the discovery of new mineral deposits, the successful resolution of engineering and environmental problems, and significant archaeological discoveries.