EASYMAG: A Versatile Solution for High-Quality UAV Magnetic Acquisitions

Abstract

Summary Terremys has sought to develop EASYMAG, an unmanned aerial system fully dedicated to magnetic surveying in a variety of contexts ranging from small and shallow objects or pipelines detection to large-scale geological mapping. Four major requirements are identified if one wishes to efficiently acquire quality magnetic data at such variable scales: 1- the sensitivity of the magnetic acquisition must be greater than the lowest expected signal according to the application (usually a few nT or lower); 2- The navigation and positioning must be precise enough to compete with ground operators with centimetric accuracy; 3- the flight flexibility must allow contrasting flight domains with topographic draping at any height; 4- the efficiency on the field must compete with existing vectors. Each of these aspects are investigated to demonstrate Terremys’ ability to perform quality magnetic surveys. A case study of drone magnetic acquisition for archaeological purposes is presented in comparison with a ground survey acquired in the same area. Ground and UAV surveys are of comparable quality and they can lead similar interpretations.