UAV Magnetic Survey Data Processing Sequences for Ferrous Mineral Exploration in Malaysia

Abstract

Summary Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are commonly used for magnetic survey nowadays, especially for ferrous mineral exploration survey in Malaysia. UAV magnetic surveys can be conducted in the densely forested and topographically challenging area, which is otherwise limited by accessibility in ground magnetic surveys. UAV surveys are conducted in a grid pattern, providing more evenly data coverage for the entire site. It is also less time consuming, and hence more cost saving. The data resolution from UAV survey is also better than airborne survey since UAVs have the ability of flying at lower altitude. An UAV magnetic survey was conducted by using a Sensys Magdrone R3 fluxgate magnetometer mounted to a DJI Matrice 300 drone. This paper describes the UAV magnetic data processing sequences and the techniques employed in suppressing magnetic noise inherited in the data. Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) and Analytical Signal (AS) map were generated to study the location of potential ore body. 3D magnetic inversion model was generated to illustrate the subsurface geometry of the magnetic anomaly.