Evaluation of an Unmanned Aircraft for Geophysical Survey

Abstract

UAV use in airborne geophysics is now a reality with companies such as Shift Geophysics, Universal Wing and TGS. There are many significant differences between an unmanned aircraft geophysical survey and a manned geophysical survey. Explorers wishing to conduct an airborne geophysics survey need to be aware of the differences as they affect data quality, safety, legality and logistics required. Data quality can be affected either positively or negatively depending on the type of UAV used for the type of geophysics data acquisition. Magnetic data is negatively affected by electromagnetic noise. Due to the small size of a fixed wing UAV compared to a manned plane the magnetometer is placed much closer to noise interference, such as the electronic ignition of the engine, payload electronics and servomotors which move the control surfaces. If the separation can be achieved this will result in excellent magnetic data as the noise sources are of lesser amplitude. Safety risks differ with UAV aircraft over manned aircraft. Many risks are mitigated, however other risks are introduced which are not present with manned aircraft and effective methods to mitigate those risks are required. Differences in regulation also produce differences in minimum safety standards a company can employ. Regulation for UAV's differ from manned aircraft and differ for regions around the world. Regulation differences also produce differences in the quality of geophysical data as aircraft operators can conduct the survey flying differently. All of the factors mentioned need to be weighed up before choosing a contractor to carry out a geophysical survey for your company. Different companies will have different priorities on all of the items listed above and therefore no one company will suit all exploration terrains and targets.