Overview on UAV Aeromagnetic Survey Technology

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aeromagnetic measurement, as an efficient, convenient and low-cost geophysical exploration method, has been widely used in geological survey, mineral resources exploration, and engineering prospecting. First, we outline the historical process of UAV aeromagnetic measurement systems in the past two decades. The domestic and international progress of research and development, and the application of UAV aeromagnetic measurement are summarized. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of three main types of UAV flight platforms and their application scenarios in the field of aeromagnetic measurement. The types and characteristics of UAV aerial magnetometers are analyzed. Second, we carefully discuss the interference problem of aeromagnetic measurement. The principle of aeromagnetic compensation is mathematically described. The applications of various aeromagnetic measurement compensation methods are discussed. The characteristics of UAV electromagnetic interference and related suppression methods are summarized. The relevant ways to further improve the accuracy of UAV aeromagnetic measurement on the basis of traditional magnetic compensation are pointed out. Finally, the typical application cases of UAV aeromagnetic measurement technology are shown and the challenges and developments of UAV aeromagnetic measurement technology are foreseen.