High Resolution Magnetic Surveying using UAV
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swedish Geological AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 041 000 |
| Project duration | March 2020 - August 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Towards a sustainable development in the mining and metal extraction industry |
Important results from the project
The project has shown that high-resolution magnetic investigations with Remote Mapper can be carried out in the Swedish environment w.r.t. technology, logistics, natural environment and permitting (before 2021). The overall goal of the project was to be able to provide services to the mining and exploration industry at the end of the project. This goal has not been met due to new rules for drone permits (January 2021), which set far-reaching technical and administrative requirements for the current UAV model which, in turn, would require additional resources to implement.
Expected long term effects
Magnetic data has been collected over a total area of 36 km2 during two field campaigns. Implementation of the airborne surveys shows that they can be carried out at a lower cost than comparable conventional aerial and ground magnetic surveys. A very low noise level, together with the ability to fly with tight line separation and at low altitude, resulted in the data being of very high quality. Interpretation of the data has contributed to a better understanding of the regional structural geological development. Future effects depend on additional resources for renewed drone permits.
Approach and implementation
The project has largely been carried as planned, with the exception of interruptions in the field campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in that approx. 25% of the planned survey area was covered. The field campaigns were followed by an evaluation of the implementation, analysis and evaluation of data, as well as by the establishment of a business model. Due to delays related to the Covid-19 pandemic, research projects making use of the data started later than planned, while these will continue after the end of the project.