Innovative and low cost deep exploration by using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) magnetic surveys
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swedish Geological AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 472 000 |
| Project duration | July 2015 - December 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
Purpose and goal
The projects aim was to test geophysical data (magnetic data) collection by using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is called ´the Remote Mapper´. The aim was to ascertain whether it is possible to collect better quality data, and at a lower cost, compared to traditional methods of airborne geophysical data collection.
Results and expected effects
The UAV data collection was done in cooperation with LKAB. The test was performed at the Mertainen mine, near Svappavaara town. An area of 800 m X 600 m was flown at an altitude of 100m, and with a line spacing of 20 metres. The data analysis that followed revealed that the data collected was of high quality, and that it allowed for a better and more detailed interpretation of both lithology and structure, compared to data that had previously been collected by the Geological Survey of Sweden using traditional data collection from a fixed wing aircraft.
Approach and implementation
The project included the following main components: i(i) application for a permit too fly the Remote Mapper from the Swedish Transport Agency; (ii) planning and site investigations, performed in cooperation with LKAB ; (iii) data collection at Mertainen; and thereafter (iv) analysis and interpretation of the data thus collected.