Airborne Magnetometer Solutions

The worldwide application of airborne magnetic and gradiometric data is growing, driven by demand for high-resolution, low cost data to:

Map targets, geology and geologic structure in Mineral Exploration and Mineral Prospecting
Perform frontier evaluation, augment seismic data in Hydrocarbon Exploration
Detect Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
Map pipelines and other cultural objects in Environmental and Engineering investigations
Map aquifers and faults in Groundwater work

To address industry requirements, GEM introduced the state-of-the-art Potassium, the highest sensitivity magnetometer/gradiometer airborne system commercially available. It also features a number of other benefits, including maximum gradient tolerance and more.

GEM’s solution is based on a unique optically pumped Potassium sensor-a technology that offers an order-of magnitude increase in sensitivity over other systems. It also provides:

Reduced “heading” errors
Highest absolute accuracy
Decreased maintenance costs

These advantages plus GEM’s reputation as a proven supplier of advanced technologies make Potassium a key solution for your next airborne installation, including helicopter, fixed wing and UAV platforms.

State-of-the-Art Components

GEM’s airborne technology has been proven on Fixed Wing, Helicopter and UAV platforms. Part of its success is due to its components–specially designed for high resolution and noise-free data:

High sensitivity Potassium vapour sensor–single unit or multiple units (gradiometer)
Radio Frequency (RF) pre-amplifier and drive electronics module
Electronics for optimum detection and processing of its electron precession frequency
Other mechanical components for sensors

Helicopter Configurations

GEM has developed many special units including one, two, and three sensor arrays such as its Tri-Directional Helicopter bird with Potassium sensors at the tips of a triangle. Shown below, the Tri-Directional array is a proven quantity.

Horizontal gradient measurements are also increasingly popular for providing details about the lateral extent of subsurface anomalies located between survey lines. The Tri-Directional bird is an optimal solution for determining lateral extents.

Vertical gradients can assist significantly in identifying geologic/structural contacts and nearsurface targets (UXO). Two-sensor birds such as the one shown in the first image on this page are ideal for this type of work.

GEM has a number of Fixed Wing clients–attracted to Potassium with its valued features and ability to acquire the highest quality data from an airborne platform.

The company is able to put together a fixed wing solution for your aircraft–including sensors, electronics, cabling, and training. We also provide an STC certificate, if required. Fixed wing surveys take advantage of the lack of microphony of the sensor, ultra-sensitivity and lack of heading error.

Airborne Base Stations

High quality data are only obtained after reliable, accurate application of base station corrections. With GEM, you have the choice of working with two versions–the Overhauser or Potassium base stations. Both offer excellent value and a range of sensitivities that accommodates typical to highest resolution specifications. These implementations share a number of advanced features:

Precise time synchronization of field and base station units using a built-in GPS option
Flexible scheduling (up to 30 on/off periods)
Manual start-up

Specifications

The Potassium magnetometer offers some of the finest specifications available, including:

Sensitivity – 0.3 pT @ 1 Hz; (0.1 pT option)
Heading Error – + / – 0.05 nT between 10 and 80 degrees and 360 degrees full rotation about axis
Resolution – 0.0001 nT
Absolute Accuracy – +/- 0.1 nT
Dynamic Range – 20,000 to 100,000 nT
Gradient Tolerance – 35,000 nT/m
Sampling – 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 Hz (higher optional)
Orientation – optimum angle 35 degrees between sensor head axis and field vector