INAERODiscuss your survey

INAERO / GEOPHYSICS

Discover what
lies beneath
the surface.

Airborne surveys help collect geophysical data more quickly across large or hard-to-reach areas, or where lighter ground access is needed.

Discuss survey requirements ↗
SENSOR • DATA • INTERPRETATION

01 / WORKFLOW

From data to
exploration targets.

Five stages of drone geophysics: carrying sensors, recording data, and turning measurements into a basis for field investigation.

  1. 01

    Drone

    Field acquisition

    The drone follows planned survey lines to carry sensors over the study area.

  2. 02

    Sensor

    Measuring physical properties

    Sensors record magnetic fields, electromagnetic responses, natural radiation, or elevation according to the survey method.

  3. 03

    Data

    Processing & mapping

    Data are checked for noise and positioning quality, corrected for the method, and processed into maps or models with quality-control records.

  4. 04

    Anomalies

    Geophysical interpretation

    Differences in the measured response are analysed to identify geological structures or zones requiring further investigation.

  5. 05

    Exploration targets

    Field verification

    Selected anomalies become targets for further investigation, taking supporting geological data into account.

02 / SERVICES

Different sensors.
One workflow.

We help align platforms, sensors, flight paths, and data outputs with your geological or operational questions.

γ
01 / RADIOMETRY

Mapping natural radioactivity

Radiometric sensors measure gamma energy from the surface to help understand material variations, lithology, and anomalous zones.

Radiometri: radiasi alami dari tanah menuju sensor gamma
How it works Click to enlarge
N
02 / GEOMAGNETICS

Measuring magnetic field variations

Magnetic surveys map variations in the magnetic field for geological mapping and exploration targeting. System design must consider drone interference, positioning quality, and corrections appropriate to the survey objective.

Geomagnetik: magnetometer terpisah dari badan drone
How it works Click to enlarge
EM
03 / SEMI AIRBORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC

Mapping subsurface conductivity

SAEM combines a ground-based electromagnetic source with a drone-borne receiver to estimate conductivity variations.

SAEM: sumber di tanah dan penerima elektromagnetik pada drone
How it works Click to enlarge
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04 / GPR

Investigating shallow structures

Ground Penetrating Radar sends electromagnetic pulses into the ground to help detect utilities, layers, voids, or shallow objects.

GPR: pulsa radar dan refleksi batas lapisan bawah permukaan
How it works Click to enlarge
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05 / LiDAR

Building surface models

LiDAR produces three-dimensional points for DTMs, DSMs, contours, and terrain analysis across the survey area.

LiDAR: pancaran laser menghasilkan kumpulan titik tiga dimensi
How it works Click to enlarge
▧
06 / PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Turning photographs into maps

Aerial photographs with planned overlap are processed into orthomosaics, 3D models, and maps to support geological interpretation and fieldwork.

Fotogrametri: foto udara saling bertampalan membentuk peta
How it works Click to enlarge

03 / SURVEY METHODS

Five methods for
reading the subsurface.

Each method is selected according to the geological target, investigation depth, field access, and required data output.

01 / DRONE GEOMAGNETIC SURVEY

Drone geomagnetic survey

This method measures variations in the Earth's magnetic field using a high-sensitivity magnetometer mounted on a UAV. Rapid, high-resolution acquisition supports mapping geological structures, faults, lithology, and magnetic mineralization across challenging terrain.

02 / DRONE RADIOMETRIC SURVEY

Drone radiometric survey

Gamma-ray spectrometers mounted on UAVs measure natural radiation from potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th) in surface materials. The data supports geological mapping, alteration zone identification, environmental assessment, and mineral exploration.

03 / DRONE ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEY

Drone electromagnetic survey

Drone EM measures variations in subsurface electrical conductivity to map geological structures and conductive targets. UAV acquisition supports mineral exploration, groundwater investigations, environmental studies, and engineering applications.

04 / SEMI-AIRBORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC

SAEM

SAEM combines a ground-based controlled-source transmitter with a drone-mounted electromagnetic receiver. This hybrid method supports deeper, high-resolution investigation of conductive bodies, sulfide mineralization, aquifers, alteration zones, and geothermal targets.

05 / VERY LOW FREQUENCY

VLF survey

VLF uses radio signals from existing communication stations to detect shallow conductive structures such as faults, fracture zones, shear zones, groundwater pathways, and near-surface mineralization. Drone VLF enables fast, dense coverage for reconnaissance surveys.

INAERO × MGT / SAEM SURVEY

Collaboration in the field.
Electromagnetic surveying.

Documentation of INAERO's collaboration with MGT on a Semi Airborne Electromagnetic (SAEM) survey. This method combines a ground-based electromagnetic source with a drone-borne receiver to investigate subsurface electrical properties.

INAERO × MGT — Semi Airborne Electromagnetic (SAEM) Survey

Watch on YouTube ↗

DATA QUALITY / SURVEY PLANNING

Results you
can review.

A survey starts with geological questions and data requirements. Sensor selection, flight design, and processing levels must suit the investigation.

01 / BEFORE FLIGHT

Plan your tujuan & spesifikasi

Discuss targets, coverage, required resolution, sensor positioning, and deliverables. Use current terrain information and imagery to plan survey lines, safe clearance, access, and field coordination.

02 / ACQUISITION

Periksa sensor & gangguan

Plan system checks, positioning quality checks, and assessment of drone and environmental interference. Agree how to monitor noise and when data should be reacquired before work starts.

03 / PROCESSING

Catat koreksi & kendali mutu

Select corrections and processing appropriate to the method and survey goals. Document the processing steps and checks so users understand how raw data become interpretation products.

04 / HANDOVER

Agree on the data package

Define requirements for raw and corrected data, positioning information, maps or models, and quality reports. Explain limitations and processing levels so the data can be assessed for subsequent investigations.

What should the survey specification cover?
  • Investigation objectives, methods, sensors, and required resolution.
  • Survey line design, sensor altitude or terrain clearance, and positioning information.
  • Interference checks, relevant calibration, and data acceptance criteria.
  • Correction stages, deliverables, metadata, and quality-control reports.

Project parameters and tolerances should be set with geophysical specialists experienced in the selected method.

Methodology reference: Geoff Pettifer — BCGS Drone Symposium (05:06–07:40, 10:12–11:50, 13:20–14:36). The presentation discusses the development of voluntary good-practice guidelines.

03 / SUPPORTING PLATFORMS

Platforms that carry
sensors into the field.

INAERO adapts platform and payload selection to coverage, terrain, and the required survey outputs.

AeroPro BX fixed-wing VTOL
FIXED-WING / VTOL

AeroPro BX

For broad coverage and missions with planned flight paths.

AeroPro A Type fixed-wing
FIXED-WING

AeroPro A Type

A lightweight platform for mapping and observation cameras and sensors.

AeroPro hybrid drone
HYBRID MULTIROTOR

AeroPro Hybrid

A longer-duration configuration for specific payload requirements.

EXAMPLE DATA OUTPUTanomalies → investigation targetsMEASURED DATAINTERPRETATIONFOLLOW-UP

04 / DELIVERABLES

Raw data are
only the beginning.

Survey results can include maps, profiles, elevation models, anomaly maps, and material for planning the next steps. Deliverables depend on the method, sensors, and project goals. Agree on processing levels, metadata, and quality reports so results can be reviewed and reused.

Discuss data outputs ↗

START A CONVERSATION

Have a survey
area in mind?

Tell us the location, area, investigation goals, and required outputs. We can help select a geophysical approach and drone configuration.

INAERO

Drone for
industry.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia.