Updated:
24 February 2006
A guide to the technical specifications for airborne gamma-ray surveys
by R.L. Grasty and B.R.S. Minty
(AGSO record 1995/60)
Summary
The airborne gamma-ray spectrometric method has been increasingly used in recent years to assist mineral exploration, and both geological and environmental mapping. With this growth there has developed an increasing need to standardise the airborne measurements so that they will be independent of survey parameters. This report presents the technical specifications for a high sensitivity airborne gamma-ray survey. They describe the minimum requirements for system calibration, system monitoring, data acquisition and data processing that are required to ensure that the final processed data are of the highest possible quality. The technical specifications are accompanied by a guide to explain these specifications and provide additional insights into the airborne gamma-ray spectrometric method.
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Introduction
In the last few years, the use of gamma-ray spectrometry for geological mapping and mineral exploration has shown considerable growth. With this growth, there has developed an increasing need to standardize the airborne measurements so that they will be independent of survey parameters. This will allow data from many different surveys to be combined into one coherent compilation, thereby enhancing their value for regional mapping. Standardisation of the survey procedures will also allow instrument performance to be monitored, resulting in the early detection of possible equipment malfunctions.
Technical specifications for a high sensitivity airborne gamma-ray survey are given in Appendix A. The technical specifications describe the various calibrations, data acquisition, and data processing procedures that are required to standardize the airborne measurements to ground concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium. They should be regarded as the minimum requirements for ensuring that the airborne survey and final processed data are of the highest possible quality.
The main body of the report is a guide to the technical specifications given in Appendix A. The layout and section numbering of the guide essentially follows that of Appendix A with each section of the guide providing an explanation of the corresponding technical specification, as well as providing insight into that aspect of the airborne gamma-ray spectrometric method. Both the specifications and the accompanying guide are intended to benefit the airborne geophysical contractors and their clients, as well as assist the technical inspector responsible for monitoring the survey.
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Report
Download the complete article in PDF format: A guide to the technical specifications for airborne gamma-ray surveys (980KB).
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