Magnetometers on Drones

Magnetometers on Drones

What is a Magnetometer?

A magnetometer is an instrument used to measure the magnetic field at a specific point. Magnetic fields are areas surrounding magnets, magnetic objects, or electric charges where magnetic forces are exerted. Earth itself acts like a massive magnet, creating a magnetic field that can be detected and measured.

Magnetic fields have two primary characteristics:

  1. Strength: Often referred to as magnetic flux density or magnetic induction.
  2. Direction: The orientation of the magnetic forces within the field.

Magnetometers are essential tools for studying and analyzing these properties.

Types of Magnetometers

  1. Scalar Magnetometers

    • Measure only the strength (intensity) of the magnetic field.
    • Useful for applications requiring precise measurements of magnetic flux density without concern for direction.

  2. Vector Magnetometers

    • Measure both the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
    • Ideal for applications that require understanding the orientation and dynamics of the magnetic forces.

Magnetometers are widely used in various fields, including geology, archaeology, navigation, and space exploration, offering critical insights into Earth's magnetic field and beyond.


Detection Principle of Magnetometers

Magnetometers are widely used beyond scientific research for detecting objects that create anomalies in Earth's magnetic field. Such anomalies occur when objects containing ferrous (iron-containing) materials interact with external magnetic fields, such as Earth's magnetic field. These interactions cause changes in the magnetic field’s properties, including strength and direction, which can be detected by magnetometers. Non-magnetic materials, on the other hand, do not create these anomalies.

Detectable Objects

Magnetometers can detect various ferrous objects, such as:

  • Iron ore deposits
  • Buried utilities (e.g., underground pipes)
  • Unexploded ordnance (UXO), such as landmines or bombs with metal casings
  • Archaeological artifacts
  • Submarines and metal barrels

Non-Detectable Objects

Materials that do not significantly alter magnetic fields are not detectable by magnetometers. Examples include:

  • Gold nuggets
  • Plastic-cased landmines
  • Plastic barrels
  • Copper wires

How Magnetometers Work

By measuring the magnetic field at multiple points across a search area, magnetometers can identify anomalies where the magnetic field deviates from the average level. These anomalies often indicate the presence of magnetic objects buried beneath the surface.

The magnetic flux density or magnetic induction is typically measured in nanoteslas (nT), which is the standard unit used in magnetometer data and reports.

Practical Applications and Tools

Using magnetometers with advanced planning tools, such as drone flight planning software like UgCS, enables precise magnetic surveys. For instance, a survey grid can be planned over a field, guiding a drone equipped with a magnetometer to follow parallel paths and collect magnetic data efficiently.

The collected data can be analyzed using specialized software like Oasis montaj, which visualizes magnetic anomalies. For example, magnetic maps can reveal anomalies corresponding to hidden objects, such as World War II bombs or other buried ferrous items.

Magnetometers are indispensable tools in fields ranging from archaeology and geology to defense and environmental surveys, providing a reliable means to detect and map magnetic anomalies.

Typically Magnetometers need to be a few meters max from the ground.  If you need some high altitude information SPH Engineering created this article: https://www.sphengineering.com/news/uav-based-magnetometer-comparison-high-altitude-test

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