If your company is in the business of creating geological maps or searching for magnetic minerals, then aeromagnetic geophysics is the best means of doing so. Well-designed magnetic anomaly and gravity maps aid in the geothermal assessment and mapping of a region. From data showing buried geologic structural patterns, the aero magnetic geophysicist can link known geothermal occurrences to, perhaps, a new discovery. Gravitational and magnetic data displays and grids compatible with typical GIS systems convey only a fraction of the useful information present in aeromagnetic geophysical data sets.

Aeromagnetic surveys will help you create geological maps and are indispensable during mineral exploration. Magnetic mineral deposits add to the magnetic nature of the area; therefore they are easy to find using aeromagnetic geophysics because the data shows those minerals as "lit up" with a different color than less magnetic areas. If you need to create geological maps or locate magnetic mineral beneath the ground, consider the following:

1. Obtain existing aeromagnetic geophysics data.

2. Hire a consulting aeromagnetic geophysicist to do mapping.

3. Buy a magnetometer to take aeromagnetic geophysics data.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the data for creating maps from existing aeromagnetic geophysics survey data

Utilizing the principles of aero magnetic geophysics, surveys have been performed over much of the United States and existing data is available if you are planning to create geological maps or to search for magnetic minerals, such as iron oxide in the upper crust.

I recommend: The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) has geomagnetic data available online, including high altitude surveys from the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office. The U.S. Geological Survey makes aeromagnetic survey data available online that covers Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Find an aeromagnetic geophysicist to provide consulting work for your company

Geophysics consultants are available to help your business complete aeromagnetic mapping, field analysis of geospatial data and demographic analysis. Working with a consultant will help you process and interpret the information.

I recommend: Geo Peregrino is a professional geophysics consultant that specializes in field analysis of geospatial data and in aeromagnetic mapping. Applied Geophysics performs aeromagnetic data collection, geological and geophysical research, aeromagnetic surveys, and more. Aeroquest International uses two different helicopter-borne magnetometer systems to perform gold and other surveys in search of minerals.

Hire a permanent aeromagnetic geophysicist for your staff

If you need to beef up your staffing of aeromagnetic geophysicists, then you'll want to post your job openings on job boards frequented by qualified geophysicists.

I recommend: GeoSearch and PMJobs.net are two job boards specific to geophysics and related career professionals. Post jobs you have available so that qualified people can apply.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Aeromagnetic surveys are typically flown in parallel flight lines and perpendicular control lines. Variations in the timing of the line flights, especially if they are at short intervals, will contaminate the data for the magnetic maps. To avoid this, the magnetic field should be monitored from a base station and the survey flights should not be flown while the base station is measuring large magnetic variations.