Drone Magnetometer Surveys: Efficient, Accurate, and Cost-Effective

 

In recent years, drone magnetometer surveys have transformed how we explore the subsurface. Whether you're involved in archaeology, geology, infrastructure, or environmental monitoring, using a drone magnetometer can provide fast, non-invasive insights.

But what is a magnetometer survey, how does it work with drones, and how much does a drone magnetometer cost? In this blog post, we’ll break it all down and introduce a leading solution—the DroneRover™ Enterprise by PolarWave™.

 

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What Is a Magnetometer Survey?

A magnetometer survey is a geophysical method used to detect variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by subsurface objects or geological features. These surveys are commonly used to:

• Locate buried ferrous objects (like pipelines, cables, or unexploded ordnance)
• Identify mineral deposits or archaeological sites
• Map geological structures such as faults or dikes

When mounted on a drone, the magnetometer becomes even more powerful—allowing you to cover large areas quickly, safely, and with minimal disturbance to the environment.

 

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Why Use a Drone Magnetometer?

Traditional ground surveys can be slow, labor-intensive, and often limited by terrain. A drone magnetometer survey offers several advantages:

• Speed: Cover up to 10x more area than ground teams in the same amount of time
• Accessibility: Reach hard-to-access or hazardous locations without risk
• High Resolution: Collect dense magnetic data with precise GPS positioning
• Cost Efficiency: Reduce labor and field time, lowering total project costs

The DroneRover™ Enterprise, for example, is equipped with five ultra-sensitive 3-axis fluxgate magnetometers spaced 0.4 meters apart, capturing detailed magnetic data across a 2-meter swath—ideal for large-scale surveys.

 

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Introducing the DroneRover™ Enterprise

The DroneRover™ Enterprise by PolarWave™ is a aerial magnetometer system designed for professionals who need reliability and accuracy in the field. Here are some of its standout features:

• Five Sensor Array: Detects even subtle anomalies with high spatial resolution
• Real-Time Data Visualization: View survey results live on your tablet or phone
• Integrated GPS with RTK Support: Ensure sub-meter accuracy
• Smart Data Filtering: Automatically compensates for drone movement and vibration
• Portable and Compatible: Mounts easily on drones like the DJI Matrice 300/350 RTK
• Cloud-Based Processing: Analyze your data with PolarWave’s 3D platform

 

Whether you’re surveying for buried infrastructure, mapping a historic battlefield, or scanning for mineral veins, this is a powerful tool that brings field and office workflows together seamlessly.

 

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Drone Magnetometer Price: What Should You Expect?

One of the most common questions we get is, “What is the price of a drone magnetometer?”

While prices vary depending on the system’s capabilities, the DroneRover™ Enterprise offers excellent value for the features it delivers. Compared to traditional airborne surveys or high-end ground arrays, it’s a more accessible option for organizations of all sizes.

Contact PolarWave directly for current pricing, or to request a custom quote based on your drone platform and survey needs.

 

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Conclusion

If you're considering non-invasive geophysical surveying, now is the time to explore the benefits of drone magnetometer surveys. They’re faster, safer, and more scalable than ever—and with systems like the DroneRover™ Enterprise, you can collect high-resolution magnetic data with precision and ease.

From mapping infrastructure and detecting UXO to uncovering lost archaeology, a drone magnetometer is a smart investment in the future of exploration.

Ready to upgrade your survey capabilities? Learn more or request a demo here.