DroneBorne Hyperspectral and Magnetic Data Integration: Otanmäki FeTiV Deposit in Finland

Abstract

The technical evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for mineral exploration advances rapidly. Recent sensor developments and improved UAS performance open new fields for research and applications in geological and geophysical exploration among others. In this study, we introduce an integrated acquisition and processing strategy for droneborne multisensor surveys combining optical remote sensing and magnetic data. We deploy both fixedwing and multicopter UAS to characterize an outcrop of the Otanmäki FeTiV deposit in central Finland. The lithology consists mainly of gabbro intrusions hosting ore bodies of magnetiteilmenite. Large areas of the outcrop are covered by lichen and low vegetation. We use two droneborne multi and hyperspectral cameras operating in the visible to nearinfrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to identify dominant geological features and the extents of ore bodies via ironindicating proxy minerals. We apply band ratios and unsupervised and supervised image classifications on the spectral data, from which we can map surficial ironbearing zones. We use two setups with threeaxis fluxgate magnetometers deployed both by a fixedwing and a multicopter UAS to measure the magnetic field at various flight altitudes (15 m, 40 m, 65 m). The total magnetic intensity (TMI) computed from the individual components is used for further interpretation of ore distribution. We compare to traditional magnetic groundbased survey data to evaluate the UASbased results. The measured anomalies and spectral data are validated and assigned to the outcropping geology and ore mineralization by performing surface spectroscopy, portable Xray fluorescence (pXRF), magnetic susceptibility, and traditional geologic mapping. Locations of mineral zones and magnetic anomalies correlate with the established geologic map. The integrated survey strategy allowed a straightforward mapping of ore occurrences. We highlight the efficiency, spatial resolution, and reliability of UAS surveys. Acquisition time of magnetic UAS surveying surpassed ground surveying by a factor of 20 with a comparable resolution. The proposed workflow possibly facilitates surveying, particularly in areas with complicated terrain and of limited accessibility, but highlights the remaining challenges in UAS mapping.