Airborne Electromagnetic data are used in minerals, energy, and groundwater resource exploration. The AEM method measures natural variations in electrical conductivity beneath the surface, which results from variation in rock properties.
AEM data are collected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from an aircraft. The signal creates electric currents in the ground which are detected by receiver coils towed below and behind the aircraft. AEM techniques can detect variations in the conductivity of the ground to a depth of several hundred metres.
The models enable us to map potential alteration and structural zones and support environmental and land management studies. Several features observed in the AEM models have also provided insights into possible salt distribution that may have potential for hydrogen storage.
In Western Australia, the State and Federal governments have collected AEM profiles at 20 km across the state. More detailed surveys have been collected by government and companies in areas of specific interest.
The data comes in two main formats:
- Point-located (vector) datasets, which are specific data points in industry-standard formats.
- Conductivity sections that show the variation of conductivity with depth along the aircraft’s path over the ground.
AusAEM WA
In a world-first, the largest survey of airborne electromagnetic data has been collected across all Western Australia. Statewide AEM surveys in WA were undertaken in through the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) in collaboration with Geoscience Australia’ Exploring for the Future program. The AusAEM project was a series of surveying programs, with the goal of covering the entire continent at a line-spacing of ~20 km.
AusAEM WA datasets
Earaheedy: AusAEM20 Earaheedy
Eastern Goldfields: AusAEM20-WA EGF
East-Yilgarn – Albany Fraser: AusAEM20-WA EY-Fraser
Murchison: AusAEM20-WA Murchison
Northern Western Australia: AusAEM02 2019
South West – Albany: AusAEM20-WA SW-Albany
Western Resources Corridor: AusAEM Western Resources Corridor
Open file company surveys
Open file company data files and reports can be searched for using with GeoView.WA or MAGIX Online.
How to access the data
You can download all geophysical datasets online from MAGIX or place an order to receive larger grids and images on an external drive through the online order form (fees apply).
You can search for specific geophysical surveys via a map interface through GeoVIEW.WA
For national datasets, please go to National Geophysical Archive Data Delivery System (GADDS)
