Recommendations for Low-Noise Data Acquisition with UAV-Mounted Multi-Channel Magnetometer Systems

We present the results of tests conducted with a state-of-the-art drone-based multi-channel magnetometer system (SENSYS MagDrone R4) developed for efficient high-resolution near-surface surveys. The primary aim is to advance the application of this technology in proximal sensing and to identify acquisition strategies capable of achieving data quality comparable to that of established ground-based magnetometer surveys. The system is evaluated under varying operational conditions, with particular emphasis on the influence of flight altitude, heading, velocity, and UAV platform characteristics on magnetic data quality. Signal properties are analyzed using power spectral methods to identify and quantify platform- and survey-related sources of interference. The results reveal the noise sources and amplifiers affecting UAV-based magnetic measurements and demonstrate how survey design can substantially increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Based on these findings, practical recommendations for data acquisition and processing are proposed, contributing to the development of best-practice guidelines for high-resolution archeological, explosive ordnance (EO), and other near-surface magnetic survey applications.