AeroSmartMag vs AeroQuantumMag
Cesium vs Overhauser
Sensitivity 0.002 nT/√Hz
mag_icon1
Sensitivity 0.021 nT/√Hz
Heading error 1.5 nT
mag_icon2
Heading error 0.2 nT
Flight speed 15 m/s
Up to 200 line-km per day
mag_icon3
Flight speed 10 m/s
Up to 150 line-km per day
100 Hz sample rate
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5 Hz sample rate
1.2 kg – magnetometer
0.17 kg – battery
0.04 kg – 5m suspension
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1 kg – magnetometer
0.15 kg – battery
0.13 kg – 2m suspension
2 hours
(+20 °C, 1550mAh LiPo 4S)
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5.5 hours
(+20 °C, 1300mAh LiPo 4S)
AeroSmartMag vs AeroQuantumMag with CSMx

The Cesium AeroQuantumMag offers higher sensitivity, faster sampling rates, and allows UAV flights at speeds up to 15 m/s. However, it has drawbacks: dead zones, higher heading error, greater power consumption, additional weight, a warm-up requirement before operation, and a significantly higher cost, with an export permit required. The Overhauser AeroSmartMag, by contrast, has no dead zones, ultra-low heading error, stable and low power consumption, and is ready to operate instantly once a GNSS signal is acquired. It is one of the lightest professional magnetometers on the market, requires no export permit, and comes at a much more affordable price . Its limitations are moderate sensitivity (comparable to export-restricted optical pumped sensors), a maximum flight speed of 10 m/s, and a sample rate capped at 5 Hz.

GEODEVICE UAV Magnetometers vs Others
AeroSmartMag with DJIM350 -2
AeroSmartData vs others overhauser magnetometer
Regular Testing & Metrological Support

Our magnetometers undergo continuous testing and are backed by comprehensive metrological support, ensuring stable performance and reliable data.

Tests data UAV magnetometers
AeroSmartMag with DJIM350 -1

FAQ

To submit a repair request, please provide the device serial number, date of purchase, and a detailed description of the issue, including operating conditions when the failure occurred. Include contact details of the operator who identified the problem.

An Overhauser magnetometer AeroSmartMag will suit your project best - it is reasonably priced, delivers excellent performance, and does not require complex post-processing such as micro-levelling. You can obtain an anomalous magnetic field map simply by correcting for daily variations. A Cesium magnetometer AeroQuantumMag is also a good option, especially if you need data with finer spatial sampling. Please look at the overview information on our specially dedicated page: UAV or contact us and we will send you presentations where you will find even more information

The main differences are sample rates thus flying speed, heading error, dead zones and power consumption. See table for detailed explanation.

AeroQuantumMag

AeroSmartMag

Pros:
  • High sensitivity (export license required)
  • High sample rate
  • Higher flying speed - 15 m/s
  • No sensor orientation required, no dead zones
  • Very low heading error, can be disregarded
  • Lower power consumption - only two lightweight batteries are enough for a full day of operation
  • Low and temperature-independent power consumption
  • World’s lightest magnetometer - only 1.28 kg with battery and suspension system
  • Does not require export permit
  • Lower price - only 12,000 USD
Cons:
  • Has dead zones – the sensor has to be oriented
  • Higher heading error
  • Higher power consumption, and is even higher in colder weather due to required heating of the sensor (normal for all optical pumped magnetometers)
  • 200 grams heavier than AeroSmartMag
  • Higher price
  • Sensitivity is worse than that of AeroQuantumMag, but it is absolutely sufficient for most tasks and is on the same level as export versions of optical pumped magnetometers of other manufacturers
  • Flight speed < 10 m/s - this is the speed our competitors fly with their magnetometers
  • Sample rate up to 5 Hz = measurements every 2 m along the line, which should be enough, as lines spacing is 20-50m usually

Both magnetometers have advanced built-in GNSS receivers that allow centimeter accuracy in PPK of RAW GNSS data. This additionally requires either a separate GNSS base or our base magnetometer SmartMag or SmartQuantumMag.

Simply provide us with the drone’s mounting specifications. We can either deliver the correct mount directly or supply a ready-to-print 3D model for local production. Either way, you’ll be able to start your project smoothly and on schedule.

Advantages:

-Speed and efficiency — drones can cover survey areas much faster than ground methods.

-Access to challenging terrains — enables surveys in areas that are difficult or dangerous for ground crews (swamps, cliffs, etc.).

-Profile consistency — flight lines are easily kept straight and evenly spaced thanks to autopilot and terrain-following systems. On the ground, this is harder to achieve, especially in forested or mountainous areas.

-Cost reduction — fewer field staff and less time are required compared to ground surveys or manned aircraft.

Disadvantages:

-Increased sensor altitude — the sensor operates further above the ground than in terrestrial surveys, which naturally attenuates and smooths weak, localized anomalies.

-Limited flight time — batteries require frequent replacement or recharging.

-Sensitivity to weather — strong winds reduce flight stability and data quality.

-Regulatory restrictions — UAV flights are subject to strict national regulations in many countries.

For small areas and junior exploration projects, the setup is straightforward. All you need is:
- UAV magnetometer AeroSmartMag  https://geodevice.co/product/asm/ ,
- SmartMag base station https://geodevice.co/product/smartmag/  for diurnal correction,
- a rented drone with a pilot and a terrain-following/obstacle-avoidance system (not required if the area is flat and open),
- calm weather without wind.
With this setup, you can perform a drone-based magnetic survey, use our software to apply diurnal corrections, and produce an anomalous magnetic field map — exactly what is needed to evaluate the prospectivity of a site.
In addition, we offer the AeroSmartMag UAV magnetometer + MaxiMag walking magnetometer bundle https://geodevice.co/product/mm_asm/ , which enables both drone-based surveys and detailed ground measurements.

Not always. Terrain-following helps to keep the magnetometer at a constant height above the ground, which is especially important:
- in areas with rugged topography
- when searching for low-gradient anomalies, where even small altitude variations can “blur” the signal.
On flat terrain, or when targeting strong anomalies, terrain-following can be safely omitted.
In addition, terrain-following is not only about data quality and accuracy, but also about flight safety: accounting for elevation changes and detecting obstacles reduces the risk of collisions. We provide solutions for both terrain-following and obstacle avoidance https://geodevice.co/product/attf/ , ensuring reliable and safe surveys even in challenging environments.

To make sure the magnetometer stays intact while landing the drone please have a look at the video:
Please follow the steps described below while landing the drone:

  • Slow down when assending
  • Stop on the way down and allow personnel to catch the magnetometer first, before it hits the ground
  • Make sure the presonnel leaves the landing pad
  • Slowly decend and land on pad

Of course. Many examples in the form of maps and charts can be found in our presentations and on our website. Contact us, and we will provide you with presentations and raw data from our numerous field tests. This way you can get familiar with our convenient data format and, most importantly, with the quality of the results.

Need tools for mission planning and terrain-following?

How can you get a drone-based magnetometer for your project?

UAV & land magnetometers GET A QUOTE
UAV magnetometer manufacturer overview
UAV magnetometer manufacturer overview
GEODEVICE is a full-cycle developer and manufacturer of magnetometers and other geophysical instruments.
For over 15 years, we have been designing ground-based, marine, drone, and airborne systems for precise magnetic field measurements — including cesium and Overhauser magnetometers, as well as a range of gradiometer configurations.
Our philosophy: reliable, high-precision magnetometers that are easy to use and reasonably priced.
Over the years, we have consistently advanced our technologies, step by step, refining our designs and integrating feedback from the field.
Our current UAV magnetometers embody all the experience, knowledge, and innovations we have accumulated, representing the pinnacle of our expertise.Today, dozens of specialists in Kazakhstan, Canada, and France contribute to the development and continuous improvement of our equipment, which is used worldwide in exploration, engineering, environmental, archaeological, and UXO projects.
UAV magnetics
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) magnetometry is a fast, efficient, and cost-effective method for high-resolution magnetic surveys.Drone-based magnetometers are used in a wide range of
applications, including:
• Mineral exploration — for detecting magnetic anomalies associated with ore bodies and geological structures.
• Unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection — enabling safe and efficient mapping of hazardous areas.
• Environmental and archaeological investigations — to locate buried features, foundations, or waste without ground disturbance.
• Geological mapping — especially in areas difficult or dangerous to access on foot.
• Pipeline and infrastructure monitoring — to trace buried metallic objects or inspect long linear assets.
• Volcanic and geothermal research — supporting the study of subsurface processes and magnetic field variations.Deploying UAV magnetic systems significantly reduces field time, lowers
operational costs, and enables surveying across challenging terrains such as dense forests, wetlands, mountainous regions, or restricted-access zones.