USGS AEM Survey Inventory and Web Interface: Improving Data Visibility and Accessibility

Abstract:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been engaged in airborne electromagnetics (AEM) since the 1970s, playing a role in the development of early acquisition systems, developing calibration methods, refining standards for data acquisition, improving data processing, modeling, and interpretation methods, and expanding the range of AEM applications. However, USGS AEM survey visibility and data accessibility has not advanced as rapidly as our use of the technique. A recent data release catalogs AEM surveys in the United States that have contributed to studies under USGS programs including Water, Geologic Mapping, Minerals, Energy, Environmental Health, Ecosystems, Hazards, and Climate. This newly released dataset contains locations for known and inventoried surveys, shows the footprints of the survey area, and summarizes basic survey specifications and publication status. It deviates from the national airborne geophysical survey inventory (https://mrdata.usgs.gov/airborne/ ): the AEM-specific data release catalogs completed and contracted AEM surveys including those that have not been published to date. This release also includes an indicator of activity status with the intent of improving utility and leading to regular updates; inactive (studies utilizing these data are complete), active (data are currently being used as part of on-going USGS research), and planned (acquisition is currently in progress at publication date). The AEM inventory is the foundation for an interactive, searchable web map application under development that will include the ability to download digital data. This presentation will highlight the AEM inventory format and preliminary web tools, with an emphasis on seeking input on its utility to the greater airborne geophysical community.