Scalar and Vector Strapdown Airborne Gravimetry on Aircraft and UAV: Methodology of Surveying and Data Processing

The paper presents methodologies of airborne gravimetry surveying and data postprocessing when a strapdown airborne gravimeter is used. Both methodologies were developed based on our experience in processing raw data from state-of-the-art strapdown gravimeters flown in several aerogravimetry campaigns carried out in 2020-2022 using various carriers (including unmanned aerial vehicles). We also present the numerical results from some of the campaigns and provide the achieved accuracy and spatial resolution of airborne gravity data, from which it can be concluded that the data can be used in geophysical applications. For a survey based on an unmanned aerial vehicle, we show the possibility of reaching 1-km spatial resolution of gravity data. For one of the aircraft-based surveys, we also show the possibility of vector gravimetry with an accuracy of 2-3 mGal for the estimated gravity horizontal components.