Strapdown Airborne Gravimetry Based on Aircrafts and UAVs: Postprocessing Algorithms and New Results

Abstract The paper describes a new methodology for postprocessing raw data from strapdown airborne gravimeter based on navigation-grade inertial measuring unit and global navigation satellite system receivers (one is board the aircraft others are placed ground). key aspects of methodology’s algorithms outlined. We also present numerical results (gravity estimates) two gravimetry surveys. surveys were carried out using state-of-the-art gravimeters fixed-wing (An-3T) helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In first survey, flights flown in draped mode with extreme vertical accelerations reaching 2.5 g, which appears to be case gravimetry. second UAV was flying at constant altitude. gravity estimation accuracy (RMS) varies sub-mGal up 2-mGal level depending campaign, larger values corresponding flight survey.