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GEM
recently announced the release of its Version 7.0 “Efficiency and GPS” release
for its portable magnetometers and gradiometers. This release has been
implemented for greater efficiency in handling input and output from GEM’s
magnetic instruments as well as for implementation of additional GPS
capabilities.
In
developing this release, GEM President, Dr. Hrvoic noted that, “A standard issue
in geophysical surveys is the expenditure of significant time on non-essential
data manipulation tasks. This release streamlines data manipulation in a variety
of ways. In addition, it enhances our GPS offering, providing, for example, GPS
elevation data which is a key parameter for professionals working with today’s
advanced magnetic modeling software.”
Version
7.0 is designed to provide enhancements (through software and accessories --
such as Multi-Sensor Boards) that streamline data acquisition and
post-processing tasks). Capabilities, benefits and capabilities delivered
through the “Efficiency” release, include:
Additional
enhancements include:
Migration Pathway and Complementary Diagnostic
Check-Up
Users of GEM Version 5.0 and 6.0 magnetometers and
gradiometers can take advantage of the new features through a migration process.
Migrations (i.e. v5.0 to v7.0 and v6.0 to v7.0) are costed to reflect the age of
components and associated labor requirements.
As part
of the migration, GEM offers a complementary pre-upgrade diagnostic check-up.
If any deficiencies in signal quality or components, etc. are noted, we will
inform you promptly to determine whether you would like to restore your system
to its original working state.
Standard Line Input Format
One of
the industry standard formats for geophysical data (Encom-, Geosoft-, and
Intrepid-compatible) is the line-oriented format. Here, individual lines of data
are marked by a simple line number (for example, Line 34) and blocks of data
follow until the next line number is encountered, and the process repeats. If
line numbers are not provided, the field operator or geophysicist may be
required to spend significant time editing the data to input line numbers. GEM
has now implemented Standard Line Input Format in its Version 7.0 series
instruments to eliminate non-productive data manipulation tasks.
GPS Triggered Readings
With the
increasing availability of proven field-based magnetometer and gradiometer
systems equipped with GPS, there is also a key benefit for users – the ability
to perform surveys without necessarily laying in a full grid (a time-consuming
process that increases survey costs significantly). The key to taking advantage
of this benefit is to enable magnetic instrumentation to record data using GPS
timing (i.e. automatically).
GEM has
implemented this capability; meaning that customers can now perform a)
line-oriented surveys without line cutting or b) “random-walk” surveys (i.e.
that traverse an irregular pattern or acquire data “around” obstacles).
For
line-oriented surveys, the operator or geophysicist first performs the survey.
When data are downloaded, the user selects the specified station spacing and the
system automatically outputs data with the correct GPS positioning. For
irregular surveys, the data is output according to the position recorded at the
time that each satellite pulse is received (typically, once a second).
Picket Marking
One of
the main roles of magnetic surveys is to provide data and positioning
information that can be used to return to a specific location for follow-up,
such as further surveying using alternate methods or selecting drill targets.
GEM now provides a special Picket Marking function that enables the operator to
mark a picket position in the field for future reference. This versatile
capability also enables the user to mark the location of hazards, cultural
objects (such as fences), or rivers, streams, etc.
Lane Guidance
Lane
guidance is a feature that enables users of GPS-configured systems to proceed in
a survey with on-screen notification when the operator has exceeded the survey
tolerance (i.e. deviation from line). Version 7.0 provides a larger arrow for
guidance purposes which enables the operator to more tightly control survey
“wander”.
Programmable Output
Often an
instrument manufacturer’s format is fixed – a scenario that creates difficulties
in post-processing data as records may require manipulation to convert them to a
format suitable for today’s advanced software packages. In Version 7.0, GEM has
implemented Programmable Output to further enhance data efficiency.
Customers have a choice of a default output format or selecting up to 10 data
fields. Each field can, in turn, be allocated to a set of 10 pre-defined
variables, including X, Y, Elev, Time / GPS Time Total Field1, Corrected Total
Field, Grad, SQ (Signal Quality), Number of Satellites, Marker1 and Marker2.
More details on the purpose of Marker fields is provided in the Picket Marking
summary below.
GPS Elevation for Enhanced Magnetic Data Modeling
As
technologies advance, many end users of magnetic data are seeking to employ
modeling routines for enhanced interpretation, integration of results, and risk
reduction. GEM has recognized this need through discussion with key customers
and has integrated GPS elevation data as a standard input / output item in
Version 7.0. This provides key data required by modeling routines and helps to
ensure that magnetic modeling results reflect “true” geology and are not
distorted through lack of elevation data.
USB-RS232 Adapter for Flexible Data Output
Today’s
personal computers are frequently equipped with Universal Serial Bus ports. USB
is a standard port for connecting external devices (such as magnetometers, etc.)
to Windows and Macintosh computers. To enable customers to take advantage of the
USB ports now provided on many PCs, including laptops, GEM has implemented a
standard USB cable for use with its sytems. This cable can be purchased as an
accessory for a nominal charge.
Enhanced Resolution for GPS Surveys
GPS-based surveying is only as precise as the resolution to which the system can
resolve distances. Previously, GEM’s Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
precision was 1m; now it has been enhanced to 0.01m. This eliminates a previous
scenario in which it was possible to have two or more readings occur at the
“same” location. Customers can now resolve positioning data to their full two
decimal precision (ex. 1.20 and 1.25). This very high resolution eliminates one
source of error (i.e. GPS positioning) and ensures that data locations can be
fully resolved for subsequent follow-up (i.e. drilling, excavation, etc.) as
required.
GEM-VIS QC / Visualization Software Bundle
GEM has
added a software bundle provided through reknowned geophysical software
developer, Encom Technology of
Australia.
This software package is a complement to GEM’s GEMLinkW download software –
taking over from GEMLinkW following PC based storage of data.
Users
can quickly and easily import data into GEM-VIS and view data in 1D, 2D or 3D as
required. Line annotation, posting and other functions are also provided. Valued
at US$ 500, this software is provided on a user-support basis (i.e. GEM provides
a manual but the software is straight-forward enough that it can be easily
learned and then put to good use in the field or office).
A novel
feature is that the software can be upgraded in future to Encom’s Profile
Analyst and the initial purchase price can be applied to this purchase. Note
that GEM also continues to support products from other vendors such as Geosoft
(Geophysics Core), Golden Software (Surfer 8) and Pico Envirotech (EMIGMA) so
that GEM users have a complete set of software for performing all tasks from
data acquisition to interpretation.
<1.5 m Internal GPS Capability
GEM is
the only major manufacturer to focus on integrating GPS electronics inside its
magnetometers and gradiometers – a significant advantage for users in terms of
cost, “clean” readings (i.e. minimal noise in contrast to some externally
mounted GPS systems), and complexity.
With Version 7.0, GEM now supports an internal board with specifications to
<1.5m resolution via WAAS and EGNOS. Customers who are operating outside of
these systems can also acquire high resolution GPS using OmniStar or Thales
subscription services.
Other Enhancements
GEM’s
Research and Development team is continuously developing new capabilities that
will enhance data quality and survey effectiveness. Some of these include:
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Improved Signal Processing for
Magnetic Field Readings
This capability is based on a) de-spiking (for example, when a user brushes
against a tree branch, the magnetometer will automatically handle this type of
artificial noise), and on b) optimized measurement period. Here, GEM engineers
have extended the measurement period to maximize signal without adding noise.
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Multi-Sensor Capability
Both the Overhauser and K-Mag (optically pumped Potassium) series of
magnetometers are capable of handling up to four channels of magnetometer
readings. This is effective for productivity (i.e. configuration of horizontal
sensor installations) as well as for gradient-type readings between sensors
arrayed in customer-defined configurations.
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All Terrain Vehicle Mode
This special mode was designed for combined magnetic and electromagnetic
readings. In one example, magnetics and VLF sensors were configured in ATV
mode and mounted on a fixed platform for towing behind an All Terrain Vehicle.
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Non-Magnetic Towed Cart
GEM
now offers a non-magnetic towed cart for high productivity or multi-sensor
surveys. The cart is made of plastic and facilitates the mounting of sensors
and console as required.
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Ergonomic Backpack
For geophysical operators
facing the daily challenge of performing high efficiency surveys in sometimes
formidable field conditions, it is essential that systems are designed around
ergonomic principles. GEM has already incorporated this philosophy in systems
such as the industry-leading GSM-19 Overhauser instrument – an extremely light,
low-power consuming and robust instrument.
Now, a new ergonomic backpack from a major supplier
of outdoor equipment has been added to GEM’s line of accessories. The main
benefit is that operators can function more efficiently and acquire more data in
a typical day than with heavier alternatives from other suppliers. This
capability is especially valuable in extreme temperature conditions; in terrain
that is difficult to traverse; or high productivity surveys.
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Integration of GPS in EUROMAG
Series Magnetometers
The EUROMAG (GSM-90 and 90F) instrument is specially designed for long-term
monitoring in observatory and other stationary type applications. GPS time can
now be aquired direct to the magnetometer via an integrated GPS time-only
board.
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Support of Multiple GPS Systems
GEM remains a leader in
implementation of GPS systems for its high performance line of Overhauser, K-Mag
(Potassium) and Proton Precession magnetometers. This position has been enhanced
through additional support of more GPS systems from major suppliers. For more
information, contact GEM or one of its agents / representatives.
GEM
Advanced Magnetometers delivers the only commercially-available magnetometers
and gradiometers with embedded GPS for high-sensitivity, accurately-positioned
ground surveys. The company’s products include high-sensitivity Overhauser,
very-high sensitivity optically pumped Potassium (K-Mag); and latest-technology
GSM-19T proton precession instruments. GEM is the global standard in mineral
exploration, near surface and observatory systems, and also delivers leading
airborne magnetometers. With a 23-year history of innovation in Research and
Development (R&D), the company is also known for professional sales and service.
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GEM Advanced Magnetometers.
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