Case study by SPH Engineering · Gamma-ray Spectrometry · Mineral Exploration
Drone radiometric survey sharpens uranium exploration
Altomaxx Technologies helped a client collect high-resolution radiometric data over a remote uranium deposit. A drone carried a Medusa MS350 gamma-ray spectrometer integrated with the SkyHub onboard computer. The data beat earlier helicopter surveys on resolution and revealed new anomalies.
The challenge
The deposit sits in hilly terrain with dense vegetation, boggy ground, wildlife and no mobile coverage. On-foot radiometric surveys there are slow and risky. Earlier helicopter surveys covered a wide area but did not have the resolution modern uranium exploration needs. The client wanted better data with less field risk, and it also needed:
- a steady low height over uneven, forested ground;
- safe operations with no communication infrastructure;
- training for a team with no drone experience;
- proof that drone gamma-ray data could guide drilling decisions.
The solution
Altomaxx built a custom drone around the Medusa MS350 and the SkyHub onboard computer.
- Survey lines, speeds and heights were set in UgCS and flown under SkyHub control.
- Flights ran at about 2 m/s, giving one radiometric data point roughly every 2 m.
- Radar altimeters, combined with digital elevation data, adjusted height in real time so the sensor stayed at a consistent distance from the ground.
- SkyHub synchronised sensor data with flight parameters.
- Altomaxx trained the client's team before mobilisation and on site, covering drone operations, payload workflows, SkyHub procedures and radiometric survey methods.
The results
- Resolution well above the previous helicopter data, with sharper outlines of anomalies.
- New radiometric anomalies found and confirmed by geological follow-up.
- Faster than ground surveys, with less exposure for field staff.
- The client can now run its own surveys and plans to extend the workflow to thousands of line-kilometres in coming seasons.
Where this applies in India
Drone gamma-ray surveys suit exploration and mapping work such as:
- atomic mineral and rare earth exploration programmes;
- mineral exploration blocks in forested or hilly terrain;
- geological mapping by survey agencies and research institutes;
- follow-up of regional airborne surveys at higher resolution.
Tell us the block size and terrain, and we will specify the kit and training.
The equipment, available from HobiTech
| Gamma-ray spectrometer | Medusa Radiometrics MS-350 |
| Onboard computer | SkyHub by SPH Engineering |
| Terrain following | Radar altimeters were used in this project. See True Terrain Following. |
| Flight planning | UgCS - Drone Flight Planning Software: see UgCS PRO, UgCS EXPERT and UgCS ENTERPRISE |
| Drone | A custom UAV platform built by Altomaxx was used. Ask us for current compatible drones. |
Case study by SPH Engineering, published December 2025. This page summarises it in our own words; the survey was carried out by Altomaxx Technologies for its client, not by HobiTech. Read the original case study on SPH Engineering ↗
Planning a radiometric survey?
Send us the area, terrain and line spacing you need. We will specify the spectrometer, drone, SkyHub and UgCS setup, quoted in rupees with a GST invoice.