The choice comes down to scale, terrain, accessibility, and the level of detail required. Helicopter surveys are typically more efficient for large or remote areas, allowing for consistent coverage over broad extents. RPAS (drone) surveys are better suited for smaller properties or priority zones where tighter and more accurate line spacing allows for closer terrain following, which is required for delivering higher-resolution data.

Many clients use both strategically. They start with helicopter coverage to identify targets, then deploy RPAS to refine specific areas of interest.

For RPAS magnetometer surveys, maintaining a consistent sensor height above ground is critical, especially in areas with variable or complex terrain. RPM often recommends completing a LiDAR survey first to generate a high-resolution, accurate terrain model of the area.

This terrain data is then used to actively shape the RPAS flight plan, adjusting line elevations and profiles so the system can closely follow the ground surface throughout the survey. By planning flights around precise elevation data, RPM ensures more consistent clearance, cleaner data acquisition, and improved resolution, ultimately delivering magnetic datasets that are more reliable and easier to interpret.

Consistency is built into both RPM’s equipment and methodology. By using the same potassium-based sensor across both RPAS and helicopter platforms, RPM ensures that data collected with different methodology (RPAS and Helicopter) remains fully compatible and directly comparable.

Combined with standardized acquisition and processing workflows, this allows datasets from different phases to integrate seamlessly, whether expanding regional coverage or infilling priority areas.

This is particularly valuable for programs that evolve over time. RPM’s experience working in Newfoundland and across Atlantic Canada further supports this consistency, with a strong understanding of local terrain, weather patterns, and logistics, enabling more effective planning and reliable execution from one phase to the next.

Yes. RPM can design surveys to align with legacy data in terms of line direction, spacing, and survey parameters where needed. This helps ensure continuity and allows new data to enhance or refine existing interpretations rather than complicate them.

A VLF survey gives you a more actionable picture of the conductive features (non-magnetic material) that often coincide with mineralized systems or structures.

By highlighting conductive features like faults, shear zones, and sulphide-bearing units, VLF helps your team quickly identify the structural corridors most likely to host mineralization. This means less time guessing where to focus, and more confidence in where to invest follow-up work.

Just as importantly, VLF data enhances the value of your existing datasets. When integrated with magnetics, it helps key features “pop” more clearly. This brings subtle trends into focus and improves interpretation. The result is a more complete understanding of your property, allowing you to prioritize targets and move forward with greater certainty.

With RPM, VLF and Mag surveys are collected simultaneously, allowing our clients to gain these benefits for a minimal added cost to the overall project.