How to Build a DIY Drone Magnetometer System with the FG Sensors 3-Axis Magnetometer Kit
- fgsensors
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Drone-based magnetic surveying is rapidly becoming one of the most effective ways to detect buried metal objects, map subsurface anomalies, and perform geophysical exploration over large areas. With modern UAV platforms and advanced magnetometer technology, it is now possible to create a powerful DIY drone kit for professional-grade surveys.
In this guide, we explain how to build a DIY Drone Magnetometer Kit using the FG Sensors 3-Axis Magnetometer Kit, combined with PolarWave AutoPilot for automated scanning and PolarWave DATA for survey analysis and visualization.
Why Use a Magnetometer on a Drone?
A drone equipped with a magnetometer allows you to measure tiny disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by underground objects such as:
Buried metallic structures
Iron deposits and mineral zones
Archaeological remains
UXO (unexploded ordnance)
Magnetic anomalies in geophysical surveys
Unlike handheld detectors, UAV-based magnetometer surveys cover large terrain quickly and provide high-resolution mapping from above.
What is the FG Sensors 3-Axis Magnetometer Kit?
The FG Sensors 3-Axis Kit is a high-sensitivity fluxgate magnetometer solution designed for precise measurement of magnetic fields in three dimensions:
X-axis
Y-axis
Z-axis
Key Specifications
The kit provides:
Magnetic field range: ±100 μT
High bandwidth: up to 1 kHz
Very low power consumption: <15 mW
GPS compatibility for positioning
Data Logger
SD card support for data logging
USB/UART outputs for real-time integration
Optional gradiometer (dual sensor) configuration
What is in the package:
FGA DataLogger Unit
GPS Antenna
USB C Data / Power Cable
DB9 connector for UART and Power
SD Card (32GB)
1 or 2X Bartington100 MAG-649 | 3-Axis Magnetometer Sensor
1 or 2X RJ45 Ethernet Cable
This makes it an ideal foundation for building an aerial magnetic scanning platform.
Core Components for a DIY Drone Magnetometer Kit
To assemble your own UAV magnetometer survey system, you will need the following:
1. Drone Platform
Choose a UAV with sufficient payload capacity and stable autonomous flight capability, such as:
DJI Matrice series
Custom hexacopters
Industrial survey drones
2. FG Sensors 3-Axis Magnetometer Kit
This is the primary sensing instrument. It captures real-time magnetic field variations in three directions simultaneously.
3. Non-Metal Sensor Suspension or Boom Mount
To avoid interference from drone motors, wiring, and electronics, the magnetometer must be mounted:
Below the drone on a suspension line
On a carbon-fiber boom arm
Away from battery and ESC cables
Proper separation ensures accurate magnetic measurements.
We have mounted the system on plastic cable tray.
4. PolarWave AutoPilot (Survey Automation)
Once the sensor is installed, consistent flight patterns are essential for producing usable magnetic maps.
Polarwave AutoPilot enables:
Automated grid missions
Constant altitude scanning
Repeatable survey paths
Accurate waypoint navigation
Instead of manual piloting, AutoPilot ensures professional-grade survey coverage and consistent sampling.
5. Polarwave DATA (Data Processing & Mapping)
After the flight, magnetometer data must be transformed into meaningful underground anomaly maps.
Polarwave DATA provides:
Magnetic field visualization
Survey line processing
2D and 3D anomaly mapping
Data alignment with GPS coordinates
Export tools for geophysics workflows
You can use any data processing sofware for processing the output format is saved in .csv
Step-by-Step DIY Build Process
Step 1 — Assemble the FG Sensors Kit
Begin by connecting:
Magnetometer sensor module
Data acquisition interface
GPS antenna (if used)
SD logging or UART output
Confirm that the sensor is calibrated and functioning before flight.
To calibrate sensor use our documentation.
Step 2 — Mount the Sensor Correctly
Use a lightweight non-metal mount system:
Nylon suspension ropes
3D-printed brackets
Carbon fiber rods
Mount with tape on the drones legs
Maintain distance from magnetic noise sources such as motors and power lines.
Watch tutorial video
Step 3 — Configure PolarWave AutoPilot Mission
Using AutoPilot, create a survey plan:
Define the target area boundary
Set line spacing (typically 1–5 m)
Choose flight altitude (2–10 m depending on target depth)
Enable constant-speed scanning
Automated missions improve resolution and reduce human error.
Step 4 — Fly the Survey and Record Data
During flight, the FG Sensors kit measures:
Magnetic field intensity
Directional flux changes
Location and altitude (with GPS)
Data is stored for post-processing.
Step 5 — Process Results in Polarwave DATA
After landing:
Import the recorded magnetometer data
Sync GPS coordinates
Apply filtering and anomaly correction
Generate magnetic heatmaps
Identify underground targets or structures
Polarwave DATA makes it possible to interpret anomalies clearly for exploration or surveying applications.
Advanced Upgrade: Dual Sensor Gradiometer Mode
FG Sensors also supports a dual-sensor configuration, allowing you to build a magnetic gradiometer system for:
Higher sensitivity
Better noise suppression
Clearer anomaly detection
This is especially valuable for professional geophysical work.
Applications of DIY Drone Magnetometer Surveys
A drone kit using FG Sensors + Polarwave software can support:
Treasure and buried metal exploration
Archaeological magnetic mapping
UXO detection surveys
Mineral and geological research
Infrastructure and pipeline inspection
Environmental anomaly studies
Conclusion
Building a DIY drone magnetometer kit is now more achievable than ever with the FG Sensors 3-Axis Magnetometer Kit, combined with mission automation through PolarWave AutoPilot and professional data interpretation using PolarWave DATA.
With the right setup, UAV magnetic scanning becomes a powerful tool for detecting subsurface anomalies and performing high-resolution surveys efficiently across large areas.
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