A holistic approach to inversion of frequency-domain airborne EM data

We have developed a holistic method for simultaneously calibrating, processing, and inverting frequency-domain airborne electromagnetic data. A spline-based, 3D, layered conductivity model covering the complete survey area was recovered through inversion of the entire raw airborne data set and available independent conductivity and interface-depth data. The holistic inversion formulation includes a mathematical model to account for systematic calibration errors such as incorrect gain and zero-level drift. By taking these elements into account in the inversion, the need to preprocess the airborne data prior to inversion is eliminated. Conventional processing schemes involve the sequential application of a number of calibration corrections, with data from each frequency treated separately. This is followed by inversion of each multifrequency sample in isolation from other samples. By simultaneously considering all of the available information in a holistic inversion, we are able to exploit interfrequency and spatial-coherency characteristics of the data. The formulation ensures that the conductivity and calibration models are optimal with respect to the airborne data and prior information. Introduction of interfrequency inconsistency and multistage error propagation stemming from the sequential nature of conventional processing schemes is also avoided. We confirm that accurate conductivity and calibration parameter values are recovered from holistic inversion of synthetic data sets. We demonstrate that the results from holistic inversion of raw survey data are superior to the output of conventional 1D inversion of final processed data. In addition to the technical benefits, we expect that holistic inversion will reduce costs by avoiding the expensive calibration-processing-recalibration paradigm. Furthermore, savings may also be made because specific high-altitude zero-level observations, needed for conventional processing, may not be required.