Total magnetic intensity (TMI) data measures variations in the intensity of the Earth's magnetic field caused by the contrasting content of rock-forming minerals in the Earth crust. Magnetic anomalies can be either positive (field stronger than normal) or negative (field weaker) depending on the susceptibility of the rock. The data are processed via standard methods to ensure the response recorded is that due only to the rocks in the ground. The results produce datasets that can be interpreted to reveal the geological structure of the sub-surface. The processed data is checked for quality by GA geophysicists to ensure that the final data released by GA are fit-for-purpose.
This magnetic grid has a cell size of 0.0004 degrees (approximately 42m).The data are in nanoTesla (or nT). The data used to produce this grid was acquired in 2017 by the SA Government, and consisted of 90697 line-kilometres of data at 200m line spacing and 60m terrain clearance. To constrain long wavelengths in the grid, an independent data set, the Australia-wide Airborne Geophysical Survey (AWAGS) airborne magnetic data, was used to control the base levels of the survey grid. This survey grid is essentially levelled to AWAGS.The data has had a variable reduction to the pole applied to centre the magnetic anomaly over the magnetised body. The VRTP processing followed a differential reduction to pole calculation up to 5th order polynomial. Magnetic inclination and declination were derived from the IGRF-11 geomagnetic reference model using a data representative date and elevation representative of the survey.
