ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on airborne gravimetry, it will be assumed that magnetics will be collected whenever airborne gravity measurements are made since aeromagnetics data can be routinely collected with relatively little additional effort. It present the methods of airborne gravity measurement currently employed, the measurements and equipment required in this method, and several case studies taken from experience with the Naval Research Laboratory P-3 system. The chapter discusses possible future directions and developments in the field of airborne gravimetry. A gravimeter consists of a highly specialized, extremely accurate, low-drift accelerometer mounted on a stable table which is oriented vertically, generally a time-averaged local apparent (plumb bob) vertical. Global Positioning System may be used in several modes to provide positioning and velocity data. The horizontal positioning requirement is easily met by P or undegraded CA-code pseudo-range mode GPS, provided that at least four satellites with good geometry are observed.
