UAV Applications in Geophysical Exploration: A Review

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) extend geophysical measurements into terrain where ground access is difficult and crewed surveys are costly or operationally constrained. Their practical value, however, differs substantially among sensing methods and platform configurations. This narrative review compares UAV magnetometry, gravimetry, radiometric surveying, electromagnetic surveying, ground-penetrating radar (UAV-GPR), seismic surveying, and geological remote sensing. UAV magnetometry and geological surface mapping have the strongest evidence of established practice for defined tasks. Radiometric surveying, UAV-GPR, and several electromagnetic configurations have demonstrated field capability, but their performance depends on counting statistics, coupling, source geometry, and site conditions. UAV gravimetry has actual flight demonstrations, although large-aircraft results do not establish equivalent capability on compact platforms; UAV-assisted seismic systems remain application-specific. Across methods, useful performance depends on the complete measurement chain, particularly sensor clearance, motion and interference correction, timing, calibration, and independent validation. We identify requirements for multi-sensor interpretation and distinguish the roles and limitations of artificial intelligence in acquisition, processing, inversion, and quality control. Progress toward wider adoption should be assessed through reproducible survey performance and uncertainty, rather than payload integration alone.