"The applications of drones in geophysics have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Drones can be said to be an established platform for geophysical measurement methods."
Drones have quickly moved from experimental tools to essential platforms in geophysics. Johannes Stoll explains how advances in sensor miniaturization, AI navigation, and regulatory clarity are enabling wide-area surveys that deliver better data at lower costs. He highlights how collaboration across disciplines and countries is driving innovation, opening new opportunities for energy transition projects and subsurface modeling.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Drones are now established tools for geophysical surveys, especially in magnetics and electromagnetics.
> Sensor miniaturization and AI navigation are enabling wider, more precise, and cost-effective measurements.
> Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is critical to advancing drone-based geophysics.
LINKS
* UAVs and Drones in Geophysics (1-3 December 2025): Read the summit topics, technical program, explore the virtual showcase information, register to attend, and more at https://seg.org/calendar_events/uavs-and-drones-in-the-geophysics/.
GUEST BIO
Dr. Johannes Stoll is the founder and CEO of Mobile Geophysical Technologies (MGT). With a background in geophysics and electrochemistry, he has held multiple roles across the Oil & Gas industry as well as in leading research institutions. Bringing more than 30 years of experience as an active exploration geophysicist, Dr. Stoll combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision to drive innovation in mobile geophysical solutions.
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"The applications of drones in geophysics have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Drones can be said to be an established platform for geophysical measurement methods."
Drones have quickly moved from experimental tools to essential platforms in geophysics. Johannes Stoll explains how advances in sensor miniaturization, AI navigation, and regulatory clarity are enabling wide-area surveys that deliver better data at lower costs. He highlights how collaboration across disciplines and countries is driving innovation, opening new opportunities for energy transition projects and subsurface modeling.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Drones are now established tools for geophysical surveys, especially in magnetics and electromagnetics.
> Sensor miniaturization and AI navigation are enabling wider, more precise, and cost-effective measurements.
> Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is critical to advancing drone-based geophysics.
LINKS
* UAVs and Drones in Geophysics (1-3 December 2025): Read the summit topics, technical program, explore the virtual showcase information, register to attend, and more at https://seg.org/calendar_events/uavs-and-drones-in-the-geophysics/.
GUEST BIO
Dr. Johannes Stoll is the founder and CEO of Mobile Geophysical Technologies (MGT). With a background in geophysics and electrochemistry, he has held multiple roles across the Oil & Gas industry as well as in leading research institutions. Bringing more than 30 years of experience as an active exploration geophysicist, Dr. Stoll combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision to drive innovation in mobile geophysical solutions.
Fieldwork That Changes Lives: Inside the Matagorda Bay Field Trip
Seismic Soundoff
21 minutes 13 seconds
3 months ago
Fieldwork That Changes Lives: Inside the Matagorda Bay Field Trip
“Geoscientists without Borders shows how geophysics isn’t just for oil and gas; it’s for helping people and communities.”
In this episode, Shuhab Khan and David Bartel share how the SEG Foundation and Geoscientists without Borders are helping build resilient coastal communities through the Matagorda Bay Field Trip at IMAGE ‘25. Shuhab explains how students and professionals will get hands-on experience using cutting-edge tools to monitor coastal erosion and habitat stability while learning to apply geophysics for societal impact. David highlights how the SEG Foundation’s support makes these initiatives possible, encouraging listeners to support and join this important mission.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Learn how drone surveys, satellite data, and ground-penetrating radar are used to monitor erosion and protect vulnerable coastal areas.
> Understand why coastal resilience is a humanitarian need and how geophysics can directly support community safety and environmental stability.
> Discover how Geoscientists without Borders and the SEG Foundation enable field opportunities that connect science with real-world solutions for energy, water, and climate challenges.
CALL TO ACTION
Sign up for the Matagorda Bay Field Trip at IMAGE ‘25 at https://www.imageevent.org/short-courses/field-trip-2025/building-resilient-coastal-communities-at-matagorda-bay%E2%80%93a-geoscientists-without-borders to experience hands-on geophysics that helps coastal communities.
LINKS
* Register for IMAGE 2025 at https://www.imageevent.org/
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-264-fieldwork-that-changes-lives-inside-the-matagorda-bay-field-camp for the complete show notes.
Seismic Soundoff
"The applications of drones in geophysics have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Drones can be said to be an established platform for geophysical measurement methods."
Drones have quickly moved from experimental tools to essential platforms in geophysics. Johannes Stoll explains how advances in sensor miniaturization, AI navigation, and regulatory clarity are enabling wide-area surveys that deliver better data at lower costs. He highlights how collaboration across disciplines and countries is driving innovation, opening new opportunities for energy transition projects and subsurface modeling.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Drones are now established tools for geophysical surveys, especially in magnetics and electromagnetics.
> Sensor miniaturization and AI navigation are enabling wider, more precise, and cost-effective measurements.
> Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is critical to advancing drone-based geophysics.
LINKS
* UAVs and Drones in Geophysics (1-3 December 2025): Read the summit topics, technical program, explore the virtual showcase information, register to attend, and more at https://seg.org/calendar_events/uavs-and-drones-in-the-geophysics/.
GUEST BIO
Dr. Johannes Stoll is the founder and CEO of Mobile Geophysical Technologies (MGT). With a background in geophysics and electrochemistry, he has held multiple roles across the Oil & Gas industry as well as in leading research institutions. Bringing more than 30 years of experience as an active exploration geophysicist, Dr. Stoll combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision to drive innovation in mobile geophysical solutions.
