Yes. When combined with accurate positioning data, measurements collected during a survey can be processed into georeferenced radiometric maps showing variations in gamma-ray response and radionuclide concentrations.

Yes. The system includes pressure, temperature and humidity (PTH) sensing, alongside the spectrometer and GPS. This information can be useful for monitoring survey conditions and supporting data processing.

The MS-350 has 16 GB of internal storage, with capacity for approximately 500 hours of data according to the manufacturer’s technical specification.

Data can be stored and streamed in formats including: JSON NMEA CSV Streaming is supported via RS-232, Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Yes. The MS-350 supports data streaming via Wi-Fi, Ethernet and RS-232. When integrated into a UAV system such as the JBUAS configuration, data can be managed through the associated onboard computing and survey workflow.

mDOS (Medusa Detector Operating System) is the embedded operating system used by Medusa gamma-ray spectrometers. It provides the interface for configuring the detector, monitoring measurements, performing real-time analysis and managing survey workflows.

The MS-350 performs onboard processing and real-time radionuclide analysis through mDOS. It also supports survey planning and sample measurements.

The system uses mDOS for onboard processing and GammAn for post-processing. GammAn provides tools including Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) and Window Analysis (WA).

Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) is a method of analysing the complete gamma-ray spectrum rather than relying solely on selected energy windows. Medusa’s processing approach allows gamma-ray spectra to be analysed to determine radionuclide concentrations and their associated uncertainties.

Typical applications include: Mineral and geological mapping Soil mapping Environmental surveys Radiometric mapping Radon-related investigations Contamination mapping Agricultural surveys Quarry and landfill investigations Locating radioactive sources Archaeological and geophysical investigations The MS-350 is specifically classified by Medusa as a geophysical and agricultural surveying system suitable for handheld and drone-borne applications.

The MS-350 can be integrated into UAV survey systems and used alongside flight-planning and positioning technology. JBUAS uses the MS-350 with SkyHub TTF for drone-based radiometric surveys.

SkyHub TTF combines an onboard computing platform with True Terrain Following (TTF) technology. This enables the UAV to maintain a controlled height above uneven terrain while the MS-350 collects radiometric measurements. Maintaining a consistent sensor-to-ground distance is particularly important for radiometric surveys because measurement response is affected by the distance between the detector and the radiation source.

Gamma radiation detected by the sensor decreases with increasing distance from the source. Maintaining a consistent altitude therefore helps produce more consistent measurements across the survey area. True Terrain Following can help maintain the required sensor height over undulating terrain, improving the consistency of UAV radiometric data collection.

Yes. When integrated with an appropriate UAV and terrain-following system, the MS-350 can be used over undulating greenfield and brownfield sites, including construction sites, quarries and landfill areas.

Yes. JBUAS identifies quarries among the environments where its drone-based MS-350 system can be deployed. Radiometric mapping can provide information about variations in geological materials and potentially support wider site investigations.

Yes. JBUAS identifies landfill sites as a potential application for the MS-350 UAV system. Radiometric surveying can help identify spatial variations in radiation across a site.

Yes. The MS-350 is suitable for environmental radiometric surveys, including mapping variations in naturally occurring radionuclides and investigating areas where radioactive contamination may be present.

Yes. The MS-350 incorporates an integrated u-blox ZED-F9P GNSS receiver. The technical specification gives approximately 1.5 m CEP positioning accuracy, with RTK available for positioning accuracy below 1 cm.

The MS-350 is a gamma-ray spectrometer that measures naturally occurring and anthropogenic gamma radiation. It can be used as a handheld detector or mounted beneath a UAV to collect radiometric data over larger areas.

Yes. The MS-350 is specifically designed to be lightweight enough for drone-borne surveying. At approximately 2.7 kg, it is suitable for integration with smaller professional UAV platforms. JBUAS has demonstrated the MS-350 on DJI M300 and M350 RTK UAV platforms.

The standard MS-350 uses a 3 × 3-inch, 350 ml caesium iodide (CsI) scintillation crystal. The crystal converts gamma radiation into light, which is then analysed electronically to determine the energy spectrum.

The MS-350 provides online analysis of: Potassium-40 (⁴⁰K) Uranium-238 (²³⁸U) Thorium-232 (²³²Th) Caesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) These measurements can be used to characterise natural background radiation and identify changes in radiometric composition.

Yes. The MS-350 can be used to identify variations in gamma radiation and radioactive materials. It can support contamination mapping and source-location surveys, although the appropriate detector configuration and survey methodology will depend on the radionuclide and detection objective.

Yes. Mineral and soil mapping are key applications for the MS-350. Gamma-ray spectrometry can help identify variations in potassium, uranium and thorium associated with different geological materials.

Yes. Radiometric data can complement other geophysical survey methods by identifying variations in the natural gamma-ray signature of rocks and soils. When mounted on a UAV, the MS-350 can collect spatially referenced measurements over areas that may be difficult or time-consuming to survey on foot.

Yes. JBUAS identifies radon gas mapping as an application for its drone-mounted MS-350 system. Radiometric surveying can provide additional information about geological conditions associated with naturally occurring radioactive materials. However, gamma-ray mapping should not be treated as a direct measurement of indoor radon concentrations.

The typical mapping speed is up to 15 km/h, with a recording frequency of up to 5 Hz. The optimum survey speed will depend on the required data quality, flight altitude, detector sensitivity and project objectives.

Generally, a larger scintillation crystal detects more gamma-ray events over the same period, improving counting statistics and allowing faster surveys. The MS-350’s 350 ml crystal provides a balance between sensitivity, payload weight and portability. Larger Medusa systems, such as the MS-700 and MS-1000, provide greater detector volume but also have higher payload weights.

The current MS-350 weighs approximately 2.7 kg. Its cylindrical housing measures approximately 100 mm in diameter × 215 mm long.

The MS-350 is specified for operation from -20°C to +65°C, making it suitable for a wide range of field environments.

The MS-350 has an IP65 rating, providing protection against dust and water jets. The operating limitations of the UAV itself should also be considered when carrying out drone-based surveys.

Yes. RTK positioning is available, providing substantially higher positioning accuracy than standard GNSS when an appropriate RTK setup is used. The manufacturer’s current specification gives RTK accuracy of less than 1 cm.

Yes. Soil and agricultural mapping are among the uses of the MS-350. Radiometric measurements can provide information about variations in naturally occurring radionuclides within the soil and underlying geology.

Yes. JBUAS can advise on the Medusa MS-350, UAV compatibility, SkyHub TTF integration, flight planning and the most appropriate radiometric solution for your project. Need a lightweight drone gamma-ray mapping system?
Contact JBUAS to discuss the Medusa MS-350 and how UAV-based radiometric surveying can support mineral exploration, soil mapping, environmental monitoring, radon investigations and other geophysical applications.

Yes. JBUAS can integrate the Medusa MS-350 with a compatible UAV, SkyHub and True Terrain Following system, providing a complete solution for drone-based gamma-ray and radiometric surveying.

Yes. The MS-350 combines a robust scintillation detector with integrated GNSS, environmental sensors, onboard processing, data storage and dedicated gamma-ray analysis software. It is designed specifically for professional geophysical and agricultural surveying.

The manufacturer’s specification gives up to 8 hours of battery operation under the appropriate configuration. For UAV surveys, practical flight duration will normally be determined by the drone’s battery capacity and payload configuration.

The detector requires a suitable power supply and accepts 5–35 V input. Its average power consumption is approximately 3 W, with a maximum of approximately 6 W. The exact power arrangement will depend on the UAV integration.

Yes. One of its key advantages is its 2.7 kg payload weight, which makes it suitable for smaller professional UAV platforms compared with larger gamma-ray detector systems.

The MS-1000 is designed specifically for drone-borne surveys and uses a 1,000 ml CsI crystal, weighing approximately 6.7 kg. The MS-350 weighs 2.7 kg and is suitable for both handheld and drone-borne applications. The choice depends on the UAV payload capacity, required survey speed, detector sensitivity and survey objectives.

Both can be used for handheld and drone-borne surveys, but the MS-700 has a larger 700 ml scintillation crystal and weighs approximately 4.7 kg, compared with the MS-350’s 350 ml crystal and 2.7 kg weight. The MS-700 therefore provides greater detector volume and sensitivity, while the MS-350 offers a lighter payload for smaller UAVs.

It can be. Gamma-ray spectrometry can provide information about variations in soil and geology that may complement other archaeological geophysical techniques. For archaeological investigations, the MS-350 would normally be considered alongside methods such as magnetometry, GPR and LiDAR, depending on the site and survey objectives.