Geophysical surveys represent a significant investment, yet survey design decisions are often based on historical practices or assumptions about target detectability. Even with the correct geophysical method, factors such as line spacing, sample interval, survey orientation, and sensor height can have a major impact on whether you can detect a target. Poor survey design can result in missed opportunities, costly resurveying, or datasets that fail to provide the geological insight required.Â
Session five in our Oasis montaj Mastery Series will help you design with confidence by mastering advanced survey planning. Our Oasis montaj Master will teach you how to use the software to test exploration hypotheses, evaluate target detectability through forward modelling, and optimise survey parameters before acquisition.Â
Learn how to use Oasis montaj to:Â
- Define the geological question and survey objectives: Understand how survey goals drive every aspect of survey design to ensure your survey is fit for purpose and maximise the chance of a successful outcome.Â
- Select the right geophysical method for the target: Learn how physical property contrasts influence method selection and survey effectiveness, helping you detect targets while avoiding unnecessary costs and effort.Â
- Test target detectability using forward modelling: Explore how the software can assess whether a target is likely to produce a measurable geophysical response, reducing risk by validating survey assumptions before data acquisition begins.Â
- Optimise survey parameters: Review key design considerations such as line spacing, sample spacing, survey orientation, and sensor height to improve data quality, prevent target under-sampling, and balance technical requirements against project costs.Â
Run globally throughout 2026, our Oasis montaj Mastery Series takes you beyond routine workflows, teaching you the advanced skills to precisely process, filter, and analyse your data, to improve your interpretations.
Each session focuses on the reasoning, decisions, and workflow knowledge that helps you use Oasis montaj more confidently and effectively, whatever type of data you work with.
Join our dedicated community group created exclusively for this series, where you can dive into session discussions, tackle post-session challenges, take part in interactive polls, and stay connected with fellow participants throughout the journey.
Thusitha Nimalsiri is a senior geophysicist based in Perth, Western Australia. He has over a decade of experience in geophysics, geological interpretation, and subsurface investigations across the minerals, geothermal, geotechnical, and groundwater sectors.
Throughout his career, Thusitha has worked on the acquisition, processing, modelling, and interpretation of a wide range of geophysical datasets, including magnetics, gravity, IP, resistivity, seismic, magnetotelluric, and electromagnetic methods. Thusitha holds a PhD in Earth Science from Macquarie University and has contributed to research and industry projects in Australia and internationally.
