An Aerial Radiometric Data Modeling Program

A computer program has been written to simulate collecting of radiometric survey data using large volume NaI(Tl) spectrometer systems. The model accounts for: radioelement concentrations; counting statistics; detector angular sensitivity; air, source and detector scattering; as well as interference resulting from cosmic, aircraft and atmospheric Bi-214 backgrounds. This model has confirmed earlier calculations, suggesting that the area being sampled along the flight path is only about half as wide as that commonly believed. The program has been used to model signal profiles along two flight lines on the Department of Energy´s test range at Lake Mead, AZ. The model has also been used to test digital data filters, a task usually complicated by the lack of complete knowledge of ground concentrations when actual survey data are used.