36 From Data to Decision: Integrating Geophysics, Data Systems, and Modeling for Aquifer Characterization in Data-Sparse Regions

Advances in data acquisition, management, and analytics are transforming water-resources research in semi-arid, data-sparse regions. This session highlights the integration of geophysics, data systems, and modeling, including AEM, legacy data digitization, and cloud platforms. Contributions demonstrate how advances in data collection, management, analysis, and modeling  approaches improve the characterization of fresh and brackish groundwater to support management, recharge, and long-term planning.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alvarado F

EM EXPLORER: A WEB-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR INTERACTIVE VISUALIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF AIRBORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC DATASETS

Paper number: 36-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:20 AM – 9:40 AM

Authors

  • Sean Connell
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
  • Seogi Kang
    University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Laila Sturgis
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico
  • Stacy Timmons
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
  • Amy Jordan
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology , Socorro, New Mexico
  • Ahsan Jamil Presenting Author
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico

Abstract

Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys now form a central component of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources statewide aquifer mapping program, producing high-density, interval-based resistivity models that depict basin geometry, fault-controlled compartmentalization, and lithologic variability. The size and complexity of AEM datasets present practical challenges for visualization, quality control, and resistivity–lithology interpretation. To address these challenges, we developed “EM Explorer”, a native web-based application designed for interactive exploration and analysis of AEM inversion outputs within a unified, reproducible environment. The platform integrates spatial rendering of inversion intervals with lithologic data, including driller-log classifications and borehole geophysical logs. Attribute-based filtering, interval querying, and distributional analysis enable rapid inspection of resistivity variability along individual flight lines and across survey blocks. Analytical tools generate statistical summaries that provide quantitative context for evaluating inversion structure, identifying outliers, and assessing correlations with lithologic classes.

Unlike fragmented or proprietary workflows that separate visualization from analysis, EM Explorer consolidates data ingestion, spatial rendering, exploratory statistics, and export functionality into a single browser-based interface. Scale-aware map and profile outputs support technical reporting and facilitate communication with water managers and stakeholders.

Applications across southwestern and central New Mexico demonstrate how interactive visualization enhances preliminary interpretation, supports calibration to borehole datasets, and improves transparency in geophysical data quality assessment. Together with automated well-log standardization and probabilistic resistivity–lithology frameworks, EM Explorer contributes to an integrated, reproducible workflow for statewide aquifer characterization. This approach advances the systematic integration of airborne geophysics, geologic mapping, and borehole data in structurally complicated groundwater basins and strengthens the technical foundation for water resource evaluation across New Mexico.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410662

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