IA-1 APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR HIGH RESOLUTION AIRBORNE SURVEYS IN POPULATED AREAS Introduction 1 The role of high resolution airborne surveys is extending well beyond the traditional areas of mineral and hydrocarbons exploration and regional mapping which were often focused on the relatively unpopulated and remote regions of the world. As an increasing proportion of the Earth’s surface is affected by human activity airborne survey techniques are being adapted and applied to development-related issues in more populated areas. The value of radiometric and electromagnetic data (in particular) has been recognised for addressing a range of environmental issues and more generally