MAG3D is a program for carrying out forward modelling and smooth inversion of surface, airborne, and/or borehole magnetic data in three dimensions.

MAG3D uses a semi-regular 3D mesh where each volume element (voxel) is allocated a magnetic susceptibility and the distribution of magnetic properties created by the inversion assists with the understanding of the subsurface geology.

MAG3D supports four levels of geological constraints that can be applied prior to commencement of inversion:

• No constraints - results in a smooth distribution of magnetic susceptibility;
• Range limited - easy to implement with improved geological outcomes;
• Starting model - minimum departure constraint for known geology; and
• Advanced weighting - the user defines advanced geological constraints.

The first method is the most commonly used method of inversion, but the results are limited in value when available geological data is ignored. By simply including an unconformity surface, you can focus the inversion along the unconformity. Encom ModelVision has an optional module that allows you to create both the range limited and starting model constraint styles which in turn deliver improved geological outcomes.

MAG3D contains tools for execution of the inversion, visualisation of the models and data and simple tools for construction of the models. Profile Analyst and ModelVision are available from Encom for integration of other models and data along with construction of the geological constraints.