ERTdesign - Multisource module
===============================

The **multisource module of ERTdesign** (*ERTdesign_ms*) is a survey design tool
for single and multi-transmitter deep resistivity/IP measurements, to be performed with
`Multisource devices (Multi-phase Technologies LLC) <https://www.mptech3d.com/copy-of-das1>`_.

Planning a survey with this tool requires a few simple steps.

1. Define the survey area by importing a polyline or a polygon from a Google Earth :sup:`TM` 
   **KMZ/KML** file or by using interface commands to specify a layout.

2. Specify the **total number** of boxes to be used and/or the **box electrode geometry**.

3. Set the **number of transmitting dipoles** to be combined in the two directions.

4. If needed, use the advanced options to configure any additional parameters, such as user-defined
   transmitter combinations or adding reciprocal measurements or other.

On the basis of the user defined configuration, the tool **automatically** derives the layout of the boxes 
and the sequence of multisource measurements to be acquired. 
Interactive plots and tables allow to easily monitor the main survey parameters:

* depth of investigation and maximum sensitivity for all combinations of (multi)TX/RX.

* Expected *Vmn signal* at the receivers by setting the user-defined background resistivity (ohm m) of the site 
  and the input current intensity (mA) at transmitters.

* Geometric factors for n-poles.

* Automatic alerts in case of low Vmn potentials or risk of overload at receivers.

The set of generated Multisource boxes can be exported to *KML* file, displayed 
on Google Earth :sup:`TM`, modified to take into account
for any restrictions on the arrangement of the sensors, imported back into
ERTdesign_ms to allow for re-evaluation. Generated placeholders, divided
by type (Multisource boxes, electrodes, survey area) can be transferred to 
data-loggers of the most common GPS devices and used for stakeout activities on site.
ERTdesign_ms is compatible with the `ViewLab3D and ERTLab64 softwares
<http://www.geostudiastier.it/home_en.asp?sezione=2>`_ for modeling,
inversion and visualization of 3D ERT multisource measurements: the project can be
exported to *DATA* file and used on advanced modeling tasks for complex topography and three-dimensional 
distributions of subsoil resistivity and chargeability.

The project is exportable to *configuration file* format (CNFG) to be loaded on the Multisource controller 
software to acquire field data.