This paper briefly reviews the history and the overall work deployment of the U.S. National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program, with emphasis placed on the key techniques of airborne exploration. The airborne exploration included airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) and aeromagnetic survey, which collected radiometric and magnetic data over the conterminous United States and Alaska. The airborne program systematically covered each 1° by 2° national topographic map series (NTMS) quadrangles, which were used to locate potential radioactive mineral deposits. The program played an important role in uranium resource and environmental radiation level evaluation, which has far-reaching definition and meaning. The experience and practices of the program should be used for reference. According to the current status of China's survey, top-level design for AGRS should be strengthened. This paper also proposes a national program of AGRS surveys for achieving coverage of terrestrial radioactivity and building a measurement and monitoring system with Chinese characteristics.
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