Use of Radiometric Survey Data for Environmental Study: The Case of Northern Sumatera

The convertion of old radiometric data obtained from former uranium exploration activities in northem sumatra into radiation exposure has been evaluated. The objective of the study is to find an alternative way for cheaper and faster compilation of radiation exposure database for environmental study purposes. The old radiometric data measure from the outcrops has been plotted 1;250.000, 1;100.000, and 1;50.000 map scales. The data are translated into 1;1000.000 map scale before they are converted into 1;1000.000 radiation exposure rate map using a graphic method. The radiation exposure rate in northem sumatera falls between 25 R/hour to 40 R/hour. The benefit offered using this method is that it provides a cheaper and faster production of radiation exposure rate map from old radiometric map. However, the problems arising from such a production is that the radiometric data provide unhomogeneous data distributions and densities among the area. As a conclusion it is recommended to recollect some of the data at designated area using well calibrated SPP2NF and gamma ray spectrometer instruments