Application of High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Mapping for Subsurface Investigation to Enhance Infrastructure Planning for Sustainable Smart City Development within Kwara State University, Malete

The successful development of sustainable smart cities requires a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions to guide infrastructural planning and minimize construction risks. This study applies high-resolution aeromagnetic mapping for rapid subsurface investigation within Kwara State University, Malete, to enhance data-driven decision-making for smart city development. Aeromagnetic datasets were processed through Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), Reduction-to-Equator (RTE), Regional-Residual separation, First and Second Vertical Derivatives, Total Horizontal Derivative, Tilt Derivative, Analytical Signal, Upward Continuation, and Euler Deconvolution techniques to reveal the magnetic signatures and structural framework of the subsurface. The interpretation of the maps revealed significant southwest-northeast trending fracture zones that are identify as weak zones and source for groundwater potential zones, while high magnetic signatures in the northwest area of the study area toward the northern part shows competent higher magnetic subsurface geologic structures critical for foundation stability for heavy infrastructures for project like Smart City development. Deeper and more stable basement zones were delineated towards the northern and northwestern and some eastern parts of the study area, which makes these areas suitable for heavy infrastructure, while structurally complex and shallower zones in the centre and southwest require careful geotechnical assessment. This study emphasises the importance of integrating geophysical subsurface investigations into infrastructural planning to ensure sustainable, resilient and efficient smart city development within university environments and similar regions.