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Underwater magnetic signature of sea vessel is an important characteristic in mine threat estimation. Traditionally, the vessel’s signal is measured with the help of stationary magnetic range equipped with bottom-mounted magnetic sensors. However, such a range may be unavailable near vessel’s operating area. In this work, we investigate a capability of underwater magnetic signature estimation basing on the results of overhead magnetic mapping of the vessel by a portable total field magnetic sensor installed on a light aerial platform. A magnetic model of the vessel is represented by an array of point magnetic dipoles distributed over steel hull and clusters of ferromagnetic equipment. The model parameters are estimated by fitting the calculated magnetic field produced by the model to a measured overhead magnetic anomaly map. Once these parameters are determined, the vector magnetic field produced by the object may be calculated at any point both in “near” and “far”-field zones. To confirm this approach, we built a steel model ship in a scale of around 1:100. Dedicated setup enables us to measure the magnetic field produced by the model from below and from above. Our experimental results show less than 20% difference between the magnetic signature predicted by the model and measured directly below it. Such accuracy is quite acceptable for this specific application and, therefore, the proposed method can be treated as a viable alternative to traditional magnetic ranging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]