POIS, a Low Cost Tilt and Position Sensor: Design and First Tests

Area of Science:

• Geomatics Engineering
• Geotechnical Monitoring
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Traditional monitoring systems for landslides and structures can be costly and labor-intensive.
• There is a need for automated, integrated sensors for real-time geomatic data acquisition.
• Existing technologies may lack flexibility in data transmission and parameter adjustment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, realize, and calibrate a low-cost, small-sized, and lightweight integrated sensor for position and inclination measurement.
• To develop a fully automated monitoring instrument capable of bidirectional data transmission and alert signaling.
• To enable customizable monitoring parameters for landslide and structural surveillance applications.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a prototype integrated sensor at the Geomatics Lab, University of Calabria.
• Implementation of a bidirectional transmission protocol for data acquisition and control.
• Programming of an onboard computer for independent data processing, alert generation, and parameter adjustment.
• Calibration of the sensor and laboratory testing of its performance.

Main Results:

• Successful design, realization, and calibration of the integrated position and inclination sensor.
• Demonstration of the sensor's capability for automated data acquisition and transmission.
• Validation of the system's functionality through laboratory tests and initial field acquisitions.
• Confirmation of the sensor's adaptability to different accuracy and measurement ranges.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated sensor provides a cost-effective and automated solution for geomatic monitoring of landslides and structures.
• The bidirectional communication protocol enhances flexibility, allowing remote control of monitoring parameters and timely alerts.
• The sensor's performance in laboratory and initial field tests indicates its potential for reliable structural and landslide surveillance.