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GNSS Sensors

Locator One is a compact, self-powered GNSS sensor that transmits high-precision measurements of its geospatial location to the Cloud. Datasheet

GNSS Sensors

The Global Navigation Satellite System consists of satellites, ground control stations, and receivers. GNSS sensors are receivers that can calculate their geospatial locations using signals from constellations of satellites.

Applications for Locator One

  • Automating measurements of settlement plates.
  • Monitoring potential displacement and settlement of buildings and utilities near excavation and tunneling projects.
  • Monitoring horizontal displacement of earth retention structures such as MSE walls or sheet pile walls.
  • Monitoring slope stability at open pit mines, tailings dams, and highway cuts.
GNSS Sensor Mounted on Settlement Plate Riser
GNSS sensor mounted on settlement plate riser.
GNSS Reference Sensor on AMTS Tower
GNSS sensor mounted on AMTS tower to serve as a reference point.

Features

Easy to deploy: The compact Locator One sensor is rated IP 65 and operates in temperatures from -20 to +60 °C.

Self-Powered: The Locator One sensor is powered by a built-in solar panel and supercapacitor.

Direct to Cloud: Locator One sensors transmit location data to the Cloud using cellular networks. A univeral SIM chip is built in.

High Precision: Horizontal precision is ± 2mm. Vertical precision is ± 4 mm.

Ground-Facing Radar Sensor: A built-in radar sensor measures the distance to ground surface, allowing the Locator One to report both the elevation of the settlement plate and the elevation of the fill above the plate.

Installation

Measured Points: Locator One sensors can be mounted directly onto settlement plate risers or structures.

Reference Point: For highest precision, a Locator One sensor is also installed at a stable location outside the zone of influence to serve as a reference point.

Clear Horizon: Accuracy requires simultaneous reception of signals from multiple satellites. Ideal locations for the sensor have a clear horizon and no obstacles above an elevation of 10°.

Orientation: Sensors should be oriented with the solar panel facing the equator.

Operation

Locator One GNSS sensors measure and transmit their spatial coordinates to the cloud using LTE-M cellular connectivity. Each sensor can report up to 24 measurements per day.

The receiving cloud server processes the data, applying adjustments and outputting absolute coordinates.

Then it compares current set of coordinates with baseline coordinates to reveal the magnitude and direction of displacements.

A GeoCloud project website presents the data in map views, graphs, and tabular data. Alerts generated if displacements exceed alarm thresholds.