ALLSAT’s complete portfolio around Global Monitoring provides comprehensive, well-proven solutions.
1. Which are the points that need to be observed?
„In close cooperation with our clients our Engineers develop concepts around planning, installation and operation of Global Monitoring systems.
Our team takes care of Global Monitoring projects of any size from A to Z. From a single total station to a complex network of geodetical and geotecnical Sensors.
Besides their technical training and longterm project experience several of our staff are trained project managers following international standards.“
2. What kind of data must be surveyed?
„Can potential movements of points on surfaces be monitored with a total station, or with a GPS / GNSS-Sensor? Which inclination sensor can be used for the expected range of data values? Can or must a inclinometer or a hose water level be used?
Many more questions appear behind the question of data to be surveyed. This shows that Global Monitoring systems require individual adaptations to the individual project requirements. In this context we supply competent and comprehensive consulting.”
3. Where and how are sensors securely installed?
„Production individual sensor mounting systems and installation even in locations that are difficult to reach are part of our portfolio. We produce custom-fit protective housings against influences of weather, theft and vandalism. Our competent partners carry out specialised construction in concrete and steel. Design drawings and structural analyses are part of the delivery as a matter of course.
We develop and install permanently stable surveying monuments for total stations and GNSS reference stations, as well as masts and carrier systems for wireless data communication and grid independent power supply. Of course our structures are approved and permitted for secure use along roads, highways, and railroad tracks.“
4. What range of deviation is tolerable in the data?
„Any point on the Earth’s surface is moving, if only the measurement to detect the movement is precise enough. The question is: beyond which tolerable amount does a movement become critical and requires counter measures. In analogy this is also true for geotechnical readings such as pore water pressure, groundwater levels, etc.
We cooperate closely with geotechnical Engineers and geologists. As a result of this process we identify individual threshold values for every monitored point, following the escalation chain:
- Attention
- Alertness
- Intervention
5. How often do we need to measure?
„Not only the extent of a movement is essential, but also its rate. Both result from forces attacking the object to be monitored and provide evidence of a potentially critical state of an object.
The frequency, or clock rate, of the measurement is individually set to these conditions.“
6. What is the required computer and storage capacity? How much data is the system producing?
„A GNSS-Sensor reading 3D coordinates of a monitored point once per second produces about 5 to 6 MB of data per hour (estimated value, when using GPS and GLONASS). If high frequency movements e.g. of 20 Hz are to be recorded the amount of data will also grow by a factor of 20.
The example shows that even in the age of low-cost mass data storage devices sensor networks and the IT required for their operation must be carefully adjusted. Our IT engineers compose, install and support individualized computer systems.“
7. How are the data transferred into the office? And from there to the accountable site supervisor?
„Connecting individual sensors to the Global Monitoring system is organised according to project requirements via cable, or wireless via radio or mobile phone (GSM, GPRS, or UTMS). The analyses software in the office compares every measured value from every monitored point with its individual threshold values for the states „Attention“, „Alertness“, and „Intervention“.
If a threshold is exceeded, the system sends out a message to a risk owner, via SMS, E-Mail, or via Fax.
But maybe your data do not need to be transferred to an office, but you need to be informed right on the spot on a construction site? In this case we install signal lamps and alarm sirens.“
8. And, by the way, where does the power come from to operate the system?
„Global Monitoring happens right downtown. Or in the middle of the sticks. In urban environments power often is available directly from the grid. But grid power is often not available in remote locations. For Global Monitoring systems away from the power grid we deliver custom-fit energy supply systems, based on photovoltaic, fuel cells, or a combination of both.
We develop and install masts and carrier systems for solar power systems, approved and permitted for secure use along roads, highways, and railroad tracks.”
9. What happens, if technology should fail, and one of the system components blacks out?
„Our messenger screen software GART-2000® Geomon keeps control even over complex Global Monitoring systems. Geomon summarises the status of comprehensive Global Monitoring systems including numerous sensors clearly laid out on one screen.
Exceeding of a threhold is indicated as well as errors or blackouts in the system – for example interruption of the energy supply for a sensor, or break of a data communication line.
Our software engineers continuously develop GART-2000® Geomon further – be it in order to include new sensors, or to include documentation of service and maintenance works on the system: We deliver individual solutions for your Global Monitoring project.“
10. Can large subsets of the landscape also be permanently monitored?
„Yes, definitely!
In projects around the potential uplift or settlement of the ground surface, e.g. as a result of mining activities, extraction and injection of oil and gas from and into the underground, operation of waste disposal sites, or in order to monitor areas of natural subrosion, we closely cooperate with our partner Infoterra GmbH.
Infoterra has already detected vertical movement of ground surfaces in many areas from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) scenes of the German satellite TerraSAR-X, with a resolution of better than one centimetre.
We consider remote sensing/Earth observation methods and terrestrial surveys, e.g. via GNSS, al complementary technologies.
We participate in research projects on the integration of space-based technologies (remote sensing, satellite navigation and satellite communication) to the advantage of users in oil and gas production, as well as for monitoring storage of natural gas and carbon dioxide in the underground (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS).“
