Home > Technology > GNSS Sensors

GNSS Sensors

The Locator One GNSS sensor is designed for automated monitoring of vertical and horizontal displacements. Datasheet

GNSS Receivers

The Global Navigation Satellite System consists of satellites, ground control stations, and receivers. Each receiver acquires and tracks signals from constellations of satellites. The geodetic information coded in the signals is collected and processed to resolve the absolute geospatial location of the receiver.

Locator One GNSS Sensor

The Locator One is a compact, self-powered sensor that combines a GNSS receiver, ground-facing radar, and cloud connectivity. It autonomously transmits geodetic observations and other data to the Cloud.

GNSS Sensor Mounted on Settlement Plate Riser
GNSS sensor mounted on settlement plate riser.
GNSS Reference Sensor on AMTS Tower
GNSS reference sensor co-located with a solar-powered AMTS system.

Applications for GNSS Sensors

  • Automating measurements of settlement plates, including both the settlement of the original ground surface and the height of added fill.
  • 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 illustration

The compact, self-powered Locator One sensor combines a GNSS receiver, a ground-facing radar distance sensor, and cloud connectivity.

Installation

Measured Points: Locator One sensors can be mounted directly onto settlement plate risers or structures. Cables, external power, and internet gateways are not needed.

Reference Point: One sensor should be installed at a stable location outside the zone of influence to serve as a reference point.

Clear Horizon: Ideal locations for the sensor have a clear horizon with no obstacles above an elevation of 10°.

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

Operation

Locator One GNSS sensors transmit geodetic observations to the cloud using LTE-M cellular connectivity.

The receiving cloud server processes the observations, applies adjustments and outputs absolute coordinates. Changes from baseline coordinates reveal the magnitude and direction of displacements.

A GeoCloud project website presents the data visually in map views and graphs and sends out alerts if alarm thresholds are exceeded.

Specifications

Post Processed Precision:
±2mm horizontal, ±4 mm vertical.

Signal Collection: 186 channels to receive signals from GPS, GLOSNASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellites.

Reporting Intervals: 1 to 24 reports per day.

Weather Rating: IP 65 for water ingress, -4 to 140 °F for temperature.

Power: Supercapacitor charged by built-in solar panel. Supercapacitor alone provides 8 months of power.

Ground-Facing Radar: Millimeter precision when used with base plate as target.