Sensors in the Wild: Selecting a Viable Site
Flood gauges, precipitation gauges, and weather stations are ruggedized for outdoor use and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Still, there are a number of factors that you can control for to select the site where your flood and weather monitoring equipment can perform at its best, and where it is less likely to be damaged.
We propose a 6-Point Site Evaluation of your candidate sites before making a final decision on where your sensors will be deployed. You will save yourself a lot of headache and costs trying to troubleshoot sensor problems by selecting the most viable sites up front.
SENSOR
SOLAR
SIGNAL
MOUNT
SAFETY
VULNERABILITY
SENSOR
Can the sensor perform the way it is supposed to in this environment? Are there any obstructions or potential obstructions that could cause the sensor to make faulty readings?
Water level sensors, both ultrasonic and radar, need to be installed perpendicularly above the water’s surface. They must have a clear line of sight to the water, unobstructed by vegetation or any structures sticking out. You want to make sure there won’t be a lot of boat traffic under the sensor.
How high will be the sensor be perched above the water? Different water level sensors operate at different ranges, so knowing the height above the water is important before you select a water level sensor.
Precipitation and weather gauges need to be installed in an open area, far from trees or buildings which would interfere with precipitation or wind readings.
Make sure all sensors can be installed level, on solid infrastructure. Rickety or shaky infrastructure will adversely affect the performance of a sensor.
SOLAR
Can the solar panel get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day? It should be able to face south, and be in the sun for most of the day. Check for tree canopy, buildings or mountains that might limit solar exposure or block it completely. Think about how the situation changes through the seasons. Sun low in the sky in winter, or heavy leaf growth in the spring and summer.
SIGNAL
Is there cell service in the environment? IoT devices need a good quality LTE-M signal to communicate. Our devices transmit via AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, whichever is the strongest signal in the area.
MOUNT
How will the gauge be installed in the area? On a building, bridge, pole, dock, or somewhere else? Do you have permission from the site owner? Are there any special requirements or restrictions?
SAFETY
What safety risks are present? Fall risk? Wildlife? Traffic? Does the site require traffic control? Can you mitigate the risk not just for installation but also for continuous maintenance?
VULNERABILITY
Check for any vulnerabilities to the three enemies of devices in the wild: vegetation, varmints and vandals.
Vegetation can grow over or around a gauge, obstructing the sensor, solar panels or even cell signal. The area may be clear at the time of your evaluation, but what will it look like in a few weeks, months, or years?
“Varmints” (animals and insects) may damage equipment by trying to build a home on it, gnaw on it, or knock it down.
Vandals may damage gauges out of pure mischief, or too much hands-on curiosity. If there is a lot of foot traffic, nightlife, hanging out, or “target practice” in an area, your planned gauge may be vulnerable to vandals.
By evaluating candidate sites ahead of time for suitability for gauge performance, you avoid the frustration of multiple troubleshooting visits to a site to address gauge performance problems.
