The GIMS project activities started with a thorough analysis of the user needs and requirements, carried out by the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), in collaboration with all the other partners. The various types of landslides were overviewed, as well as the currently used monitoring technologies. The characteristics of the geodetic techniques implemented in GIMS as regards landslide monitoring were outlined by the competent partners. Based on all this information, two experiment sites for GIMS were selected, both in Slovenia.
GReD implemented an ad-hoc GNSS software able to exploit the new dual-frequency EGNSS receivers for geodetic monitoring, achieving millimeter-level precision. In collaboration with CTTC, GReD studied, designed, and implemented also software that integrates GNSS e and SAR results, exploiting the synergy between the two technologies.
Saphyrion designed and produced the GIMS stations, including the dual-frequency low-cost EGNSS receiver, a low-cost inclinometer, a low-cost IMU, and all needed components (e.g. photovoltaic panels, batteries, modems, etc).
GeoNumerics developed the IMU analysis software component of the GIMS system.
CTTC designed and developed a new low-cost active SAR transponder and enhanced their SAR processing tools for the estimation of land deformation maps.
GeoZS brought to the project direct user needs and evaluated practical capabilities and limitations of GIMS units by field implementation and validation of the data.
ComoNExT, as an innovation-oriented science and technology park, supported the coordinator GReD in administration tasks and lead the dissemination and communications activities, as well as the exploitation activities including IPR management, production of a business plan, and management of meetings with potential clients.
GIMS units comprising 7 EGNSS receivers+antennas, 7 IMUs, 7 inclinometers and 2 active SAR transponders were installed at the first test site, in SW Slovenia. A second batch of 7 EGNSS receivers+antennas, 7 IMUs, 7 inclinometers, without active SAR transponders were installed at the second test site, again in Slovenia.
The two test sites were monitored for about 1 year, highlighting some interesting landslide features. For example, An interesting characteristic that could be detected thanks to the low-cost GNSS sensors is the direct correlation between surface displacement and rainfall. It indicates that the area of the deep-seated landslide around a specific monitoring unit is dominated by shallow processes which quickly respond to rain events, as opposed to other parts of the landslide. The time series of the data shows that the lowest part of the landslide is very sensitive to the amount and type of precipitation and constantly adapts the displacement to environmental conditions.
