Floods and debris flows
Water level, flow velocity, rainfall and ground vibration in the channel – across the entire catchment, not just at the protective structure.
Sensors & Technology
Sensors and technology for off-grid monitoring
GMD® builds measurement hardware for places without power or connectivity: in torrent channels, on rock faces and at high altitude. From sensor to radio link to platform, the technology comes from a single source.
- 1. MeasureRain starts and sensors in the channel detect the rising water level.
- 2. Pre-processEdge AI separates the event signature from noise – on the device.
- 3. TransmitOnly relevant data travels by radio from node to node to the gateway.
- 4. AssessGeoSenseAI® evaluates the readings together and sets the status.
- 5. WarnWhen the threshold is exceeded, a warning goes to those responsible.
- 6. VerifyA drone takes off from its dock and delivers a situational picture (in trial operation).
Schematic representation
Edge IoT sensors
Our sensors capture hydrological, meteorological and geotechnical data directly in the hazard zone and pre-process some of it on the device, so only relevant information is transmitted – saving energy and bandwidth.
Rockfall
Seismic sensing and acceleration measurement on rock, masonry and protective structures such as rockfall nets.
Visitor counting
Self-powered radar sensors for managing visitor flows on trails and at hotspots – privacy-compliant and camera-free.
Parameters at a glance
| Parameter | Hazard process | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Water level | Flood, debris flow | Level and rise in the channel |
| Flow velocity | Flood | Runoff behaviour during heavy rain |
| Rainfall | All processes | Detect triggers early |
| Ground vibration | Debris flow, rockfall | Sediment transport and impacts |
| Acceleration | Rockfall, protective works | Loads on rock, masonry and nets |
| Tilt and movement | Slope movement | Slow deformation over time |
| Spring discharge and water level | Water resources | Supply security at high altitude |
| Visitor frequency | Visitor management | Use of trails and hotspots |
Self-powered and wirelessly connected
Many hazard zones have neither a power supply nor mobile coverage. GMD® sensors are designed for exactly that.
Off-grid operation
Solar and battery power, year-round in alpine terrain.
Wireless transmission
Data travels by radio to gateways and on to GeoSenseAI®. We plan gateway locations based on the topography – including gullies and rock faces.
Edge AI
On-device pre-processing to tell typical event signatures apart from noise such as rain, vehicles or stream flow.
Self-healing meshNext development stage
Geophone nodes connect to each other so that a single failure does not interrupt transmission.
Edge AI: less data, fewer false alarms
A sensor in a torrent hears something all the time: rain, wind, rushing water, passing vehicles. Transmitting every signal would quickly drain the battery and the radio link – and flood the platform with false alarms. That is why analysis starts on the sensor itself.
1
Raw signal
High-frequency measurement of vibration, water level or acceleration
2
Pattern recognition
Typical event signatures are separated from noise
3
Event
Only relevant events and key values are generated
4
Transmission
Compact data packets by radio to gateway and GeoSenseAI®
5
Platform
Joint evaluation of multiple sensors with weather and geodata
GeoSenseAI® aggregates events from multiple sensors. We set thresholds and warning levels together with you – the decision always remains with those responsible.
Autonomous drones and terrain comparison
A stationary drone dock enables survey flights without a pilot on site. LiDAR and photogrammetry produce high-resolution terrain models.
Comparing them with a reference survey shows where terrain or the stream bed has changed and how much material has moved.
Flights beyond visual line of sight require regulatory approval, which we handle as part of the project.
GeoSenseAI® VerifyIn trial operation
Sensor events trigger the survey flight automatically – providing an up-to-date picture shortly after an event.
LiDAR and photogrammetry surveys
We also deliver terrain models, point clouds and orthophotos as a stand-alone service, for example for hazard mapping, protective works planning or event documentation.
Digital twin
Terrain, buildings and infrastructure are combined in a 3D model and linked to live sensor data. This makes it possible to estimate which assets an event could affect – for planning, exercises and response.
In the GeoSenseAI® 4D-WebGIS, terrain model, sensors and timeline come together in one situational picture.
Explore the GeoSenseAI® 4D-WebGIS →
From site to operation
- 01
Site analysis
Clarify hazard process, catchment and protection goals together.
- 02
Sensor concept & radio planning
Define sensor positions, parameters and gateway locations.
- 03
Installation
Mounting in the channel, on the rock face or on protective structures by our team.
- 04
Calibration
Define thresholds and warning levels together with you.
- 05
Operation and maintenance
Ongoing monitoring, maintenance and development as a rental service.
In-house engineering
Hardware and firmware
Developed in our own lab in Innsbruck; the PCT procedure for GMD® sensor technology has been completed.
Platform
GeoSenseAI® combines sensors, geodata and AI analysis in one web application.
Research
Joint development with research institutions including the University of Innsbruck, MCI and Silicon Austria Labs.
Frequently asked technical questions
Do the sensors need a power or mobile connection?
No. The sensors are powered by solar and battery and transmit their data by radio to a gateway, whose location we plan based on the topography.
Do the sensors work in winter?
GMD® sensors are designed for year-round operation in alpine terrain. We clarify the specific requirements of your site during the site analysis.
Are cameras used for visitor counting?
No. The counters use radar sensing without cameras and do not capture any personal images.
What exactly does the edge AI do?
It analyses the signal on the sensor itself and distinguishes typical event signatures from noise such as rain, vehicles or stream flow. Only relevant information is transmitted.
Who installs and maintains the system?
Our team handles installation, commissioning and maintenance. Sensors, platform and operations are included in the rental model.
Can drones fly beyond visual line of sight?
This requires regulatory approval, which we handle as part of the project.
Technical questions about your site?
Talk directly to our engineering team about sensor concept, radio coverage and installation.