GNSS-IR BASED NEAR REAL-TIME WATER LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM WITH COAXIAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION MOUNTED ON A HORIZONTAL POLE

Abstract

This invention concerns a water level monitoring system based on Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) that utilizes a configuration of one GNSS antenna mounted coaxially to the axis of a horizontal pole and connected to one GNSS receiver unit. The antenna mounted coaxially on the horizontal pole allows for the simultaneous reception of GNSS signals (direct signals) and reflected signals from the water surface by a single device. The system is equipped with a standalone solar-based power supply and a data processing module that produces near real-time water level estimates. Water level information is extracted through analysis of oscillation patterns on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) parameter using the Lomb-Scargle spectral analysis method or Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).The system can be installed in two versions: a permanent installation with a vertical pole and a campaign (portable) installation using a tripod. This invention can be applied to monitoring water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas.