Mol, 14 November 2011 – Today at 12 a.m. VITO launched the Aqua DroneTM, an unmanned surface water vessel for monitoring surface water. This advanced measurement system is equipped to provide an accurate picture of the condition of rivers, basins, harbours and coastal waters. The collected measurement data are converted to ready-to-use information for the customer.
How does the water quality of a river evolve? Where and when to involve in case of an environ-mental incident? When is dredging required? For these purposes, water authorities and companies in the water sector require measurement platforms that monitor the water status based on a broad range of parameters.
Water quantity and water quality
The Aqua DroneTM fits perfectly in the evolution toward integrated and intelligent measurement systems. The vessel is able to perform hydrographic measurements, , as well as an extensive range of water quality measurements. The Aqua DroneTM operates in shallow water and in difficult to reach locations, and can be deployed in rivers, lakes, ponds, channels and even along coastal areas. The unit operates autonomously, and navigates using an advanced GPS system. The measurements are transferred to a data centre that translates these results into ready-to-use information and maps .
“Compared to fixed sensors distributed throughout the water system, the measurements provided by the Aqua DroneTM yield more complete data series. Generating the same information using fixed sensors or manned survey boats costs much more time and money”, says Piet Seuntjens, project manager at VITO.
Sensor networks
The Aqua DroneTM was designed to collect highly accurate, local measurement data on waterways and water reservoirs. Combining the data with information from geodata further increases the value of the service. An example: colour gradients on aerial photos indicate the distribution of algae in water systems. To measure the exact algae concentration at a specific location, on-site measure-ments are required.
Piet Seuntjens: “Flanders still has a way to go to achieve the water condition goals imposed by the EU Water Framework Directive. In order to closely monitor and predict water quality progress and the effect of the measures taken, there is a growing need for powerful, intelligent measurement systems such as the Aqua DroneTM. Such systems are also a huge benefit for dredging companies, port developers and other actors in the water sector aiming at improving the performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their water works.”
More info
Lieve Decorte
Business Analyst
VITO
Tel. +32 14 33 67 05
aquadrone@vito.be
www.vito.be/english/aquadrone
