A solar powered remote road monitoring system has been helping to keep people in some parts of Queensland safe during the recent deluge.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (QDTMR) has many locations in their network that are difficult to monitor due to distance and lack of access during periods of flooding. This can mean roads can be under water for some time before the Department is aware and able to act in order to prevent injuries and loss of life.
RMTek’s solar powered Eagle Eye Roadside Monitoring Camera and Level Sensor, developed in partnership with the Boylan Group, is currently monitoring the behaviour of floodwater at some critical points in Queensland’s road network. The system is comprised of a pole upon which a solar powered wireless sensor unit and digital video camera are placed, along with communications equipment. The Telstra Next G network is used to deliver real-time data and images to the Department.
The system means the Department can now better manage various risks associated with floodwater movement, while helping to keep their own staff safe and reducing costs of ongoing monitoring.
According to The Chronicle yesterday morning, the system had identified water over bridge crossings in Queensland that were dry less than 12 hours before.
In The Chronicle’s interview with RMTek Managing Director Brendan Doyle, Mr Doyle said the Eagle Eye system’s flood monitoring capability is only one example of the benefits the system can provide.
“The scope of what can be achieved with these four elements of solar power, image capture, telemetry and wireless is massive. It can free people from many mundane tasks and I think we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg so far.”
The RMTek web site states its clients are applying their technologies to perform tasks such as remotely turning on pumps, opening gates, and measurement activities such as weather monitoring.
