Development of a Multi-Sensor GNSS-IoT System for Precise Water Surface Elevation Measurement

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing technologies enable high-precision positioning service with flexible data communication, making real-time/near real-time monitoring more economical and efficient. In this study, a Multi-sensor GNSS-IoT System was developed for measuring precise water surface elevation (WSE). The system, which includes ultrasonic and accelerometer sensors, was deployed on a floating platform in Googong Reservoir, Australia, over a four-month period in 2024. WSE data derived from the system were compared against independent reference measurements from the reservoir operator, achieving an accuracy of 7 mm for daily solutions and 28 mm for epoch-by-epoch solutions. The results demonstrate the system’s potential for remote, autonomous WSE monitoring and its suitability for validating satellite Earth Observation data, particularly from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. Despite environmental challenges such as moderate gale conditions, the system maintained robust performance, with over 90% of solutions meeting quality assurance standards. This research highlights the advantages of combining GNSS with IoT technologies and multiple sensors for cost-effective, long-term WSE monitoring in remote and dynamic environments. Future work will focus on optimizing accuracy and expanding applications to diverse aquatic settings.