Calibration of automated verticality monitoring system of radio-communication masts and towers using geodetic measurements

Abstract

The purpose of the study is the development of calibration methodology of automated verticality monitoring system of radio communication masts and towers using geodetic measurements in order to obtain corrections in inclinometer measurements relative to the construction’s vertical axis. There are two different methods used for tower verticality determination: using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations; three-dimensional terrestrial geodetic measurements using total station or traditional geodetic measurements methods. This paper is focused on using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) dual axis inclinometer for small-angle measurements on the radio-communication tower to obtain changes relative to the structure of vertical axis. However, the initial inclination of the tower can be calculated by modelling the variables obtained from the inclinometer data in combination with geodetic measurements. The method of achieving this goal is provided by theoretical and experimental studies to perform assembly calibration errors using inclinometer data and total station measurements. The main result of the study is the possibility of taking into account the initial position of the MEMS sensor defined as the angle between inclinometer and masts and towers construction. Differences between the calculated and the measured by inclinometer pitch and roll angles at the same time give the correction to be applied to sensor data. Also, for high precision calibration of inclinometer sensors the influence of total station accuracy on determination of yawpitch-roll parameters has been estimated. Scientific novelty: Based on relationship between total station and platform topocentric coordinate systems the formulas for sensor platform orientation parameters calculation have been derived. Practical significance: the proposed methodology allows calibrating MEMS sensors installed on the radio communication masts and towers using total station measurements from single ground control point.