Cloud-based system for monitoring event-based hydrological processes based on dense sensor network and NB-IoT connectivity

Hydrologists claim high-quality experimental data are required to improve the understanding of hydrological processes. Though accurate devices for measuring hydrological processes are available, the on-site deployment and operation of effective monitoring networks face many relevant issues caused by the peculiar characteristics of hydrological systems. In this manuscript, we present a self-developed system for monitoring events-based hydrological processes comprising a dense network with both soil moisture and water level gauges connected by NB-IoT technology integrated into a cloud system for near real-time gathering of information. We designed, built and calibrated the sensors and integrated them into a cloud system. We deployed them in two monitoring networks and gathered the data from several experimental runs (battery lifecycles). Results showed the suitability of the sensors and the network to properly monitor the processes solving the initial relevant issues mainly derived from connectivity issues and battery duration.