Abstract
In recent years, the development of low-cost GNSS sensors allowed monitoring in a continuous way movement related to natural processes like landslides with increasing accuracy and limited efforts. In this work, we present the first results of an experimental low-cost GNSS continuous monitoring applied to an unstable slope affecting the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary (NW Italy). The courtyard of Sanctuary is built on two unstable blocks delimited by a high cliff. Previous studies and non-continuous monitoring showed that blocks suffer a seasonal cycle of thermal expansion and a long-term trend to downslope a few millimeters (2/3) per year. The presence of a continuous monitoring solution could be an essential help to better understand the kinematics of unstable slope. Continuous monitoring could help to forecast a possible paroxysm phase that could end with a failure of the unstable area. The first year of experimental measurements shows a millimetric accuracy of low-cost GNSS, and the long-term trend is in agreement with other monitoring data. We also propose a methodological approach that considers the use of semi-automatized procedures for the identification of anomalous trends and a risk communication strategy. Pro and cons of the proposed methodology are also discussed.
Highlights
Landslides are one of the main natural hazards that can threaten the cultural heritage of humanity around the world [1,2]
We present the first outcome of a continue and near-real-time monitoring network based on low-cost Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) on the unstable cliff that affects the part of the adjacent area of the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary, facing the Orta lake in Piemonte region (NW Italy)
If we focus the analysis on the period of GNSS continues acquisition (Figure 12B), it is possible to see that, if the displacement is averaged on a weekly window, the time series shows low noise
Summary
Landslides are one of the main natural hazards that can threaten the cultural heritage of humanity around the world [1,2]. Several archaeological/cultural sites were the object of landslide monitoring, for instance: Macchu Picchu in Perù [3], the Monemvasia historical site in Greece [4], and the Vardzia. The choice of the best monitoring solution depends on several factors, like landslides’ typology and velocity, the interaction with anthropic structures, and the available budget [10,11,12]. Another essential element is the purpose of the adopted solution since the structure of a monitoring system used for civil protection activities is different from a monitoring solution adopted for a periodical control of the Sensors 2020, 20, 289; doi:10.3390/s20010289 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
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