The Environmental Data Acquisition System (EDAS) developed at the Royal Observatory of Belgium

Abstract

Multi-parameters approach is required for the monitoring of complex interactions induced by tectonic activities (volcanic, geothermal and seismic areas, land-slide zones...).The diversity of sensors becomes so broad that the use of existing technology provides a difficult barrier for scientists not familiar with metrology. To address this problem, the Royal Observatory of Belgium develops the Environmental Data Acquisition System EDAS. The core base of this standardised system are the DAS, μDas and nanoDAS monitoring devices. They produce data files which follow a standard sequence containing date, time and the recorded values in ASCII columns. Different type of electronic for instruments with resistive and capacitive transducers were designed. They operate using standard supplies. Their output signals are compatible with the data acquisition system. In complement to the EDAS system, a set of applications has been written for the data analysis, known as EDAT, like HiCum software which is tool useful to analyse signatures on special periodicity’s from graphics obtained with stacking method. The EDAS concept complete tidal probes by improvement of access to various signals susceptible to influence tidal records.