PROCam camera system and DEFOX® deformation analysis
Die Deformationsanalyse mittels hochauflösenden Kameraaufnahmen ist die ideale Lösung für die kosteneffiziente, flächendeckende Langzeitüberwachung von Instabilitäten in Fels und Eis. Mithilfe der vollautomatisierten Deformationsanalyse basierend auf dem Vergleich hochaufgelöster Bilder lassen sich Verschiebungen von wenigen Zentimetern einfach und rasch feststellen.
Mehr erfahren:
⇒ Vorteile und Funktionen
⇒ Anwendung
⇒ Referenzprojekte
⇒ Technische Daten
⇒ Broschüre PROCam
Advantages
- Cost-efficient monitoring solution with large area coverage
- Automatic image selection and processing with sophisticated algorithms
- Colour display of movements including direction of displacement
- Convenient image viewer with zoom option for detailed view of displacements
- HDR processing for outstanding contrast analysis for demanding applications
- Anytime access to all analyses and images via the GRAVX® online data portal
- Access via PC, tablet or smartphone
- Velocity time series of selected areas
- Automatic notification when critical velocity threshold has been exceeded
- Flexible analysis interval (daily, weekly, seasonal)
Applications
Our PROCam is a complete system including the camera and all components required for autonomous operation and online access to data and images. The system is based on a high-quality 42 MP HDR camera with precisely calibrated optics. It is designed for continuous use in extreme environments such as glaciers, mountains, and open-cast mines, delivering high-resolution image data for centimeter-level displacement detection over large areas.
Complex algorithms for DEFOX® deformation analysis
The PROCam camera system enables precise analysis of movement processes within monitored areas.
To support this, GEOPREVENT has developed the DEFOX® deformation analysis method, which uses the PROCam optical data to measure the displacement of small image segments in two deformation components perpendicular to the viewing direction.
PROCam systems are designed for autonomous operation under extreme conditions and can be powered by mains electricity, solar energy, or as add-on to GEOPREVENT’s Radar systems. Intelligent charge controllers ensure reliable operation even in remote or shaded locations.
For polar nights or permanently shaded sites, methanol fuel cells can be requested optionally and activated automatically at low battery levels, enabling months of maintenance-free operation.
Data transmission is typically via mobile networks (3G/4G) and optimized for long-term use in remote areas. Alternatives include Ethernet, WiFi, long-range radio, or satellite communication.
All data is encrypted (TLS over MQTT or HTTPS) and optimized for bandwidth, allowing transmission of full-resolution images.
Alarms are sent redundantly via email, SMS, and JSON webhooks to ensure authorities remain informed even during network disruptions. Redundant communication (e.g., 4G plus satellite) can be requested optionally to insure un-interrupted communication.
The modular design enables installation on buildings, steel towers, rock anchors, or uneven terrain. Standard mounting brackets for round masts are included, with custom solutions available. Various mounting feet allow precise alignment, and optional shields protect against rockfall and snow drift. All components are light enough for helicopter transport, simplifying installation in high alpine regions.
High-resolution image of the Weissmies glacier with zoom option.
Deformation analysis of the Weissmies glacier shortly before the collapse of the unstable glacier area.
Velocity time series of the two sections at the Moosfluh landslide as well as the Aletsch glacier.
Additional options
The PROCam camera surveillance system can be equipped with various additional options and expanded depending on the area of application.
Blower – Clear Lens System
GEOPREVENT has developed a patented fan system to ensure that camera-based monitoring systems remain functional throughout the year, especially in high alpine or glacier-rich regions. This system actively prevents snow, frost, and condensation from accumulating on the camera lens and protective housing, ensuring an unobstructed field of vision even under extreme conditions. The system operates autonomously on the basis of temperature and humidity sensors in the housing.
SNOFOX
For mines, snow, glacier, or rock face applications, GEOPREVENT recommends a modified PROCam version without a contrast modified optic. This delivers high-contrast HDR images even in extreme glare or shade, enabling reliable image adjustment at dusk, sunset, and in low sunlight conditions in winter.
Blower – Clear Lens System
The SNOFOX PRO camera (right image) offers better visibility with high contrast in strong sunlight or shade.
Davos: image from the PROCam
Davos: in comparison, the same image with the SNOFOX
Reference projects
GEOPREVENT developed the optical deformation analysis in 2017 after several months of test operation parallel to the interferometric radar. The first PROCam camera with DEFOX was applied for long-term monitoring of the Weissmies glacier in Saas-Grund and was very useful only a few months later: the deformation analysis facilitated early detection of accelerated areas of the hanging glacier. For exact and weather-independent monitoring, we additionally applied the interferometric radar shortly before the collapse. By doing so, we were able to predict the time of the collapse with an accuracy of hours.
Here is a selection of deformation camera customer projects:
- Monitoring system in Brienz/Brinzauls (CH)
- Glacier monitoring Weissmies: Correct prediction of glacier collapse in September 2017
- Monitoring Moosfluh landslide: One of the largest slide areas in the Swiss Alps at the retreating Altesch glacier.
- Glacier monitoring Weisshorn Randa: Automatic monitoring of the very steep lower glacier part and ice avalanche detection with our avalanche radar including alert function.
- Rock avalanche area in Karrat Fjord, West Greenland
- Monitoring system Barry Arm, Alaska (US)
Additional technologies
The following sensors or technologies are often combined or supplemented with the PROCam:
Technical data
The PROCam camera system is available in four different variants.
- Kameraauflösung: 42 Megapixel
- Reichweite: bis zu mehreren km
- HDR Prozessierung: im Backend integriert
- Genauigkeit DEFOX Analyse: abhängig vom gewählten Objektiv, normalerweise cm/Zeitperiode (Tage, Monate, Jahre)
- Zeitserien: Definition von Regionen und Berechnung von Zeitreihen
- Kommunikation: Mobilfunknetz. Andere standortbezogene Kommunikationslösungen auf Anfrage (Redundanz, Glasfaser, WLAN, Ethernet, Satellitenkommunikation)
- Benachrichtigung: automatische SMS- oder E-Mail-Benachrichtigung bei Überschreiten definierter Grenzwerte
- Linsen Optionen: abhängig von der Distanz und dem Sichtfeld, normalerweise 18 mm, 21 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm oder 135 mm
- Stromversorgung: Netzstrom (PROCam GRID) oder Solarpanels (PROCam SOLAR/SOLAR+), weitere Optionen für kundenspezifische Kommunikation (z.B. Satcom)
- Installation: schnell, ein paar Stunden
- Befestigung: Standardhalterungen für Rundmasten, kundenspezifische Halterungen erhältlich
- Software (integriert): Deformationsanalyse (täglich, halbtäglich, wöchentlich), kundenspezifische Intervalle (monatlich, jährlich), automatische Bildqualifizierung
- Benutzeroberfläche: GRAVX® Online-Datenportal, Zugriff über PC, Smartphone, Tablet
- Integration: API Schnittstelle
More information
Deformation analysis of the large landslide at Moosfluh (in m/day) with Aletsch glacier (below).
Compact camera station with autonomous power supply.
Detailed view of the Moosfluh landslide with the dedicated image viewer of the online data portal.
Detailed view of the same section 5 days later: Movement is clearly visible.
Deformation analysis of the Bis glacier above the village of Randa. Ice breaks off frequently leading to ice avalanches, that can reach a dangerous size particularly in winter with a lot of fresh snow.
One deformation camera is positioned at the glacier cliff and…
…another camera has been installed at the bottom of the valley to observe the entire steep part of the Bis glacier.
