Geolux LX-80-AB water level measurement kit
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The Geolux LX-80-AB kit is an 80 GHz radar sensor that a drone flies along a river to measure water-surface elevation without contact, for river, reservoir and flood monitoring. HobiTech supplies it in India as an authorised SPH Engineering partner.
Technical
| Measurement principle | FMCW radar, 80GHz (W band) |
| Typical survey altitude | 30–40m, autonomous flight along the river |
| Accuracy | Centimetre-level water-surface elevation (3 cm or better per SPH Engineering) |
| Spatial resolution | <1 m along the river centreline |
| Productivity | 1.5–4.5 km per hour |
| Output | CSV file of water-surface elevation along the river chainage |
| Weight | 2000 g |
| Supported drones | DJI M350 RTK/M300 RTK, Pixhawk-based drones, other SkyHub-compatible drones |
Certifications
| Standards | EN 61326-1:2013 · ETSI EN 301 489-1/3 · EN 62368-1:2014 · EN 60950-22:2017 · EN 61010-1:2010 · FCC Part 15 Class B · ISED RSS211 |
What's in the kit
- Geolux LX-80-AB radar level sensor
- Cable to connect the sensor to the SkyHub onboard computer
- Gimbal and mountings
- Software for sensor data logging
Documentation & data sets
What is the Geolux LX-80-AB used for?
The LX-80-AB measures the distance from the sensor to the water surface. It transmits a frequency-modulated 80 GHz (W band) radar wave and measures the frequency shift of the reflection. Water reflects microwaves strongly, so the return from the water surface dominates the signal within the sensor footprint.
In SPH Engineering's hydrometry method, an RTK GPS-equipped drone flies along the river centreline at around 35 m. The sensor sits on a 3-axis gimbal and records the distance to the water. Combined with the drone's RTK position, this gives a water-surface elevation profile with less than 1 m spatial resolution and an accuracy of 3 cm or better. SPH Engineering quotes a productivity of 1.5 to 4.5 km of river per hour, and the result is a CSV file of elevation along the river chainage.
Typical uses are flood prediction and management, irrigation planning and water resource management, as well as the reservoir, channel and industrial level work listed above. The LX-80-AB is the airborne variant of Geolux's LX-80 ground-mounted level sensor.
How does it work with SkyHub and your drone?
- SkyHub: the SkyHub on-board computer is required for data logging. The kit includes the cable from the sensor to SkyHub and the logging software.
- Drones: DJI M350 RTK and M300 RTK, Pixhawk-based drones, and other drones that SkyHub supports.
To measure river discharge as well as level, pair it with the Geolux RSS-2-AB water surface velocity kit, a Doppler radar that SPH Engineering rates at 10 cm/s accuracy or better. For depth, see our bathymetry collection, and for samples, the drone water sampler. Read more on SPH's UAV hydrometry page and the Geolux LX-80 page.
Why buy the LX-80-AB kit from HobiTech?
HobiTech is an authorised SPH Engineering partner based in Bengaluru, India. Every order comes with a GST invoice, and you have a local team for the sensor, the drone and the software. SPH training courses are listed on our training page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Geolux LX-80-AB?
SPH Engineering states an accuracy of 3 cm or better for water-surface elevation, with less than 1 m spatial resolution along the river centreline.
At what height does the drone fly?
Typically 30 to 40 m; SPH Engineering gives around 35 m as the typical flight height for a river survey.
Is SkyHub required?
Yes. The SkyHub on-board computer is required for data logging. The kit includes the SkyHub cable, gimbal, mountings and logging software.
Which drones can carry the LX-80-AB?
DJI M350 RTK and M300 RTK, Pixhawk-based drones, and other drones compatible with SkyHub. SPH Engineering lists a weight of 2000 g.
What data do I get from a survey?
A CSV file of water-surface elevation along the chainage of the river.
How do I buy the Geolux LX-80-AB kit in India?
Use Request a quote on this page, or call HobiTech on +91 70225 26509. We confirm the price and configuration, and every order comes with a GST invoice.