UAV Data collection in hard-to-reach areas from a Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract

To implement a Wireless Sensor Network to capture atmospheric data, the sensor nodes tend to be deployed in hard-to-reach areas, either to avoid abuse due to human interaction or as a result of the fact that variations in that zone are ideal to many studies. However, enter such areas or deploy a traditional Wireless Sensor Network can be difficult or expensive. Therefore, this research proposes to implement a data collection system of Wireless Sensor Network deployed in hard-to-reach areas or where the distance between sensors nodes does not allow the implementation of a network with mesh topology, using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle as mobile sink node, which collects data using Wi-Fi technology and HTTP protocol. To achieve this, a selection process of components and wireless communication technology was developed, which would integrate the system. Likewise, measurements were made that allowed determine the maximum separation distance at which the connection between sensor node and the sink node is guaranteed. In addition, the algorithms of components system were developed and implemented, and the system operation was evaluated through unit and integral tests. Among the results are the sensors network prototypes, maximum separation distance between nodes that gave as a result 35 meters, the algorithms for nodes firmware; and the coupling part design and 3D printing to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. In the same way, it was possible to verify the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle as sink node for Wireless Sensor Network information collection implemented in the proposed scenarios is technically feasible.