Monitoring Guide
GNSS Deformation Monitoring Guide for Dams, Slopes, Mines and Bridges
This guide helps project owners, monitoring integrators and survey teams define a GNSS deformation monitoring project before choosing receivers, antennas, communication, power and reporting workflows.
Author: TOKNAV GNSS Solution Team
Reviewed by: TOKNAV Product and Field Application Team
Last Updated: July 2026
Download the GNSS Monitoring PDF Checklist
Get a printable deformation monitoring checklist for point layout, reference points, accuracy targets, power, communication, reporting and quotation preparation.
GNSS deformation monitoring is used when a project needs continuous or repeated observation of movement trends. It can support dams, slopes, mines, bridges, buildings, tailings reservoirs and construction sites where small displacement changes matter for engineering judgment and risk management.
A successful monitoring project starts before hardware selection. Teams should first define the object, monitoring points, reference point, required accuracy, data interval, power supply, communication and reporting workflow. Then they can compare NET660i, GNSS antennas, U6 monitoring devices and related solution components.
1. Define the Monitoring Objective
Object type
- Dam, reservoir or water infrastructure.
- Slope, landslide, mine or tailings site.
- Bridge, building or construction structure.
- Long-term reference or infrastructure monitoring network.
Movement question
- Is the object stable or moving?
- Which direction and rate matter?
- What threshold needs attention?
- Who receives reports or alerts?
Project constraints
- Power supply and weather exposure.
- Communication coverage and data access.
- Installation safety and maintenance access.
- Budget, phase plan and expansion needs.
2. Plan Monitoring Points and Reference Points
Monitoring points should represent the critical movement zones. Reference points should be stable enough to support comparison and trend evaluation. Before requesting a proposal, prepare a simple point map with photos, approximate coordinates and installation notes.
- Mark each monitoring point and explain why it matters.
- Identify at least one suitable reference point or reference station concept.
- Record sky visibility and possible obstructions near each point.
- Confirm mounting surface, cable route, enclosure and maintenance access.
- Separate required accuracy from reporting frequency; both affect system design.
3. Choose Receiver, Antenna and Communication Components
| Project need | Design question | Related TOKNAV path |
|---|---|---|
| Stable GNSS data | Does the point need permanent high-precision GNSS observation? | NET660i or appropriate GNSS receiver planning |
| Signal quality | Is the antenna installed near structures, slopes, water or reflective surfaces? | GNSS Antenna Selection Guide |
| Reference workflow | Will the project use local base, CORS, VRS or another correction source? | CORS Station Setup Checklist |
| Data and alerts | What data interval, reporting output and warning workflow are required? | GNSS Deformation Monitoring Solution |
4. Monitoring Project Checklist
Send these details to TOKNAV
- Country, project type and monitored object.
- Number of monitoring points and reference points.
- Required accuracy, data interval and reporting frequency.
- Site photos, approximate layout and installation constraints.
- Power source, communication method and maintenance access.
Do not leave these undefined
- Whether exact alarm thresholds are required.
- Who owns installation, maintenance and data review.
- How long data must be stored and exported.
- Whether the system must expand to more points later.
- Which claims can be publicly used in a case study.
Related Case and Resource Links
- GNSS Monitoring Case Studies
- Download monitoring resources
- Compare GNSS receivers
- VRS and CORS infrastructure
FAQ: GNSS Deformation Monitoring
What sites can use GNSS deformation monitoring?
GNSS deformation monitoring can support dams, slopes, mines, bridges, buildings, tailings reservoirs and other sites where long-term movement trends must be observed.
How many monitoring points are needed?
The number depends on the monitored object, risk zones, required resolution and reporting plan. A simple point map helps TOKNAV recommend a practical configuration.
Can monitoring use CORS or VRS infrastructure?
Some monitoring projects can connect with reference station, CORS or VRS workflows. The best design depends on site layout, accuracy target and communication conditions.
What information is needed before quotation?
Prepare country, object type, point quantity, accuracy target, data interval, power supply, communication method, site photos and reporting requirements.
Request a GNSS Monitoring Solution Plan
Share your monitoring object, point quantity, country, site photos, data interval and accuracy target. TOKNAV can help prepare a receiver, antenna, communication and reporting configuration.