Case studies
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Case Studies
Moving the earth means mining data.
How nano satellites are having a massive impact on monitoring global construction projects.
Tiny satellites collect big data.
Hiber’s satellites may be tiny but the big data they collect means even the remotest construction projects on Earth can be monitored for a fraction of the cost. Proving that the world’s first LPGAN (Low Power Global Area Network) is going to change everything.
Implementing Hiberband
Technical nitty gritty.
Service type
Hiberband DirectMessage size
144 bytesMeasurements
Environmental monitoringMessage frequency
1 time per day.Protocol
HiberbandNational Icons showcase our innovative strength.
Dredging creates new opportunities for previously unused natural resources, ensures transportation routes remain open, and that farmland and cities are not subject to floods. However, it is an activity that can have adverse consequences if not correctly managed and monitored. Disturbed river ecosystems, beach erosion and contaminated seawater are but a few. Not to mention, irreversible damage to coral reefs.
It is therefore essential that dredging companies can monitor, predict and react to changes both natural and manmade when working on such large-scale projects. To avoid commercial, social and political fallout.
“With the launch of Hiber’s LPGAN, the world’s oceans become connected like never before. Almost as our devices were on land. Boskalis is proud and excited to be an early adopter. Already we see previously unimagined ways to communicate with our IoT equipment anywhere, at a fraction of the cost. And who knows what the future holds.”
Sjoerd van den Brom,
General Manager Survey at Royal Boskalis Westminster.
It sounds incredibly simple. And it is.
The most effective way to monitor dredging and the environment it is operating in, is with buoys equipped with sensors. It sounds incredibly simple. And it is. A vast network of buoys, all collecting data can track currents, tides, wave height, water clarity, sand loosened, wind effect and countless other pieces of vital information. So, while dredgers move the earth, the buoys are literally mining data.
For example, if a new Palm Island was to be built in Dubai, placing buoys around the whole area would monitor how strong the currents are, how high the waves are, how much sand is loosened and whether the water gets dirty. These insights being vital to working as efficiently as possible.
For socially responsible dredging companies like Boskalis, this data ensures that they work to the highest safety and environmental standards and can monitor their own effectiveness. Reducing natural impact and commercial risk with one application. Clients can be kept up-to-date on a project’s progress with total transparency; seeing what is happening anywhere on the planet. The data collected can also be shared with governmental and other organisations to improve future activities.
However, transmitting the data can be even more challenging than collecting it. Most large-scale projects and activities take place in very remote areas of the world such as oceans, sea lanes, rivers and dikes. If you thought internet connection was bad in your home, imagine what it is like in the middle of an ocean or a remote delta.
Boskalis can now access a low power, low cost satellite service that has truly global coverage.
Traditionally, companies like Boskalis had to use networks like traditional satellite and GSM. Either very costly, or not ideal given their remote locations. Some satellite does offer global coverage, however does not offer low power or low costs. GSM has coverage issues and often voice takes precedence over data creating performance issues.
Hiber’s Low Power Global Area Network (LPGAN) changes everything. And the world of dredging will never be the same again. Boskalis can now access a low power, low cost satellite service that has truly global coverage. This affordable, real-world solution means they can put more sensors on more buoys, gather more data and have more opportunities to measure everywhere and anywhere they want. Any ocean, any desert, any river, even your Mom’s backyard.
Boskalis Westminster is a global dredging company, established in the Netherlands for over 100 years. Today, they operate in 90 countries worldwide. And on all of the oceans.
A world leader in offshore dredging and infrastructure projects, Boskalis’ services include the construction and maintenance of ports and waterways, land reclamation, coastal defence and riverbank protection. Well-known projects include the Palm in Dubai, the construction of one of Latin America’s largest port-industry complexes in Rio de Janeiro and the Marken Wadden in the Markermeer. In addition to construction and infrastructure, Boskalis also monitor water, waves and roads in many countries.
If it can built anywhere on earth, or sea, Boskalis will be there. And we’ll be helping them.
