A multi-antenna GPS system for local area deformation monitoring

A new method of using GPS for monitoring local area deformations such as la ndslides is presented. Unlike the standard method of using GPS for deformat ion monitoring where a GPS receiver is required for each point to be monito red, the new method allows multiple points to be monitored with one receive r. A system that implements the concept has been developed. It uses a speci ally designed electronic component that allows a number of GPS antennas to be linked to a single GPS receiver. The receiver takes data sequentially fr om each of the antennas attached to the receiver. A distinctive advantage o f the approach is that one GPS receiver can be used to monitor more than on e point. The cost per monitored point is therefore significantly reduced. T he design of the system, as well as the data management and processing stra tegies will be introduced in detail. Results from some preliminary tests wi ll also be given.