Hybrid Sensor Network for Monitoring Environmental Parameters

The paper proposes a cheap hybrid ground-air sensor network for environmental parameter measurements. The ground sensors are grouped into clusters, each cluster having several sensory nodes connected to a cluster head that sends the relevant data to the aerial, mobile nodes - unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Thus, using optimal trajectories, the UAVs are used both for measuring directly environmental parameters, as well as for collecting data from ground sensors. The authors present the modules' implementation of the hybrid system: ordinary sensory nodes, cluster heads, ground control stations, communication modems and UAV platforms. Finally, the performances of the realized hybrid network are analyzed from multiple points of view: energy consumption, time, and data acquisition efficiency.