Detection and monitoring of manholes using IoT

Abstract

Smart cities are emerging very fast all over the world. In the building of smart cities, many parameters are considered such as water, transportation, electricity, communication, underground system, etc. Optical fiber cables of electrical and telecom companies are buried under the ground. Waste in smart cities is disposed of through underground drainage sewer systems. Water pipelines for example those belonging to NWSC here in Uganda are placed below the ground. This underground system needs to be maintained in order to maintain the dignity of the smart cities.

City authorities have the task of ensuring that manholes are maintained functioning properly. This can be done either manually or automatically. Manual monitoring of the manholes is always difficult due to the time involved in moving to a physical site to check the status of the manhole. In addition, the rectification of any issues that may arise in the manhole in the case of manual monitoring involves a large delay. This delay is undesirable because something wrong can happen at that time. This is why automated monitoring systems are needed.

The main focus of this project was to build an automated manhole detection and monitoring system through the use of the Internet of Things (IoT). We have been able to build an IoT-based manhole detection and monitoring system which consists of four sensors and an interface from where technical personnel can be able to monitor a network of manholes. The system also enables the technical personnel to receive timely alerts in case of any changes in the manhole statuses. Implementation of this IoT-based system will indeed enhance smart cities.

Keywords—smart city; internet of things; manhole; automated detection and monitoring system