Display of the Low-cost GNSS Receiver and Smart Geo-PD ITS products made by ITS which are ready to use
ITS Campus, ITS News –In an effort to support the efficiency of spatial data management, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) launched an innovation in the field of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, namely the Low-Cost GNSS Receiver. This innovation called Smart Geo PD ITS is specifically designed to meet the needs of Regional Drinking Water Companies (PDAM) throughout Indonesia.
Head of the Research Team Prof. Mokhamad Nur Cahyadi ST MSc PhD explained that so far PDAM has often faced difficulties in managing spatial data related to the location of customer water meters. This is due to the use of GNSS devices that have low accuracy and are expensive. “Errors in data collection can affect the quality of service to the community,” explained the lecturer who is usually called Nur.
To overcome this, the Low-Cost GNSS Receiver is here as a solution to overcome the problem of spatial data inaccuracy. With an affordable price and an error rate of less than one meter, this innovation is able to increase PDAM’s operational efficiency. “Efficiency can be achieved by utilizing geotagging integrated with GNSS technology,” he said.
ITS research team member Miko Cahya Laksmana ST (left) while developing the Low-cost GNSS Receiver product
The man born in 1981 explained that Smart Geo PD ITS is used to provide geotagging (coordinate marks) on each asset. The data obtained is then processed in the PDAM management system. With this coordinate data, PDAM officers can monitor asset conditions, plan maintenance, and ensure smooth distribution of clean water.
Furthermore, the lecturer from the ITS Geomatics Engineering Department explained that Smart Geo PD ITS has a minimalist and lightweight design, making it easy for PDAM employees to carry and operate it. In addition, this device is designed without cables and is equipped with a rechargeable battery. “This tool can be connected to a cellphone via a Bluetooth connection,” he explained.
Not only does it record the location of customer water assets, Smart Geo PD ITS can also record other PDAM management assets. These assets include pipe networks, pump house locations, pipe bridges, chambers, valves, and cathodic protection systems. “With this technology, PDAM can work more efficiently, accurately, and responsively to customer needs,” he said.
One of the team members, Miko Cahya Laksmana ST, shows the Low-cost GNSS Receiver product made by his team.
Nur explained that the development of this innovation faced several obstacles, such as software and network connectivity. This is because the program used in this innovation is open-source. Therefore, the ITS research team had to make adjustments and developments themselves to ensure the tool functions properly.
The man born in Blitar City said that the innovation designed by his team has a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 28 percent. This figure was achieved thanks to the use of domestically produced materials in almost all components except for the main module. “This makes the selling price more economical without reducing the level of accuracy,” he said.
Nur also explained that in the development process, his team collaborated with PDAM Surya Sembada, Surabaya City and NCGeotech, a business unit of PT ITS Tekno Sains. Currently, PDAM Surya Sembada, Surabaya City has used several Low-Cost GNSS Receiver units in its operations. “This is our first step before distributing this tool to all PDAMs in Indonesia,” he said.
Please note, this innovation is also part of the Higher Education for Technology and Innovation (HETI) program supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Entrepreneurship scheme. HETI-ADB Research and Innovation Coordinator Dr. Latifah Nurahmi ST MSc expressed her hope that this tool can provide a positive contribution to Indonesian society and industry. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)
Reporter: Khaila Bening Amanda Putri
ITS Campus, ITS News –In an effort to support the efficiency of spatial data management, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember