Development and calibration of a low-cost LIDAR sensor for water level measurements

Environmental disasters increase along with disorganized urban growth and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. The recurrence of hydrological disasters in the municipality of Poços de Caldas (Minas Gerais, Brazil), combined with the geomorphological specificities of the region, result in a demand for an in-depth analysis related to intense precipitation, considering its characteristics and consequences. This study presents a comparative analysis between a linigraph and a laser sensor for fluviometric measurement, pointing out the main differences, similarities, advantages and disadvantages of both systems. The values obtained by the low-cost LIDAR sensor were in agreement with those achieved using the linigraph, which is more expensive, thus demonstrating that the laser sensor can also replace it due to both installation and usage advantages. The laser sensor showed an accuracy of ±0.05 m relative to a metric physical scale, which is considered suitable for applications involving water level measurements in water bodies. •A PVC pipe, a LIDAR and a linigraph were used to measure water body level.•The data from a low-cost LIDAR is equivalent to that of an expensive linigraph.•The presence of sediments did not impact the measurements taken.•A LIDAR can be used to measure fluid level with several advantages.•The LIDAR is an excellent choice among fluid level measurement technologies compared.