Annual Geotechnical Hazard Monitoring: Scalable Surface Deformation Tracking

Executive Summary

Primary Objective: High-frequency surface movement tracking using a hybrid of GNSS-integrated Spike Monitoring and LiDAR change detection.

The Challenge

Cost-Effective Monitoring of Large-Scale Hazards

Managing linear assets across hundreds of active geohazards requires a balance between geodetic precision and economic scalability.

The Problem

Traditional subsurface instruments provide high-fidelity data but are cost-prohibitive for large-scale deployments and only monitor single points of failure.

Technical Constraints

Some sites are in "harsh conditions" where canopy or terrain obstructs signals. MSI must maintain accuracy thresholds of 20mm (the limit of GNSS precision) to identify early-stage movement.

Timeline Pressure

Reaching an Emergent Notification threshold of 10cm requires immediate action.

The MSI Approach

Hybrid Surface Monitoring & Technical Grit

MSI utilizes a proprietary “Spike Network” strategy to provide a comprehensive view of horizontal and vertical displacement across the entire hazard footprint.

Rigid Control Networks

To ensure absolute vector accuracy, MSI establishes six independent control bars per site, situated entirely outside the zone of movement. These serve as the fixed baseline for all longitudinal epoch comparisons.

M3C2 LiDAR Analysis

To complement horizontal spike data, MSI utilizes a customized in-house M3C2 (Multiscale Model-to-Model Cloud Comparison) algorithm. This method accounts for complex slope geometry and surface roughness, providing point-to-point change detection with a Vertical RMSE of better than 5cm.

Subsurface Data Synthesis

MSI bridges the gap between topographic surfaces and geotechnical engineering by performing CAD overlays of third-party subsurface reports. Inclinometer and Piezometer data are projected onto MSI’s profiles, allowing clients to see deep-seated movement in direct relation to surface spikes and current terrain.

Results

Accountability & Data Performance

Massive Network Scale

MSI manages a regional network of over 10,000 spikes, providing the most extensive surface-monitoring dataset in Western Canada.

Actionable Reporting

Successfully identifies movements above 20mm, with emergent thresholds put in place.

Asset Integrity Support

By quantifying horizontal vectors and displacements, MSI provides the evidence-based data required for operators to plan stress-relief or remediation work before slope movement leads to structural failure.

Dynamic Escalation

Depending on client needs and observed movement acceleration, MSI scales monitoring frequency as needed.

Centralized Database

All results are integrated into the GeoView Monitoring Database, where starting in 2026, clients will have the ability to perform historical queries and search for specific spike displacements across years of data.

Geographic Reach: A North American Footprint

While our headquarters remains in Calgary, our operational reach has expanded alongside our technical capabilities. In 2005, we began by serving Alberta and British Columbia. Today, MSI is a cross-border geospatial partner with the proven ability to mobilize in diverse and extreme environments.

info@msciences.ca

Geotech Program