SAMHU (Air-transported sensor to measure humidity) is a project developed by the companies Mier Comunicaciones and Gutmar, as well as the Aerospace Research & Technology Center (CTAE) and the Research Group EEF from the Universitat Poltècnica de Cataluña.
The sensor developed by this consortium is able to measure with unprecedented precision the levels of humidity present in the soil and vegetation. This information is essential in order to make precise meteorological forecasts and to determine fire hazards. Until now, data about humidity could not be obtained at the local level, which limited the accuracy of forecasts made using this information.
The applications for this new sensor in agriculture are very broad. It will permit more precise monitoring of forest fire risk, linked with levels of humidity, and make possible the prevention of flood risk by establishing the levels of water stored in different areas, which is a determinant factor in the occurrence of floods. The information provided by SAMHU will also improve crop planning and the development of hydrological models.
The sensor, which obtains data with a high resolution of between 200 and 300m, is placed in planes that reconnoiter the terrain flying at an average altitude of 1 kilometer. The system will be available for commercial use in mid 2011.