Sensing device, systems and methods for monitoring movement of ground and other structures

A method of installing a system of devices in a movable ground region of a mine, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of devices, each of which comprises:
• one or more sensors configured to sense one or more parameters useful in determining movement and/or the potential for movement in a movable ground region of a mine and output the parameter as sensor data;
• a radio transmitter configured to transmit sensor data to another of the plurality of devices;
• a radio receiver configured to receive sensor data from another of the plurality of devices;
• a power source configured to power the radio transmitter and the radio receiver;
• and
• a housing configured to protect the power source, the radio transmitter and the radio receiver, and enclose or be integral with the sensor,
• wherein:
• the plurality of devices form a mesh network across which sensor data is propagated via the radio transmitters and the radio receivers;
• and
• one of the plurality of devices is configured to transmit sensor data to another of the plurality of devices when there is a change, or an appreciable change in sensor data compared to an earlier point in time;
• and
• burying the plurality of devices within the movable ground region.

A device for monitoring a movable ground region in a mine for movement or the potential for movement, the device comprising:

• one or more sensors configured to sense one or more parameters useful in determining movement and/or the potential for movement in a movable ground region of a mine and output the parameter as sensor data;
• a radio transmitter configured to transmit sensor data to another of the plurality of devices;
• a radio receiver configured to receive sensor data from another of the plurality of devices;
• a power source configured to power the radio transmitter and the radio receiver;
• and
• a housing configured to protect the power source, the radio transmitter and the radio receiver, and enclose or be integral with the sensor,
• wherein the device is configured to transmit sensor data to a mesh network when there is a change, or an appreciable change in sensor data compared to an earlier time point.