ROAD FLOOD SENSOR WITH WEB AND MOBILE APPLICATION SUPPORT

__________________

A

Design Project

Presented to the

Faculty of the Computer Engineering

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa, Manila

_________________

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

_________________

by

Remedios G. Ado

Johnver B. Bautista

Kim Carla B. Lleno

Katrina Hazel R. Malagday

Mark Anthony D. Muya

May 2014

ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This project will never be successful without the guidance of the Lord, he who

never fails to do amazing things to the group. To God be all the glory!

The proponents would also like to express their sincerest gratitude to the

following people who accompanied us and nevertheless showed unending support

throughout the completion of this study:

To their parents, and other family members, for giving full support both moral

and financial. Them who continuously push us to achieve greater heights;

Engr. Remedios G. Ado and Engr. Ronald D. Fernando, for their full effort,

support, and guidance as thesis advisers;

To their classmates and friends, for the encouragement especially when times

get though and barely bearable;

To all those who have helped directly or indirectly whose names were not

mentioned, the researchers wish to extend their gratitude and appreciation.

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ABSTRACT

Researchers created a prototype that senses water level on a flooded road, and make its

data available over the Internet through the use of web and mobile application, plus

SMS based service. Using ultrasonic sensor, proponents created their own flood level

sensing device which is attached to gizDuino™ (e-Gizmo Mechatronix Central version

of Arduino™, an open source computing platform based on simple input/output board

and the use of standard programming language) to process the sensor’s analog signal

into a usable digital value of distance. Flood height is determined by subtracting the

sensor’s height with respect to the floor minus the sensed distance between the sensor

and the flood water. The derived data from signal analysis is passed to the web server

through the use of GSM/GPRS shield and the Globe Labs API (Application

Programming Interface). Globe Labs API serves as the intermediary application to

deliver SMS messages to SMS subscribers. Flood level data gathered by the prototype

will be presented to the users through the web and mobile application that requires

Internet connection. By subscribing to RoadFloodPH SMS, users could also get real-

time information on monitoring flooded areas even without Internet connection. The

Road Flood Sensor is developed to monitor flood that will help motorists and

pedestrians on the road.

KEY WORDS: Road Flood Sensor, RoadFloodPH, ultrasonic sensor, gizDuino, SMS

based service, flood level, road, flood, mobile, web

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

TITLE PAGE…...………..……………………………………………………...... i

APPROVAL SHEET...…….……………………………………………………... ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT…...……………………………………………...…….... iii

ABSTRACT...…………..……………………………………………………….... iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………............ v

LIST OF FIGURES...…….………………………………………………............. viii

LIST OF TABLES….…………………………………………………………….. x

CHAPTER

I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction……………………………………………………….. 1

Background of the Study…...……………………………………... 2

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………. 3

Theoretical Framework……...……………………………………. 4

Conceptual Framework……...……………………………………. 6

Scopes and Limitations of the Study..…………………………….. 7

Significance of the Study………………………………………….. 9

Definition of Terms.....……………………………………………. 10

v

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

Foreign Literatures…..………………………………………….... 12

Local Literatures…..…....……………………………………….... 15

Foreign Studies.……..……………………………………………. 26

Local Studies..…………………………………………………….. 29

Synthesis of the Study.……………………………………………. 30

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Methods of Research ......…............................................................ 33

Sources of Data ……...………………………………………….... 33

Data Gathering Instrument…..……………………………………. 34

Data Gathering Procedures……………………………………...... 35

Statistical Treatment of Data.……………………………………... 36

IV. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Components of the Proposed System……….……………………. 41

Functionality Testing……………………………………………... 54

Block Diagram….……...……………………………………......... 57

Flow Chart….…...……………………………………………..…. 59

Source Code………………………………………………………. 62

Schematic Diagram and Component Analysis……………………. 63

Survey Results ....…………………………………………………. 65

Cost and Benefit Analysis………………………………………… 68

Screenshots ....…………………….....……………………………. 70

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V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary…….……………………………………......................... 75

Conclusion…..…………………………………………………..... 76

Recommendation………………………………………………..... 77

BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………….... 78

APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………….. 82

Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire ........................................................................ 83

Appendix B: User’s Manual .................................................................................... 85

Appendix C: Materials and Cost .............................................................................. 88

Appendix D: Conformity Sheet ............................................................................... 90

Appendix E: Copyright Forms ................................................................................. 92

Appendix F: Patent Forms ....................................................................................... 95

Appendix G: Resume ............................................................................................... 101

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGE

1. Conceptual Framework of the Road Flood Sensor ....…...………………….…. 6

2. Risk / Hazard / Vulnerability Map of Barangay 628 Zone 63…...,………….... 16

3. DOST Water Level Monitoring System Project for EFCOS …..……………... 21

4. Early Warning and Monitoring System ……………..…....…………………… 22

5. Information Dissemination Scheme of Flood Warnings ……………………..... 23

6. Rainfall Advisory codes from DOST-PAGASA …………………...…………. 24

7. MMDA Flood Level Indicator ………………….......................………………. 24

8. The MMDA Flood Gauge ……………………......................................………. 25

9. Classification of Vehicles ……….…………………..........................…………. 25

10. Initial Sketch of Prototype ............……………………………………………. 37

11. Sample Placement of Prototype on Sidewalk ……...………………........……. 37

12. Network and Transmission Model …………………............…………………. 38

13. Data transmission to Users ….……………………………................................ 39

14. Initial Design for Mobile Application named “RoadFloodPH” ….…................ 40

15. Initial Design for Web Application named “RoadFloodPH” ............................. 40

16. Actual placement of the components in the casing ….………........................... 44

17. Individual Circuit Flow Testing …..............................………........................... 54

18. Sample placing of flood sensor on a post ….……….......................................... 55

19. Block Diagram for Charging Circuit Board ….………...................................... 57

20. Block Diagram for Road Flood Water Level Sensing System ….….................. 58

21. Flow Chart of the Web-based SIM Number Authentication Program ............... 59

viii

22. Arduino Code Workflow ….……………...………………................................ 60

23. SMS Authentication & Subscription Process for Unit Subscribers Workflow .. 61

24. SMS Authentication & Subscription Process for RF Unit SIM Workflow ........ 61

25. Web and Mobile Application Data Display Flow Chart ….……….................... 62

26. Schematic Diagram of Charging Circuit Board ….……………......................... 67

27. Initial Page ….……………...…………......................……................................ 70

28. Admin Login …....................……………...………………................................ 70

29. Dashboard (Daily) ….……………...………...........………................................ 71

30. Locations Page ….……………...……………................…................................ 71

31. Reference Page ….……………...………………................................................ 72

32. Unit Registration Page ….……………...………………..................................... 72

33. Unit Information Update ….……………...……………..…................................ 73

34. Screenshots of the Initial Page, View Flood ….……………...…........................ 73

35. Screenshots of the View Flood – MMDA Gauge, Reference ….……………..... 74

36. Screenshots of the Social, Emergency, and About Us pages …........................... 74

ix

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE PAGE

1. Flood Prone Areas in Metro Manila ……….………………………....………. 17

2. Protocols in Windows Server 2012 R2……..…………........…………………. 49

3. Reading comparison between flood sensor and actual measurement ..……….. 55

4. Data Transmission from Unit to Subscriber ………………………...………… 56

5. List of Materials Used ………………………………………….…......……….. 68

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter will discuss the general concept of the design project entitled “Road

Flood Sensor with Web and Mobile Application Support.” Included in details are the

Introduction, Background of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Theoretical and

Conceptual Framework, Scopes and Limitations and the Significance of the study.

Introduction

In the 2011 Habagat incident, Christopher Lao and his cry “I should have been

informed” became a viral hit on the Internet when he attempted to drive his car on a

flooded part in Quezon City. The incident arises mixed views: other half saying he

should have been able to recognize that he shouldn’t try to drive through the flooded

road while the other half claiming that locals aren’t being given enough information.

Flooded roads have been a problem in Metro Manila for years, causing heavy

flow of traffic. Commuters getting stuck, and motorists getting lost on finding alternate

routes just to go to their destinations have become repetitive during rainy seasons. Time,

effort, and money are wasted when these incidents occur.

Though the government has been extending their efforts to inform the

commuters regarding the situation in flooded areas during rainy seasons, still the

dissemination of information to the locals are not enough.

2

Background of the Study

President Benigno Aquino III stated in his 2013 State of the Nation Address that

the Philippine economy loses an estimated 2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro

Manila traffic. And this number even goes up whenever motorists get stuck during the

wet season. During rainy seasons, local commuters in Metro Manila have been

expecting to encounter one or two flooded roads along the way. But still, motorists get

stuck on their way for they are not able to get real time information on the situation of

the flooded areas.

Since the boom of the social media, the Metro Manila Development Authority

(MMDA) found ways other than news on the radio and television on how to reach out

to the commuters. This government institution used social media accounts in Facebook

and Twitter to inform motorists about the traffic condition in Metro Manila. This is very

helpful to the locals who always have their smartphones on the go.

According to a survey conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres, a marketing research

firm, 53 percent of smartphone users in the Philippines comes from Metro Manila.

Among the cities in the country’s capital, Makati City has a large number of smartphone

users considering the fact that it is the business capital of the Philippines.

According to Hossain and Davis, flooding is considered to be one of the most

catastrophic forms of natural disaster. They also added that the adverse effect of

flooding is recognized when it disrupts the road transportation system of a country since

it is considered as a country’s socio-economic lifeline.

3

Metro Manila Development Authority uses different methods in detecting flood

levels in certain roads to inform the commuters. The use of closed-circuit television

(CCTV) cameras and flood height pole indicators are one of the few.

Despite maximizing the use of the Internet and social media, information from

the MMDA are only limited to the current situations on the major roads in Metro Manila.

This work will present a design project that will help provide sufficient real-time

information on the current flood condition on a chosen flood prone area. This project

will also help in facilitating the dissemination of information to the people.

Statement of the Problem

Informing locals about flooded roads during rainy seasons have been a problem

in Metro Manila for years. And to help solve this problem, the design project aims to

develop “Road Flood Sensor with Web and Mobile Application Support.”

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. How can the design project help the locals measure flood height on roads?

2. What mobile and web application can help commuters be informed about

passable and unpassable roads due to flood?

3. How can the design project help the dissemination of information on an

impassable road and its height to the locals during rainy season?

4

Theoretical Framework

Using ultrasonic sensors, proponents can create their own flood level sensing

device which will then be attached to gizDuino™ (e-Gizmo Mechatronix Central

version of Arduino™, an open source computing platform based on simple input/output

board and the use of standard programming language) to process the sensor’s signal into

a usable data input. The derived data from sensor’s signal will be passed to the web

server through the use of GSM/GPRS shield. GSM/GPRS shield is used to establish

communication between a computer and a GSM-GPRS system. Global System for

Mobile communication (GSM) is an architecture used for mobile communication in the

Philippines. GSM requires a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card just like mobile

phones to activate communication with the network. It also has International Mobile

Equipment Identity (IMEI) number similar to mobile phones for identification. The

GSM/GPRS shield can send, receive, and delete Short Message Service (SMS)

messages in a SIM. The SIM’s network that we are going to use will be based on signal

strength on the desired testing location.

The microcontroller (gizDuino™ and GSM/GPRS shield) requires finite power

supply to make it work on its stable and functional state. Unstable power supply may

cause the units interrupted, malfunction, or damaged. gizDuino™ needs a power input

of 5 volts or within the range of 5 to 12 volts with an ampere rate of 500 milli-Amperes.

While the GSM/GPRS shield requires a power input of 5 volts or within the range of 5

to 7.5 volts with an ampere rate of 1.5 Amperes. The operating temperature of the

5

SIM900D (ultra-compact and reliable wireless module embedded on GSM/GPRS

shield) ranges from -45 oC to +85 oC.

In the battery charging and power circuit that the proponents will be provided to

power the microcontroller, the circuit will use LM7809 and LM7805 Voltage Regulator

to derive a stable output voltage of 9 volts and 5 volts respectively with up to 1.5 Ampere

current output.

The ultrasonic sensor does have specifications too. The ultrasonic sonar module

requires a power input of 3 volts or within the range of 3 to 5 volts and an ampere rate

of 3.5 milli-Amperes. The sound produced by the sensor is in frequency of 40 kilo-

Hertz. The sensor’s range of detection is from 2 to 350 centimeters (3.5 meters).

In order to disseminate information detected by the prototype, proponents will

develop a web and mobile application. The web platform will be developed using

Hypertext Mark-up Language 5 (HTML5), Cascading Style Sheet 3 (CSS3), and

JavaScript for the client-side programming while Laravel (a PHP Model-View-

Controller Framework) for the server-side scripting. For the mobile Android

application, Java (Android’s native system language) will be used for the development.

Web and database server will be the central computer that stores information

received from the sensors. This will also be the resource needed to view the information

via web browsers or mobile applications.

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Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Feedback

Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework of the Road Flood Sensor with Web and

Mobile Application Support

• Ultrasonic Sensor

• gizDuino™

• GSM/GPRS Shield

• Web and Database

Server

• User-friendly

mobile and web

application

interfaces

Send information

containing the

sensed data from

the Sensor to the

Server

Data Checking

System between

Sensor and Server

to secure Network

Connectivity and

Data Validity

Alert for road

flood height and

passable status

Road Flood

Sensor with

Web and

Mobile

Application

Support

7

Figure 1.1 illustrates the general flow and structure for the path of this study.

The idea of having the Input-Process-Output system approach was used to describe the

conceptual framework of the study conducted. Based from the figure, the inputs

gathered through information from the specific contributors and software and hardware

requirements were listed to make the design project possible. Then, a process shall take

place. It shall analyze all the inputs provided and act accordingly. The output of the

research process involves a prototype that can sense the water level of flood on a

specified road, a mobile application for motorists and commuters regarding certain

impassable flooded areas, and a web application for web browser viewing in case of

incapability of installing the Android app or make it available for PC viewing and for

authorities to monitor and control what information would be given to the public. A

feedback provides a data which serves as a guide in making changes on the input or

processing activities, thus modifying the outputs for data integrity and helps to have a

better result for the enhancement of the research.

Scopes and Limitations of the Study

The design “Road Flood Sensor with Web and Mobile Application Support,” is

proposed to build a flood level sensor with mobile and web application support.

Conducting this project starts from June 2013 and ends on January 2014.

The device shall contain ultrasonic sensor to sense the water level of flood on

the road and GSM/GPRS shield as a means of communication protocol between the

device and web server. The unit containing the sensor will be placed to the intersection

8

of Anonas and Hippodromo streets for testing. The position of the sensor must be placed

perpendicular to the flood water, otherwise, there will be an imperfect reflection of

ultrasonic waves and cause measurement errors.

The sensor is suggested to be placed on a pole with a height of about 3 to 3.5

meters. The flood sensors and microcontrollers will be powered by a circuit that

converts Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC). This circuit will also have

the capability of charging a rechargeable battery. In case of AC power outage, the

circuit will automatically rely on the battery for the benefit of continuous operation of

water flood height detection and network data transmission. The back-up battery shall

last for 9 to 10 hours.

Every two inches difference of flood water height level detection through the

analysis of Gizduino will be automatically send the information to the server to have an

initial data to be saved on the server. The server will then request to resend the

information to verify the validity of data. If it is still the same information, then it will

be recorded to the database and ready for dissemination on web, mobile and cellular

phones.

There will also be a web and a mobile application available for the locals who

have their smart phones. The mobile and web application shall contain search fields and

pictorial representation about the metric level of water based on vehicle types and

human body. These applications could only be used with an Internet access. Updates

and notifications will also be automatically extended to Twitter and Facebook. The

design project will also incorporate SMS subscription to be able to inform cellular phone

users without Internet capabilities.

9

The unit needs to be registered using its unit name, SIM number, region where

it will be placed and whether it is for public or private viewing to the web interface for

the monitoring of the unit sensor.

Significance of the Study

This study may prove to be useful to the following groups of individuals.

Commuters. With the mobile application support and SMS advisory service,

notifications on impassable flooded road will be available. Thus, commuters can avoid

getting stuck along the way. It will help the commuters to save money, time, and effort.

Motorists. It would be hard for the motorists to have a long wait on the way due to the

impassability of the flooded road. The mobile and web applications will inform them

the status of the area and will show passable roads which they could take.

Local Government. Upon achieving the actual output of this innovation, it would be

easier for the authorities to monitor and disseminate information to the locals. Officials

could also provide other information or preventive measures to take during the rainy

season.

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To the Future Researchers. This study about giving information about passable and

impassable roads may serve as a reference for future studies concerning the variables

mentioned. Researchers from different fields are encouraged to make use of the findings

as one of the sources for any related studies in the future.

Definition of Terms

The terms are defined according to their contextual and operational view of

this study.

RoadFloodPH – the name for both web and mobile application of this project study.

GSM Module – It is an electronic device that has capability of sending SMS (Short

Messaging System). GSM stands for “Global System for Mobile”. This will be the

device for communication between the sensing unit and the server (web and database)

with the help of the telecommunication network service.

Web Application – An application provided by the developers to access the flooded

and traffic information via a web browser. Administrative privileges are also present in

this platform.

Mobile Application – An application designed to show significant information about

the flooded areas and the corresponding alternate routes via mobile.

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Light Vehicle – vehicle having 6,000 to 14, 000 lb weight. This includes cargo vans,

ambulances, small dump trucks and delivery trucks.

Medium Vehicle – vehicle having 14, 001 to 19, 500 lb weight. This includes small

city delivery trucks and mini buses.

Heavy Vehicle – vehicle having 19, 501 to 33, 000 lb weight. This includes tow trucks,

furniture vans, garbage trucks, medium tractor trailers, cement mixers, fire trucks, large

tour buses, and heavy tractor trailers.

Flood Meter – It is the name for the mobile and web application designed to give

current conditions on flooded roads.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) – is a subset of the object literal notation of

JavaScript

App/s – shortcut for application. It is a self-contained program or piece of software

designed to fulfill a particular purpose.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

Foreign Literatures

The Flood

Flooding is a natural process that can happen at any time in a wide variety of

locations. Flooding from the sea and from rivers is probably best known but prolonged,

intense and localized rainfall can also cause sewer flooding, overland flow and

groundwater flooding according to The Planning System and Flood Risk Management

of Ireland. It is also said that flooding has significant impacts on human activities, it can

threaten people’s lives, their property and the environment. Assets at risk can include

housing, transport and public service infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and

agricultural enterprises. The health, social, economic and environmental impacts of

flooding can be significant and have a wide community impact.

According to the Office of Public Works of Ireland, these are the types of inland

flooding which is caused by prolonged and/or intense rainfall:

1. Overland flow occurs when the amount of rainfall exceeds the infiltration

capacity of the ground to absorb it. This excess water flows overland, ponding

in natural hollows and low-lying areas or behind obstructions. This occurs as a

rapid response to intense rainfall and eventually enters a piped or natural

drainage system.

13

2. River flooding occurs when the capacity of a watercourse is exceeded or the

channel is blocked or restricted, and excess water spills out from the channel

onto adjacent low-lying areas (the floodplain). This can occur rapidly in short

steep rivers or after some time and some distance from where the rain fell in

rivers with a gentler gradient.

3. Flooding from artificial drainage systems results when flow entering a system,

such as an urban storm water drainage system, exceeds its discharge capacity

and the system becomes blocked, and / or cannot discharge due to a high water

level in the receiving watercourse. This mostly occurs as a rapid response to

intense rainfall. Together with overland flow, it is often known as pluvial

flooding. Flooding arising from a lack of capacity in the urban drainage network

has become an important source of flood risk, as evidenced during recent

summers.

4. Groundwater flooding occurs when the level of water stored in the ground rises

as a result of prolonged rainfall to meet the ground surface and flows out over

it, i.e. when the capacity of this underground reservoir is exceeded. Groundwater

flooding tends to be very local and results from interactions of site-specific

factors such as tidal variations. While water level may rise slowly, it may be in

place for extended periods of time. Hence, such flooding may often result in

significant damage to property rather than be a potential risk to life.

5. Estuarial flooding may occur due to a combination of tidal and fluvial flows, i.e.

interaction between rivers and the sea, with tidal levels being dominant in most

cases. A combination of high flow in rivers and a high tide will prevent water

14

flowing out to sea tending to increase water levels inland, which may flood over

river banks.

Effects of Flood to Transportation

Flooding is considered to be one of the most catastrophic forms of natural

disaster. The adverse effect of flooding is recognized when it disrupts the road

transportation system of a country since it is considered as a country’s socio-economic

lifeline (Hossain and Davies, 2004). Road transportation is considered as an integral

part of a nation’s infrastructure since it is used to promote social and economic activities

more than any other form of transportation (Solway, 1999 & Bruton, 1995).

Based on ehow.com’s list on the negative effects of flooding, it is said that

flooding causes traffic problems by cutting off streets, collapsing overpasses and

bridges and causing traffic-light failures. Cars may stall and can even be carried off by

flood waters. Flood waters interrupt gas, electricity and water services and contaminates

the water supply. When transportation system is cut-off due to flooding, other services

like transporting food would not be possible and may create food shortage to the flooded

areas.

Studies indicate that about one foot of water will float approximately 1,500

pounds of vehicle. Combined with frequently fast currents, vehicles can be swept away

and their occupants placed in extreme danger of drowning either in their vehicles or

while trying to escape (Boselly, et al., 1999).

There are specific locations that flooding occurs. These locations are known to

highway agencies and to the local traveling public, but unknown to non-local road users.

In addition, even if the location is a known potential hazard, there is frequently no way

15

of knowing whether the condition is or is not at a given moment in time a hazard.

Motorists therefore enter a situation that they can’t determine is hazardous. Similarly, a

situation that doesn’t look hazardous and can cause the motorist to venture onward, only

to be trapped (Boselly, et al., 1999).

Local Literatures

Flooding in Metro Manila

One of the many reasons why flooding occurs in Metro Manila is because of

population and urbanization. Metro Manila has a population of 12 million and

counting. Urbanization, specifically urban sprawl is a manifestation of all these

millions living together and needing houses, buildings, roads, parking lots and

infrastructure. All these cover ground that used to be open and able to absorb much of

the storm water that fell on the metropolis (Alcazaren, 2013).

According to an article by Paulo Alcazaren of The Philippine Star, Manila is

flooded because it is not only low but it is sinking. Ground water extraction due to

deep wells is causing major areas of the metropolis to sink. The north section of

CAMANAVA and the southern cities from Pasay onwards have sunk from a foot to

over a meter and this has made those areas more vulnerable to floods and storm

surges. Scientists have pointed to the fact that this flattening has increased the reach of

storm surges from the seaside to as much as 20 kilometers inland. So we get it from

both ends in a perfect storm — from the mountains and from the sea. The ground is

16

also sinking due to the weight of all that concrete, buildings and infrastructure due to

urbanization.

Alcazaren also pointed out that it floods because we have less drainage than

before. Reports have it that we have lost almost half of our metropolitan esteros and

canals, Manila has only 20 kilometers of them now. Many have been lost to

development, disappearing without a trace. And the remaining esteros are now

populated with informal settlers, giving way to flood whenever heavy rains occur in

Metro Manila.

Figure 2.1 Risk / Hazard / Vulnerability Map of Barangay 628 Zone 63

17

Table 2.1 Flood Prone Areas in Metro Manila according to baseportal.com

Province/City Flood Prone Areas

VALENZUELA

DALANDANAN

KARUHATAN

MALANDAY

ARKONG BATO

BALANGKAS

CALOONG

ISLA

NAVOTAS

NORTH BAY BLVD.

SOUTH BLVD.

THANGOS

TANZA

SAN ROQUE

BANCULASI

BAGUMBAYAN N.

BAGUMBAYAN S.

NAVOTAS EAST

SIPAC

ALMASEN

SAN JOSE

MALABON

ACACIA

BARITAN

CATMON

CONCEPCION

DAMPALIT

HULONG DUHAT

LONGOS

MAYSILO

MUZON

PANGHULO

SANTOLAN

TENEJEROS

BAYAN-BAYANAN

IBABA

CALOOCAN

10TH AVENUE

HERDES DEL 96

KAPAK

LANGRAY

18

MAYPAJO

DAGAT-DAGATAN

SANGANDAAN

MONUMENTO

BONIFACIO

PARANAQUE

BACLARAN

TAMBO

DON GALO

VITALEZ

SAN DIONISIO

STO NINO

LA HUERTA

SAN ISIDRO

BF

DON BOSCO

SAN MARTIN

MOONWALK

MARCELO GREEN

SUN VALLEY

MERVILLE

PASAY CITY

MARICABAN AREAS

MALIBAY

SAN CARLOS VILLAGE

SAN RAFAEL

SAN ROQUE

PATEROS

STA ANA

AGUHO

TAGUIG

LOWER BICUTAN

HAGONOY

TUKTUKAN

BAGUMBAYAN

TIPAS

USUSAN

MAKATI CITY

CARMONA

LA PAZ

OLYMPIA

PALANAN

SAN ANTONIO

SAN ISIDRO

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TEHEROS

VALENZUELA NUEVO

COMEMBO

GUADALUPE VIEJO

MANDALUYONG

NAMAYAN

MANWAY

SAN JOSE

CORONADO

BARANGKA

LAS PINAS

MANUYO UNO

DANIEL FAJARDO

ILAYA

BLKS. ALDANA

PULANG LUPA UNO

ZAPOTE

PAMPLONA UNO

BF INT'L. CAA

QUEZON CITY

TALAYAN

LIBIS

GALAS

TATALON ESTATE

ROXAS DISTRICT

PROJECT 6

MANILA

TONDO

STA MESA

SAMPALOC

SAN JUAN

PACO

PANDACAN

BLUMENTRITT

STA CRUZ

Government’s Response to Flood Problem

Philippines’ economy is losing too much because of Metro Manila traffic. The

loss is estimated at 2.4 billion pesos everyday according to President Benigno Aquino

III in his 2013 State of the Nation Address. And in the recent typhoon Maring that hits

20

the country, the damage is pegged at 67 million pesos (ph.news.yahoo.com, 2013).

Because of these tremendous loses, the government increased the allocated budget for

weather forecasting.

With PAGASA’s new equipment, (wind profiler, Doppler radar, and

supercomputer), weather forecasting has been more accurate than before. It now has

Rainfall Warning System and the codes are easier to disseminate and understand

(Castillo, 2013). All of these are part of DOST’s Project NOAH as a response to the

call of President Benigno S. Aquino III for more accurate, integrated, and responsive

disaster prevention and mitigation system. Real-time weather forecasting is now

accessible through this project. Officials can now quickly announce school and work

suspension because of these information from PAGASA.

Also, DOST had accomplished 26% completion rate on June 2012 of their

deployment of 50 water level flood monitoring stations inside and out of Metro Manila

that monitors flood height levels on Marikina-Pasig River for their EFCOS Restoration

and Rehabilitation Initiative. The water level monitoring apparatus of the project are

equipped of solar panel, ultrasonic sensor, GSM, EFCOS Rain Gauge, Data Logger,

Server, and web visualizations (geographical via Google Maps, graphical, and tabular

views). This project has the following features: water level sensor, real-time data

collection (10-minute data collection via cellular network through SMS or text

messaging and Central Server/Back-up System), flood forecasting model and online

data visualization for decision support. This project was able to develop a system which

make use of the ultrasonic sensor device to accurately measure and determine the rate

of change of flood water level using the principle same to radar and sonar through

21

calculating the time interval between sending the signal and receiving the echo of the

signal.

(Source: http://embedded.asti.dost.gov.ph/projects/water-level-monitoring-system/)

Figure 2.2 DOST Water Level Monitoring System Project for EFCOS

Restoration and Rehabilitation of Marikina-Pasig River

With the financial assistance from Korea International Cooperation Center

(KOICA), the Korea Meteorologica Administration’s (KMA) project for the

establishment of an early warning and monitoring system for disaster mitigation in the

Philippines was undertaken in Metro Manila region from 2010-2012. All the systems

were installed completely in January 2012 and are currently in operation. Regarding the

systems, the KMA invited 12 experts from the PAGASA and disaster prevention centers

to provide them with training on system operation, management and early warning

system. The training was made up of primary lectures about flood forecasting and

22

warning, which was implemented in September 2011, and various lectures needed for

equipment operation, such as flood forecasting and warning system, and observation

and early warning. The KMA is expected to contribute to fostering response capabilities

against natural disasters in the Philippines through the training.

(Source: http://web.kma.go.kr/download_01/Annual_Report_2012.pdf)

Figure 2.3 Captured image of “Early Warning and Monitoring System for

Disaster Mitigation in Metro Manila” unit located at Batasan-San Mateo Bridge

23

Information Dissemination

Figure 2.4 Information Dissemination Scheme of Flood Warnings

Internet and social media has been proven to be an effective way to disseminate

information quickly and it is also much easier and mostly available to the public.

Besides their official websites, different government agencies also use Twitter and

Facebook accounts to inform people about the weather disasters and what to do during

those times. Based on Figure 2.4, flood warning has to go through different agencies

before it reaches the concerned public and the only direct way for a citizen to access a

flood warning is through flood bulletins posted on the Internet.

With the release of Project NOAH, early disaster warning and weather updates

are easily accessed by the public through their website and mobile applications.

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Figure 2.5 Rainfall Advisory codes from DOST-PAGASA

The MMDA has also been harnessing

technology to better serve the public. You can get

information from the MMDA website, the MMDA

Facebook page, and MMDA Twitter account

(Castillo, 2013). It also has its own Windows,

Android and iOS application to help people navigate

through Metro Manila.

MMDA has also implemented a flood gauge

where people could see the depth and road

accessibility of the roads. The agency’s Traffic

Mirror is also available to the public where users can

see the real time video of the different areas in Metro

Manila where there are MMDA cameras.

Figure 2.6 MMDA Flood

Level Indicator

(Captured at MMDA Traffic

Engineering Office at

Guadalupe, Makati City)

25

Figure 2.7 The MMDA Flood Gauge by rappler.com

Figure 2.8 Classification of Vehicles

(Source: http://www.google.com/patents/WO2007073375A1?cl=en)

26

But these social media applications are not enough especially when a commuter

is on the real site of a flooded area and has no access to the Internet. According to

abscbnnews.com, several commuters are still stranded and found it difficult to reach

their destination because several roads were impassable in the recent Maring typhoon

(2013).

Data collection via SMS

A method of sending data into database and analyzing data automatically from

independent measuring instrument (gauges, temp-and other sensors) which can be

displayed on webpages. Its sensors are maintained remotely via web frontend and SMS

and its networks are presented in interactive map application.

Foreign Studies

The Roadway Flash Flooding Warning Devices Feasibility Study conducted last

September 1999 and prepared for ITS IDEA Program, Transportation Research Board

and National Research Council examines the probable use of active systems in times of

danger from heavy rain and flooding through electronic signages, electronic messaging

and rail crossing gates. Majority of fatal weather related incidents in the United States

are caused by flash floods which is most of this incidence occurred on roadways.

In their project, they created a system that will automatically warns motorists

using cellular phones and beepers and controls traffic using mechanism such as railroad

crossing gates and electronic boards. Passive warning signages such as printed caution

boards were already existing on that time, but it is still concluded in their investigation

27

that the ignorance and carelessness of the motorist in checking the road signages makes

it worthless and brings them into danger. They prefer to use railroad crossing gates,

though they did not implement it due to its cost, because of time consumption of

preparing road barriers by road facilitators and sometimes removed by the motorists.

The researchers of this project identified different types of sensors to be used as

part of the method of detecting water height over-the-road. The sensors they used are

pressure transducers, ultrasonic device, beam of light, in-pavement sensor and video

cameras.

WebGIS, another study related to flood monitoring, is a foreign geographical

information system on the Internet that allows user to view and analyze data in a

geographical context simply by using a web browser. Through their webpage, users can

register for the SMS service and configure one or several gauges in their portfolio. It

can localize mobile objects via GPS and SMS tracking. Appropriate short messages will

be sent when a certain pre-defined threshold has been reached.

In year 2005, a study written for the “Journal of Theoretical and Applied

Information Technology” in Indonesia authored by S. Jatmiko, A. B. Mutiara, and M.

Indriati entitled “Prototype of Water Level Detection System with Wireless” had given

a conclusive output of using ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, software program and

an LCD display.

In year 2009, Dr. Daniela Rus and Elizabeth Basha from Massachusetts Institute

of Technology (MIT) produced a study and sensor prototype for their project entitled

“Wireless Sensor Network Provides Early Flood Detection for Underserved Countries”.

The MIT researchers conducted the prototype testing on Aguan River in northeastern

28

Honduras. The research has been supported by Microsoft External Research Division

providing their financial, hardware, software and expertise that makes the project

possible. Their target is to research about an efficient flood sensor (Gumstix Sensor, a

pressure sensor) that can be affordable for the developing countries. They came up with

a prototype sensor that costs all-in-all about $200 apiece. But they said, it can be reduced

up to $50 or even $10 per unit due to economic scale. The prototype used rain and

temperature sensors with sensor network consisting of two communication tiers: 144

MHz Computation, Office and Community nodes, and 900 MHz Sensor nodes.

A good example of a mobile application developed in the US for flood

monitoring is the (Southern Nevada) Clark County Regional Flood Control District's

FloodSpot app. It contains interactive flood zone maps, weather reports, report floods

with geo-tagged photo/video upload, push notifications for reported flash floods,

alternate routes, and facts & tips on flood safety. Another international mobile app

called Flood Alert also allows users to get real time updates on flood warnings near

them, at locations important to them and for the rest of England and Wales. Some of its

features are it can give flood warning near to the user through geo-location. It can also

give flood warnings for specific locations wherein users can register for an account

where they can save important locations, such as homes and local businesses. In

addition, Flood Alert can show the current flood warnings in each region allowing the

user to monitor flooding events on a national scale. A valuable feature of the application

is specific information on the flood event which can help users understand their current

risk and the expected future changes. It also provides information on when the alert was

raised and last updated.

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Local Studies

A study conducted by John Manuel B. Vergel about Real-time hourly

forecasting with Armax models with application for real-time flood operation at Angat

reservoir (2010) shows that these real-time flood forecasting systems are formulated for

issuing flood warning in real-time in order to prepare the evacuation plan during the

flood. The effectiveness of real-time flood forecasting system in reducing flood damage

is dependent on the robustness of the rainfall-runoff model.

The study titled Flood Detection Service helps its user to detect the level of flood

within a certain area through the use of different colors indicated on the chosen roads.

It also allows its user to gather information on how flooded a certain area is. In this

study, the subscribers are informed through text.

There are also other studies that do flood forecasting. The FFWSDO or The

Flood Forecasting and Warning System for Angat Dam Operation establishes

telemetered flood forecasting warning system that provides necessary information on

the water level of the existing five major dams in Luzon. These information forewarn

the people in the flood plains downstream of these dam sites of the impending release

of impounded water through spillways during typhoons. The information are sent

through SMS.

Another study from former PUP Computer Engineering students aimed to

monitor the flooded level along Pureza Street using an MCU-based system. Sensors are

placed and sent readings through text.

30

There are already different web and mobile applications that enables users to be

informed on flooded areas. With the initiative of Project NOAH (Nationwide

Operational Assessment of Hazards), an extended app called Flood Patrol enables

citizens to report flooded areas. Users could upload pictures of the flooded area and the

report will be pushed through the central data of Project NOAH. There is also another

mobile app that accesses extensive data from Project NOAH and DOST called Arko. It

contains flood mapping, remote monitoring and weather advisory. Another local

website that shows flood hazard maps in the Philippines is called nababaha.com. But it

does not show the current flooding in the given areas.

Synthesis

Based from the past and almost recent on-going studies presented above from

the research the proponents conducted, there were several similarities and differences

with the proposed Road Flood Sensor with Web and Mobile Application Support for

Alternate Routing and Traffic Advisory. Most of the studies presented monitors flood,

whether on the road or through dam reservoirs, and sends the information through text.

Some of the studies also has web application support but no mobile support for smart

phones.

Most similar to the proposed design is the Roadway Flash Flooding Warning

Devices Feasibility Study (1999). Our project will have flood sensors too to detect the

flood water level on the road. The sensor will also use an independent controlling unit

(gizDuino™ board) for both sensing and sending information. The unit will reside on a

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low-lying street with historical data of flooding to programmatically analyze the current

water level on the said station. Likewise, we will develop web and mobile application

that will let administrators to manage the console of dissemination and sensing.

The main difference with our study and the study conducted by Boselly,

Kniepkamp, and Holan is this design will not only monitor road floods but will also

support user via web and mobile applications. This project will use the latest technology

which is mobile application for smart phones and SMS flood advisory subscription. The

mobile application will be integrated to Facebook and Twitter API to post or tweet

available flood water level information to social network. Also, researchers will not use

rail crossing gates due to its high cost, though it is much recommended and a brilliant

idea to make it as controlling unit for traffic. Our application will include an alternate

routing information by broadcasting the current status of the stationed road.

The research conducted in Indonesia by Jatmiko, Mutiara and Indriati is

identical to one part of our project. The research proposed to create more complicated

software applications. They used win32 application for monitoring flood sensors and

data presentation while our project will be using web and mobile application.

For the MIT Research, they created a sensor network that used long-distance

communication as a protocol for transmission of data. Also, they used rain, temperature

sensors and a water level sensor while our project used a flood sensor which will use an

ultrasonic sensor for flood level sensing.

Different local websites and mobile apps such as nababaha.com, Flood Patrol,

and Arko enables users to check flood advisories and flood mapping. Just like this

project’s web and mobile application support, these applications also give information

32

about flood. The only difference is that those applications gets their data from the

Project NOAH database and from the existing method Metro Manila has in gathering

flood information on certain areas (i.e. through citizen reporting, and CCTV monitoring

on certain areas) while RoadFloodPH, could get data directly from the flood sensor

device of this project study.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes and explains the methodology deployed in this study.

Methods of Research

The research design that was mainly used in this study is the descriptive method.

Descriptive method is a fact-finding study with adequate and accurate interpretation of

the findings. It is said to describe with emphasis of what actually exist such as current

conditions, practices, situations, or any phenomena. Also some of the several methods

used were survey method and interview method. These methods help the researchers to

formulate solutions to the raised problems of this project.

Sources of Data

This project aims to create flood sensor with mobile and web applications

support that will provide motorists and commuters about flooded roads.

34

The respondents for the survey will be fifty (100) people randomly chosen from

ages 15 to 60 years old. They shall be selected by non-probability sampling and shall be

composed of males and females. The proponents shall conduct interviews one-on-one

or with a small group. The interviewees would be coming from professionals and

officials who work on different agencies that address to issues such as risk-reduction,

and natural calamities.

Direct observation of the performance of the flood sensors is an excellent means

of gathering data. Observations are usually done in combination with another data

gathering method that is used to fill in the gaps and answer questions.

Data Gathering Instrument

The proponents formulated survey questionnaires and interview questions for

data gathering. These tools would help the researches to acquire data that will be used

in the study.

Survey questionnaires would also be used in the data gathering. These are

carefully formulated, set, and arranged by the researchers. The questionnaires will be

given to the respondents which will also be collected back to systematically evaluate

and tabulate the respondent’s answer.

The researchers would be visiting various non-government and government

agencies (such as MMDA, DOST, local governments) and would be conducting series

35

of interviews based on the needed information to be collected. Schedules for interviews

would be varying according to the response of the professionals or officials who are in-

charge with issues like risk-reduction, flood and other natural calamities. Interviews will

be recorded in proper recording equipment. The conducted interviews, authorized by

the respondents, will serve as legal references for the researchers.

All these data collecting paraphernalia were solely used for the purpose of the

study.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers will seek approval from the concerned government and non-

government agencies to make the study possible. Random people will also be asked to

answer the survey questionnaires upon their approval.

Survey questionnaires will be given to random people to check the significance

of the study to be conducted. Researchers will also be conducting interviews to different

professionals and officials who work in agencies related to the design project. The data

which will be collected during the said process will help them to evaluate the specific

opinions and ideas of the people related to the topic in order to make appropriate

generalizations.

After creating the prototype and the supporting Internet-based applications,

testing of the sensors and web/mobile applications will undergo. In case that the time to

36

test the sensors where there are no flooding in the designated areas, simulations will be

done. The researchers will seek pieces of advice from flood experts to create flood

simulations.

The findings from this research will be compared to the other findings and

official reports based on the interviews and survey processes.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The following statistical treatments were used to treat the data:

Percentage. This statistical treatment was used to define the profiles of the respondents.

Formula:

𝑷 = 𝒇

𝑵 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟎

Where: f = frequency

N = total number of respondents

P = percentage

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Weighted Mean. Unbiased treatment and different observation were given conforming

to their varying relative performance.

Formula:

𝑾𝑴 = ∑ 𝒇𝒙

𝑵

Where: WM = weighted mean

f = frequency of score

x = raw score

N = total number of respondents

38

Figure 3.1 Initial Sketch of Prototype for Ultrasonic Sensor and Microprocessor

Figure 3.2 Sample Placement of Prototype on Sidewalk

39

Figure 3.3 Network and Transmission Model between Prototype Flood Sensing

Device and Server

Figure 3.3 shows the transmission from the unit device to the server. From the

device, the data is transmitted via SMS through the telecommunication network and is

received by another GSM-gizDuino shield which in term is connected to the web and

database server.

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Figure 3.4 Data transmission to Users of Mobile and Web Application and SMS

Subscribers

Figure 3.4 shows the data transmission from the gizDuino shield to the users of

the mobile and web applications as well as the SMS advisory subscribers. After the

gizDuino forwards the data to the server, it will automatically update all previous data

of that particular location and update all mobile and web applications. It will also send

a new update to the SMS advisory subscribers via text messages using the GSM shield

that is connected to the server.

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Figure 3.5 Initial Design for Mobile Application named “Flood Meter”

42

Figure 3.6 Initial Design for Web Application named “Flood Meter”

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the components of the system, implementation of the

hardware design, fabrication of components, circuitry designs, diagrams, and overall

cost of the implemented system. This will give an overview of the overall proposed

system in terms of procedures and figures presented.

Components of the Proposed System

This project is composed of two following parts: hardware and software.

Hardware part is composed of charging circuit board, battery, transformer, fan, LED for

status indicator, ultrasonic sensor, gizDuino mini with ATmega328, SIM card, and

GSM/GPRS shield. On the other hand, the software part consists of web and mobile

application for data interpretation and presentation.

CHARGING CIRCUIT BOARD

44

BATTERY BANK

Specification:

12V

12Ah/20HR

TRANSFORMER

Specification:

220V – 15V

1A

FAN

Specification:

12V

0.16A

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ULTRASONIC SENSOR

Specification:

Power Input: 3V (3V-5V)

Ampere Rate: 3.5 mA

Frequency: 40 kHz

Range: 2 cm – 350 cm (3.5

m)

GIZDUINO MINI WITH ATmega328

Specification:

Power Input: 5V (5V-12V)

Ampere Rate: 500 mA

GSM/GPRS SHIELD WITH SIM CARD

Specification:

Power Input: 5V (5V-

7.5V)

Ampere Rate: 1.5 A

46

LED FOR STATUS INDICATOR

CASING

Hardware Component Placement

Figure 4.1 Actual placement of the components in the casing

47

Software Tools

Globe Labs API (Application Programming Interface)

Globe Labs API is an application created by Globe Labs under Globe Telecom

Inc. It is a tool for developers to help them to integrate their software applications with

Globe platform for calls, short messaging service (SMS), open authentication, charging,

and location detection. In our case, we used their SMS API.

With the SMS API, Globe Labs API becomes the intermediary software

application that can send and receive information through text. As of now, the Globe

Labs API is only available for Globe SIM numbers only.

Globe Labs API provides a permanent access token to the SMS subscriber upon

registration. This access token is the securing protocol to both access the Globe Labs

API and the 3rd party application’s which in this case is the RoadFloodPH data. Without

the token, both the RoadFloodPH server and subscribers will never have access to the

Globe Labs API. Therefore, access tokens provided by the Globe Labs API to the

subscribers are saved into MySQL Database in the RoadFloodPH Server for future

referencing and usage of the Globe Labs API service.

Globe Labs API has two ways to authenticate Globe SIM (Subscriber

Identification Module) number. These are the Web-based form and the SMS-based

form. These forms from Globe Labs API are sending JSON (JavaScript Object

Notation) file to the redirect URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that addresses the

RoadFloodPH Server PHP (PHP Hypertext Pre-processor) file. The redirect URI for

this project is http://roadfloodph.cloudapp.net/globe/redirect/index.php. This redirect

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URI is provided by the RoadFloodPH developer that is being declared at the Globe Labs

API developer’s website: http://developer.globelabs.com.ph. When the subscriber used

the Web-based form through accessing the redirect URI, the Globe Labs API will send

JSON file containing the “hash code” that will be parsed in the “index.php” to convert

it into valuable information such as the subscriber’s number and access token. Then, the

“index.php” redirects the user to the RoadFloodPH web page. If the subscriber used the

SMS-based form, the Globe Labs API will send the JSON file containing both the

subscriber’s number and access token to the redirect URI that will be parsed into a

usable information.

When Globe Labs API receives data from the subscribers, it will send a JSON

file to the notify URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that addresses the RoadFloodPH

Server PHP (PHP Hypertext Pre-processor) file. Our notify URI is

http://roadfloodph.cloudapp.net/globe/notify/index.php. This notify URI is provided by

the RoadFloodPH developer declared at the Globe Labs API developer’s website

http://developer.globelabs.com.ph. The JSON file containing both the subscriber’s

number and message will then be parsed in the “index.php” to process the information

into a valuable format.

In this case, both the RoadFloodPH subscribers and road flood units SIM

numbers are subscribed to the Globe Labs API. Future subscribers must also be

subscribed in the same way.

We used the Globe Labs API with the Globe Labs PHP Wrapper that can be

found in https://github.com/globelabs/api/blob/master/PHP. By default, Globe Labs

49

API is running in Node.js server and Python scripts. But with the help of PHP Wrapper,

developers can access the Globe Labs API via PHP scripts.

Though the Globe Labs API is designed to create business with their platform,

the time when this project is being created, this API is in beta version. Therefore, Globe

Labs provided the proponents free credits (a worth 1000 pesos that is composed of 2000

points for outgoing SMS and 13,000 points for incoming SMS) to accomplish the API

testing together with the RoadFloodPH application. The incoming SMS are messages

texted by the subscribers to the Globe Labs API. A total of 13,000 incoming SMS

messages are allowed during the creation of an account. For the outbound SMS, these

are SMS messages generated from the subscriber’s request or the RoadFloodPH

Server’s request to the Globe Labs API to send an SMS to another subscriber (in short,

from Globe Labs API to Subscriber’s Number). Every outgoing messages costs 50

centavos. That is why, the 1000 pesos is allowed to send an outgoing message up to

2000 points. These 1000 pesos credits expires in a month just like a regular load. Other

than 1000 pesos load, they had designed a table bracketing amounts greater than or less

that 1000 to satisfy the service needed by the developer.

The Globe Labs API is designed to become a suite for developers in application

development and be integrated to their platform. The points or credits are reloadable

using GCash or via the retail stores (“suking tindahan”). In that way, our developers

receive convenience in paying credits for the Globe Labs API. Again, the researchers

had not paid any amount to Globe Labs since it is free under Beta Testing.

50

Facebook API

Facebook API is an application software that enables developers to connect their

apps to Facebook. Proponents used their PHP SDK (Software Development Kit) to

enable the RoadFloodPH application to share flood updates into the RoadFloodPH

Facebook Page.

The trigger in posting to Facebook is the Globe Labs API. When the Globe Labs

API throws data to the notify URI, the PHP script will be triggered to use the posting

script of the Facebook API.

Windows Azure

Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables developers

to quickly build, deploy and manage applications across a global network of Microsoft-

managed data centers. Anyone can build applications using any language, tool or

framework. And it can integrate to any public cloud applications with the developer’s

existing IT environment.

In this case, researchers used Window Azure to create a virtual machine that will

be available in the Internet to stand as the web and database hosting computer server for

the RoadFloodPH application. Windows Azure has a free trial access within 90 days for

a regular software tester. But, the proponents got a privilege account from Microsoft,

PUP’s software partner company, which is called BizSpark. BizSpark is a privilege

business account for start-ups. It provides access to business software tools for 3 years

such as the MSDN (Microsoft Developers Network) subscription and Windows Azure.

These subscriptions are being paid by the BizSpark account.

51

Windows Server 2012 R2

It is the virtual machine, which is available and accessible over the Internet, that

researchers created in Windows Azure. This is the latest release of Microsoft for server

operating system in the time of this study. Through this operating system, proponents

had setup web service called Internet Information Services (IIS) version 8, the MySQL

database server, and FileZilla Server for file transfer. Researchers had also setup the

firewall settings to allow port numbers to make the virtual server be accessible via the

Internet. The following are the protocols used and defined in Windows Server 2012 R2.

Table 4.1 Protocols in Windows Server 2012 R2

Protocol Port Number Description

1 Hypertext Transfer Protocol

(HTTP)

80 Default Web Service Port

2 MySQL Database Main Port 3306 Default MySQL Service

Port

3 File Transfer Protocol (FTP) 1300 Assigned Private Port

Number

4 Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 60027 Predefined Protocol by

Azure

These setups are not possible without the predefined remote desktop protocol by

Windows Azure. Installations and configurations are done with Remote Desktop

Connection Windows application. Proponents define the Windows Server 2012 R2 in

this document as the RoadFloodPH Server for both web and database server.

FileZilla

52

FileZilla is an open-source software application tool that is capable of

transferring files from the local computer to the server (Windows Server 2012 R2).

FileZilla uses File Transfer Protocol (FTP) with the default value of 21. But, for security

reasons, researchers assigned private port number in the FTP setup.

FileZilla has two types, the client application and the server application. The

client application must be installed in the local computer while the server application to

the server side. Through the client application, the researchers can transfer files from

the local computer to the RoadFloodPH Server. For the FileZilla server application,

proponents defined in its setting the directories accessible by the FileZilla client and

also defined username and password that will allow the access to these directories.

Developers also setup in the FileZilla server settings of all the possible configurations

the client can do with these directories such as creation, deletion, and modification of

directory and files.

Proponents used FileZilla to transfer the RoadFloodPH web files such as the

HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language), JS (JavaScript), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets),

and PHP (PHP Hypertext Pre-processor) from the local computer to the RoadFloodPH

server.

Internet Information Services (IIS) 8

IIS is the provider and manager of all the requests in the web and database

protocol. It is the resource locator (images, HTML, CSS and JS) and caller to server

side interpreter (PHP, server-side scripts that has access to MySQL database). By

default, IIS is preconfigured to process server-side scripts in ASP (Active Server Pages)

53

format but proponents used PHP, instead, with respect to the knowledge and skills and

the availability of PHP wrapper of the Globe Labs API.

Microsoft Web Platform Installer

In a Windows Server, the default installed web and database services are ASP

and SQL Server. But, Windows made it possible to integrate famous open-source

applications to its Windows environment integrated to IIS.

Researchers used Microsoft Web Platform Installer application to install PHP

and MySQL in our RoadFloodPH Server. With this installer application, all

configurations needed to integrate the IIS web service with PHP and MySQL are

automatically performed.

PHP: Hypertext Pre-processor (PHP)

PHP is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that is

especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML.

The proponents used PHP for all the server-side scripting. Alteration and

retrieving of data to and from the database are performed using the PHP scripts.

MySQL

MySQL is the world’s most popular open source database, enabling the cost-

effective delivery of reliable, high-performance and scalable Web-based and embedded

database applications.

Proponents used MySQL as the database platform for RoadFloodPH

application.

Web Browsers

54

Researchers used Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox to test

and view the web application. Test results show that all the features of the web app

working in these three leading web browser.

JQuery Framework

JQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library. It makes things like

HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, animation, and Ajax

much simpler with an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers. With

a combination of versatility and extensibility, jQuery has changed the way that millions

of people write JavaScript.

Researchers used JQuery as a framework in our JavaScript files and make use

of the modern styles of scripting and animations.

JQuery Mobile Framework

It is a JQuery Framework for developing mobile applications. Proponents used

this framework to easily create the mobile app version of RoadFloodPH.

Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Proponents used Arduino IDE to compile and upload our codes to Gizduino mini

with ATmega328. Its environment codes are in C or C++ language.

System Implementation (Hardware)

I. PROCEDURES IN THE DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF THE CIRCUIT

OR DEVICE

55

The first stage was creating the circuit for the back-up power voltage regulator.

The proponents etched, mounted the components of the circuit, and tested if it is

functioning properly. The proponents then started researching of the actual prototype.

Researchers had done series of canvassing and designing on how the components will

be placed in a casing. Proponents sketched designs and asked metal experts in making

the case of the prototype. Once the casing is done, the proponents then mounted all the

components after testing if each of the parts are properly functioning.

After checking and validating each components if they are properly functioning

when integrated together, the researchers then proceeded to the designing and coding of

the program needed for the water level sensing. The researchers troubleshoot and

consider certain adjustments on the sensor and on how the water level readings will be

presented on both web and mobile application support.

The researchers also started coding the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of both

web and mobile application. Once both GUIs are completed, proponents started coding

the backend part of the applications where data from the sensors are passed through the

servers and presented through both web and mobile applications.

Lastly, the final stage of implementation of the system was the testing based on

the sensory evaluation. The researchers tested the sensor with different water levels.

Proponents also tested the circuit when the AC source is cut and uses the battery as

back-up power source.

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II. FUNCTIONALITY TESTING

Figure 4.2. Individual Circuit Flow Testing

Figure 4.2 demonstrates the process that have undertaken for the completion of

the proposed system. Failure from any of the process illustrated shall always be taken

care of in order for the system to reach its actual and working stage.

The circuit for backup power voltage regulator was finally then combined to the

gizDuino mini with ATmega328 and GSM/GPRS shield for the power source of the

prototype. Upon combining the circuitry and other components of the system,

proponents started doing the calibration for the sensor and testing of the backup power

when AC source is suddenly cut. Proponents tested the program for its accuracy of

identifying the level of water in a controlled environment. Researchers also checked

also the accuracy of the presented data in both web and mobile support with regards to

the sensor’s readings.

Breadboar

d Testing

Circuit

Designing PCB

Etching

Circuit

Analyzation

and Testing

Connection

hardware

components

Circuit

Analyzation

and Testing

Program

Coding and

Debugging

Connecting the

Coded Program

to the circuits

Sensor

Calibration

Assembling and

placing the final

working module and

circuits

Circuit

Error/Failure

57

Figure 4.3 Sample placing of flood sensor in a post

Table 4.2 Reading comparison between flood sensor and actual measurement

Unit Detection

(absolute value)

Actual Measurement Record Update by

the Server

2 2.25 1:01 PM

2 3.30 1:02 PM

4 4.10 1:06 PM

5 5.25 1:10 PM

6 6.75 1:12 PM

7 7.75 1:12 PM

8 8 01:16 PM

10 10 01:22 PM

Table 4.2 shows the reading comparison between the sensor and the actual

testing. Testing distance is from 0 to 18 inches. The testing was conducted in a

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controlled setup that contains a water drum then the researchers varies the amount of

water to correspond different water level height. The testing was conducted on February

7, 2014.

The average percentage error of the flood sensor reading is 7.1730%.

Computation:

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒−𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑥 100

𝐴𝑉𝑃 = (2+2+4+5+6+7+8+10)−(2.25+3.30+4.10+5.25+6.75+7.75+8+10)

(2+2+4+5+6+7+8+10)𝑥 100

𝐴𝑉𝑃 = 47.4−44

47.4𝑥 100

𝐴𝑉𝑃 = 7.1730%

Table 4.3 Data Transmission from Unit to Subscriber

Water Level (Fixed) Unit Detection Report Time through

Stopwatch

16 16 1 minute and 9 seconds

17 17 1 minute and 29 seconds

18 19 2 minutes and 29 seconds

18 18 2 minutes and 3 seconds

18 19 23 seconds

18 18 45 seconds

18 19 44 seconds

18 18 36 seconds

18 19 23 seconds

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Table 4.3 shows how responsive the API to report about its detection. The

Report Time includes the "RESEND" protocol of the unit device and the RoadFloodPH

Server.

Block Diagram

Figure 4.4 Block Diagram for Charging Circuit Board

From an AC source of 220 Volts, it will pass thru a step-down transformer that

will give of 15 Volts of AC that will be converted into 15 Volts of DC by the bridge

rectifier. The voltage will then be smoothed out by 4, 700 capacitor. After which the

555 Timer will then compare whether the voltage in the battery is to be charge or not.

The 555 timer’s Control Voltage (pin 5) will compare the battery voltage to the Zener

diode’s voltage on whether to continue charging the circuit or not. If the battery voltage

is greater than 13 Volts, comparator output goes high and will set the flip-flop while

turning off the transistor and relay, and thus cutting off the battery charging; if the

battery voltage is below 8.9 Volts (set by us using variable resistor) the lower

comparator will then reset the flip-flop, turning on the transistor and relay, enabling the

battery charging. The regulated voltage of 8 volts will then be passed thru the relay and

into the battery.

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Figure 4.5 Block Diagram for Road Flood Water Level Sensing System

Figure 4.5 shows how the system’s data network architecture between the sensor

and the server. The main source of input is the road flood level which will be sensed by

the ultrasonic sonar sensor. The sensed signal will be received and processed by the

gizDuino™ and will be interpreted into a useful information. This information will be

sent to the server through the use of GSM/GPRS shield. The server will then request to

the sender unit device to resend again the status that will serve as confirmation for data

integrity during information transmission over the network. If then it is still the sent

data, it will be recorded to the database to make the valid data available for viewing

over the internet. Every time there is a change of status in the sensed signal of the

ultrasonic sensor, it will be analyzed by gizDuino™ and send new information to the

server.

Road Flood Water Level

Ultrasonic Sensor

Microcontroller ServerWeb and

Mobile App

Actual Measurement

Road Flood Water Level

Internet

Feedback

LED

Array

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Flow Chart

Figure 4.6 Flow Chart of the Web-based SIM Number Authentication Program

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Figure 4.7 Arduino Code Workflow

63

Figure 4.8 SMS-based Authentication and Subscription Process for Unit

Subscribers Workflow

Figure 4.9 SMS-based Authentication and Subscription Process for Road Flood

Unit SIM Workflow

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Figure 4.10 Web and Mobile Application Data Display Flow Chart

SOURCE CODE

The source code for the web application could be found at

https://github.com/markanthonymuya/roadfloodph.

The source code for the mobile application could be found at

https://github.com/katrinayabu/rdfldph.

The following is the source code for Arduino. It can also be found at can also be

found at https://github.com/markanthonymuya/roadfloodphARDUINO.

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SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM AND COMPONENT ANALYSIS

Figure 4.11 Schematic Diagram of Charging Circuit Board

This circuit is a battery charging circuit that will automatically turn on as user

pre-set voltage is achieved as well as cut-off power when a certain voltage is achieved.

The main component of this auto battery charger circuit is a 555 timer which compares

the voltage in the battery. The battery charging voltage of the charger can be varied by

adjusting the variable resistor and maximum charging is limited by a 13.8V Zener diode

on the fifth terminal of 555 IC.

A second relay is added to control the circuit’s lamp via an input from the

Gizduino mini with ARmega328 module and is used as a warning for when the critical

66

water level is achieved. The third relay is used to give the Gizduino module two option

for its source: either direct from the converted AC source or from a DC battery source.

Base from this, the circuit is supplied by both the AC source as well as the 12V

battery that it charges. From the AC source the input voltage is stepped down by the

220-12V step down transformer that is then rectified by the bridge rectifier. As the 555

timer compares the voltage from the Zener diode to the voltage of the battery to know

whether to continue charging or to cut of the circuit. The voltage regulator supplies an

output of 5V to the gizDuino mini with ATmega328 and GSM/GPRS Shield.

Positive terminal of the upper comparator of 555 is connected with 13V in order

to turn OFF the charger if the battery charges above 13V. This 13V is obtained by

connecting a 13V zener in series with a resistor.

If the battery voltage is greater than 13V, comparator output goes high and flip

flop will be set. This turns OFF the transistor and the relay. If the battery voltage is

below the preset voltage (set by proponents), lower comparator will reset the flip flop.

This turns ON the transistor and the relay will switch to charge the battery. The recharge

voltage (preset voltage) can set by varying the variable resistor. Power ON is indicated

by a red LED and charger ON status is indicated by a green LED.

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Survey Results

An online 10-question survey was created via Google Docs to see the importance

of having a mobile and web application that gives flood monitoring information. The

Internet, particularly social networking sites, have very high penetration rates in the

Philippines. An online survey is a perfect venue to get the Filipinos’ opinion. The survey

aimed to find out (1) if the respondents have smartphones, its operating system and if

they own a vehicle, including its type (2) if the respondents experienced being stuck in

a flooded area, (3) if the respondents are aware of existing flood warning systems and

(4) commuters’ opinion in having a mobile application regarding flood warnings. The

survey was distributed through Facebook and Twitter.

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The following graphs summarize the responses of the 100 survey respondents.

69

70

Cost and Benefit Analysis

This includes the materials used in the implementation of the design project.

Table 4.4 List of Materials Used

Material Quantity Cost

10 Ohms 10W Resistor 2 pcs. P 10.00/pc

1K Ohms Resistor 3 pcs. P 0.25/pc

820 Ohms Resistor 1pc. P 0.25

10K Ohms Variable Resistor 1 pc. P 10.00

1N4001 Diode 10 pcs. P 1.00/pc

1N4743, 13V0 Zener Diode 1 pc. P 2.50

4.7KuF Capacitor 1 pc. P 35.00

7806(6V, 1A) voltage Regulator 1 pc. P 20.00

NE555 Bipolar Timer 1 pc. P 10.00

BC548B NPN Transistor 1 pc. P 2.50

6V Relay 3pcs. P 18.00

LED(RED, GREEN) 3 pcs. P 1.00/pc

Transformer (220V-15V AC) 1 pc. P 160.00

IC Holder(8-pin) 1 pc. P 5.00

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Switch 1 pc. P 6.00

12V 17Ah Battery 1 pc. P 900.00

6x4 Presensitized Board 1 pc. P 95.00

GSM Module 1 pc. P 1,995.00

Gizduino 1 pc. P 710.00

Solid Wire 10 meters P 5.00/meter

Stranded Wire 10 meters P 5.00/meter

GI Casing 1 pc. P 2,800.00

Metal primer 1 can P 60.00

Metal paint 1 can P 60.00

Paint brush 1 pc. P 35.00

Phylox spray paint 1 pc. P 150.00

Rubber 1 pc. P 20.00

Screws 10 pcs. P 10.00

Ultrasonic Sensor 1 pc. P 200.00

Header pins (6 pins) 2 pcs. P 32.00

Header pins (8 pins) 2 pcs. P 46.00

TOTAL P 7542.75

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Screenshots

Web Application

Figure 4.12 Initial Page

73

Figure 4.13 Admin Login

Figure 4.14 Dashboard (Daily)

74

Figure 4.15 Locations Page

Figure 4.16 Reference Page

75

Figure 4.17 Unit Registration Page

Figure 4.18 Unit Information Update

Mobile Application

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Figure 4.19 Screenshots of the Initial Page, View Flood, View Flood – Vehicle,

and View Flood – Body Measurement pages

Figure 4.20 Screenshots of the View Flood – MMDA Gauge, Reference – Vehicle,

Reference – MMDA Gauge, and Reference – MMDA Indicator pages

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Figure 4.21 Screenshots of the Social, Emergency, and About Us pages

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the final findings, ideas, concepts and added recommendations

for future development regarding the composition of the whole system.

Summary

The study is about a road flood sensor that automatically sends flood level

through SMS and data then interpreted through RoadFloodPH mobile and web

applications as well as SMS subscription. It seeks to develop and answer the following

questions:

4. How can the design project help the locals measure flood height on roads?

5. What mobile and web application can help commuters be informed about

passable and unpassable roads due to flood?

6. How can the design project help the dissemination of information on an

impassable road and its height to the locals during rainy season?

Proponents did researching through different government agencies and through

comparisons of different flood monitoring devices and web/mobile applications.

Researchers reviewed how the government distributes flood related information

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specifically through Project NOAH as well as how locals perceive early flood warning

announcements. The comparisons were done to give us basis in making the prototype.

Next, proponents search information on the accuracy of ultrasonic sensors that shall

determine the flood level reading. Upon completion, researchers executed accuracy

testing of the flood sensor and the responsiveness of the web and mobile applications

support.

Conclusion

Based from the existing means of reporting flooded roads in the Philippines, the

proponents have concluded that the flood sensor could measure the height of flood and

the measurement data can be distributed to different users that have access to the web

and mobile apps. Instead of the existing ways of measuring and reporting flooded areas,

which are through CCTV cameras and the Flood Patrol Application (extended app of

Project NOAH), using this device will save time and effort and has real-time update.

The RoadFloodPH apps also indicate passable and impassable roads and will help

commuters to avoid getting stuck in an impassable road by accessing them. The flood

sensor could be portable and installed not only on roads but as well as different

institutions that experience flooding. By accessing the apps and subscribing to

RoadFloodPH SMS, users could easily get real-time information on monitoring flooded

areas.

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Recommendation

The prototype itself of the device can really be still enhanced; its composition,

color or even making it more minimal.

It is strongly recommended to have a smaller battery bank.

In setting up the flood sensor, it is recommended to put fence to avoid garbage

from getting read by the sensor.

It is also recommended to have another sensor, a water sensor, to be attached at

the bottom of the post so that the ultrasonic sensor will only be activated when

water is detected.

The data or flood reading gathered by the sensor is recommended to be pushed

through Project NOAH since the existing way of collecting flood level data in

certain areas are only through the Flood Patrol application and CCTV cameras

deployed in certain areas as well as MMDA partnered citizen reporters.

It is highly recommended that the sensor must be setup in a post beside a

sidewalk with partnership with a local government.