Omnidirectional Displacement Meter

A traditional inclinometer measures tilt and calculates lateral displacement along two axes (A and B). An omnidirectional meter adds a magnetometer or gyro to track azimuth, so it can resolve the true 3D displacement vector. This means you get not only how much the ground moved sideways but also in which direction and, when combined with depth, how the entire column has shifted vertically and horizontally.

Ranges vary by model, but typical configurations cover ±30° from vertical across the full sensor string length. Accuracy depends on the sensor type: MEMS-based probes commonly achieve 0.01° resolution with repeatability around ±0.05°. For absolute azimuth, magnetic-based systems usually stay within ±2° to ±5° in clean environments. Always check the specific datasheet for the probe you plan to use, as performance can differ between manufacturers.

Yes, the probe and cable are designed to remain in the borehole for months or years. Many users grout the casing in place and leave the instrument string inside, connected to an automatic datalogger. The electronics are sealed against moisture, and the low power draw allows battery or solar operation. Periodic manual readings with an indicator are also an option if you prefer walk-by monitoring.

The raw output is typically a series of tilt and azimuth readings for each sensor segment. Companion software then calculates the cumulative displacement profile—how much each point has moved in 3D space since the baseline reading. Most systems export data in CSV or directly to platforms like Geokon’s logger software. Kingmach provides its own basic analysis tool, but the output is straightforward enough that many users write their own post-processing scripts.

Custom configurations are common. You can specify the number of sensors, the distance between them, and even the cable length. This flexibility lets you target specific zones, like a suspected shear band at a certain depth, without instrumenting the entire borehole. Kingmach’s engineering team works with your project specs to build the string accordingly.