[Tutorial] : Flood Monitoring & Detection System Using FAVORIOT IoT via 4G LTE

This project develops a real-time flood monitoring system using water level, humidity, rain, and IoT sensors connected to the FAVORIOT platform via a GSM/4G module (SIM800L/SIM7600). It is ideal for deployment in remote areas without WiFi connectivity.

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1. System Architecture

1.1. Workflow

1. Data Collection – Sensors measure water level, humidity, temperature, and rain detection.
2. Data Processing – The microcontroller (ESP32/Arduino) receives the data.
3. Cloud Transmission – Data is uploaded to FAVORIOT using 4G LTE via GSM modules (SIM800L/SIM7600).
4. Analysis & Visualization – The FAVORIOT dashboard displays real-time monitoring data.
5. Early Warning System – If the water level exceeds the threshold, FAVORIOT sends an SMS or Telegram alert.

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2. Recommended Hardware Components

Component	Function
ESP32 / Arduino Mega 2560	Main processor
GSM 4G Module (SIM800L / SIM7600)	Data transmission to cloud
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)	Measures water level
Soil Moisture Sensor (YL-69)	Detects soil moisture level
Rain Sensor (FC-37)	Detects rainfall presence
DHT11 / DHT22	Measures temperature & humidity
Relay Module	Controls siren or water pump
LiPo Battery + Solar Panel	Power supply for off-grid deployment

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3. Hardware Setup & Wiring

3.1. Connection Overview

Component	ESP32/Arduino Pin
Ultrasonic Sensor (Trig / Echo)	GPIO 5, GPIO 18
Rain Sensor (Digital Out)	GPIO 15
Soil Moisture Sensor (Analog Out)	GPIO 34
DHT11 / DHT22 (Data Pin)	GPIO 4
GSM Module (TX/RX)	GPIO 16, GPIO 17
Relay Module	GPIO 23

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4. Software Development

4.1. Install Required Libraries

For ESP32/Arduino, ensure the following libraries are installed in the Arduino IDE:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <DHT.h>


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4.2. Connecting to FAVORIOT IoT Cloud via 4G GSM

SoftwareSerial gsmSerial(16, 17); // TX to 16, RX to 17 (adjust for GSM module)

String apiKey = "your_favoriot_api_key";
String deviceId = "your_device_id";
String serverURL = "https://apiv2.favoriot.com/v2/streams";


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4.3. Flood Detection & Data Transmission to FAVORIOT via GSM

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <DHT.h>

#define TRIG_PIN 5
#define ECHO_PIN 18
#define DHTPIN 4
#define DHTTYPE DHT11
#define RAIN_SENSOR 15
#define SOIL_SENSOR 34
#define RELAY_PIN 23

DHT dht(DHTPIN, DHTTYPE);
SoftwareSerial gsmSerial(16, 17); // TX to 16, RX to 17

String apiKey = "your_favoriot_api_key";
String deviceId = "your_device_id";
String serverURL = "https://apiv2.favoriot.com/v2/streams";

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    gsmSerial.begin(9600);
    
    pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT);
    pinMode(RAIN_SENSOR, INPUT);
    pinMode(SOIL_SENSOR, INPUT);
    pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT);
    dht.begin();

    Serial.println("Initializing GSM...");
    sendATCommand("AT", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+CSQ", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+CREG?", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+CGATT=1", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+CSTT=\"internet\"", "OK"); // Ensure correct APN
    sendATCommand("AT+CIICR", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+CIFSR", ".");
    Serial.println("GSM Connection Established!");
}

void sendATCommand(String command, String expectedResponse) {
    gsmSerial.println(command);
    delay(1000);
    while (gsmSerial.available()) {
        String response = gsmSerial.readString();
        if (response.indexOf(expectedResponse) != -1) {
            Serial.println(response);
            break;
        }
    }
}

float getWaterLevel() {
    digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
    delayMicroseconds(2);
    digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);
    delayMicroseconds(10);
    digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
    float duration = pulseIn(ECHO_PIN, HIGH);
    return (duration * 0.034 / 2); // Distance in cm
}

void sendDataToFavoriot(float waterLevel, float temp, float humidity, int rain, int soil) {
    String jsonData = "{\"device_developer_id\":\"" + deviceId + 
                      "\", \"data\": {\"water_level\":\"" + String(waterLevel) + 
                      "\", \"temperature\":\"" + String(temp) + 
                      "\", \"humidity\":\"" + String(humidity) + 
                      "\", \"rain_detected\":\"" + String(rain) + 
                      "\", \"soil_moisture\":\"" + String(soil) + "\"}}";

    String command = "AT+HTTPPARA=\"URL\",\"" + serverURL + "\"";
    sendATCommand(command, "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+HTTPPARA=\"CONTENT\",\"application/json\"", "OK");
    sendATCommand("AT+HTTPDATA=" + String(jsonData.length()) + ",10000", "DOWNLOAD");
    
    gsmSerial.println(jsonData);
    delay(5000);
    
    sendATCommand("AT+HTTPACTION=1", "OK");
}

void loop() {
    float waterLevel = getWaterLevel();
    float temperature = dht.readTemperature();
    float humidity = dht.readHumidity();
    int rainDetected = digitalRead(RAIN_SENSOR);
    int soilMoisture = analogRead(SOIL_SENSOR);

    Serial.print("Water Level: "); Serial.println(waterLevel);
    Serial.print("Temperature: "); Serial.println(temperature);
    Serial.print("Humidity: "); Serial.println(humidity);
    Serial.print("Rain Detected: "); Serial.println(rainDetected);
    Serial.print("Soil Moisture: "); Serial.println(soilMoisture);

    if (waterLevel > 50) {
        digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH); // Activate siren or pump
    } else {
        digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW);
    }

    sendDataToFavoriot(waterLevel, temperature, humidity, rainDetected, soilMoisture);

    delay(60000); // Send data every 1 minute
}


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5. Benefits of Using 4G LTE

✅ Ideal for remote locations without WiFi
✅ Can function even during extreme weather
✅ Real-time flood alerts sent directly to FAVORIOT

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Conclusion

By integrating a GSM 4G LTE module, smart sensors, and the FAVORIOT platform, this system enables real-time flood monitoring, early warning alerts, and supports disaster risk management for enhanced safety.

References

• Favoriot Platform Registration (FREE and Paid)
• Favoriot Full Documentation (Official)
• Favoriot Github
• How-To Use Favoriot Platform Video Playlist

Disclaimer

This article provides a step-by-step guide. The source code may need adjustments to fit the final project design.