Measurement, monitoring, and recording form the core of Sommer’s range of services. For almost three decades, Sommer has been developing and implementing innovative measurement technology solutions that are specifically tailored to the demanding requirements of environmental and hydrological measurement technology. The company’s goal is to work with its customers to create ideal solutions that deliver precise measurement data and function reliably even under difficult natural conditions.
The focus is on non-contact flow measurement, enabling the monitoring of water in both liquid and frozen states. Using innovative radar sensors, Sommer provides precise flow measurements in rivers, streams, canals, and all types of open channels. This contactless measurement technology offers key advantages: it is low-maintenance, highly robust, and unaffected by contamination or fluctuating water levels. As a result, it is ideally suited for long-term applications in environmental monitoring and flood management.
Sommer offers contactless measurement solutions specifically for wastewater and industrial waterways, which measure both flow velocity and water level. These solutions use modern radar and ultrasonic technologies that deliver reliable measurement results even under difficult conditions such as foam formation, sediments, or aggressive media.
Another important product offering is tracer systems for flow measurement in streams and channels with unknown cross-sectional profiles. Using the tracer dilution method – either with salt tracers (TQ-S) or fluorescent tracers (TQ-F) – precise measurements can be carried out even where conventional methods reach their limits. These systems are particularly important in research and temporary measurement campaigns.
For groundwater monitoring, Sommer offers reliable level probes that enable continuous monitoring of water levels. They provide important data for water management, environmental protection and long-term resource planning. This range is complemented by automatic weather stations that have been specially developed for alpine and high alpine applications. These stations are designed for harsh weather conditions and provide accurate meteorological data even under extreme environmental conditions.
In the field of snow and avalanche research, Sommer offers sophisticated snow measurement systems. These are used to analyse the composition of the snow cover and to record the snow-water equivalent. In addition, snow scales are used to measure the snow load on flat roofs, thereby helping to significantly reduce the risk of buildings collapsing.
The portfolio is rounded off by data loggers and the MDS Cloud-software, which enable reliable data acquisition, secure transmission, and centralized analysis of measurement data.
With this versatile range of products, Sommer underlines its claim to be a reliable partner for precise measurement technology, sustainable monitoring, and sound data acquisition.
Varysian CEO, Thomas Copping recently sat down with Stéphane Pédeboy from METEORAGE for a focused interview on lightning detection, partnerships, and customer collaboration.
Key highlights included Meteorage’s work with the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the importance of working closely with customers to deliver real impact and recognition as winners of the Global Hydrometeorological Award for Outstanding Lightning Detection and Early Warning Solutions.
