Water-Resources Investigations Report 92-4060, Comparison of Conventional Onsite Recorders and Satellite Telemetry for Surface-Water Data Collection



In Reply Refer To:                               November 30, 1992
Mail Stop 415



OFFICE OF SURFACE WATER TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 93.03

Subject:  Water-Resources Investigations Report 92-4060, 
          Comparison of Conventional Onsite Recorders and 
          Satellite Telemetry for Surface-Water Data Collection 
          by the U.S. Geological Survey by Charles Parrett and 
          E.F. Hubbard, Jr.

The purpose of this memorandum is to announce and transmit to 
field offices the subject report, which details a study comparing 
the measurement of water levels at gaging stations with 
conventional on-site recorders to measurement by satellite 
telemetry.  Based on data related to the time required to operate 
either type of installation, which were tabulated by eight 
participating Districts in 1989, there are general indications 
that the operation of satellite-telemetry stations took somewhat 
more time than conventional recorders.  These stations also tended 
to have more missing record, largely caused by gaps in the 
transmitted data, which contributed significantly to the time 
required for operation.

Supplementary information collected as part of the study, however, 
indicates that the real benefit of satellite telemetry is not time 
saved in the operation of the stations but in fulfilling the need 
of cooperators and the public for real-time data.  Other benefits 
included better knowledge of network performance, easier tracking 
of hydrologic events, and overall improvements in the quality of 
the gage-height data.

Copies of this report may be obtained from the authors:

         Charles Parrett      or         E.F. Hubbard
         CPARRET                         EHUBBARD
         (406)449-5263                   (703)648-5312




                                  Ernest F. Hubbard
                                  Assistant Chief
                                  Office of Surface Water

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