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 Attachment WRD DISTRIBUTION: FO A, B, PO without attachment