Title: GNSS H2O: A Global Network of In Situ Hydrologic Sensors Derived from GNSS Data
Presenting Author: Kristine M. Larson
Organization: University of Colorado
Co-Author(s):
Eric Small, Susan Owen, Angelyn Moore, Cynthia Wong, Sean Hardman, Dana Freeborn

Abstract:
GNSS instruments are routinely used by surveyors to measure land boundaries and by geophysicists to monitor tectonic motions. These GNSS instruments can also provide valuable and cost-efficient information about soil moisture, snow depth/snow water equivalent, vegetation water content, and water levels. A pilot project in the western U.S. (PBO H2O) has demonstrated that GNSS hydrologic data can be produced operationally in a time scale that is relevant for weather forecasting, climate studies, and satellite validation. Some of the 10,000+ continuously-operating GNSS sites that currently exist globally could be generating hydrologic and water level measurements at minimal cost, but information technology limitations preclude expansion from the current system. To build this global network of in situ water sensors, GNSS H2O, we will advance the technology of software that acquires and processes GNSS data from disparate and variable sources. Our objectives are to 1. Enable operators of GNSS networks to provide current and past data to the GNSS H2O system. 2. Build an infrastructure system to automatically ingest GNSS observations, evaluate station metadata, and produce hydrologic products from the GNSS data. This will require development of an automated station evaluator that will determine the close proximity of roads and other factors that would render the data unusable for hydrologic products. The GNSS H2O infrastructure will leverage the proven Apache OODT framework. This open-source system currently serves as the infrastructure backbone for various JPL, NASA, and non-NASA science data systems. 3. Enable improved understanding of the GNSS water products through development and maintenance of a portal for visualization, mining, and data sharing.