Choosing a Data Logging Weather Station 5 Important Considerations

The ability to monitor environmental conditions is crucial to research in fields ranging from climate variability to agriculture to zoology. Being able to document baseline and changing environmental parameters over time is increasingly important, and from the tropics to the poles, researchers are relying more and more on unattended weather stations for this purpose. Weather stations monitor conditions 24/7 at a specific site, rather than compelling users to rely on regional weather data.

Research-grade weather stations are typically standalone units supporting sensors that monitor environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, soil moisture, photosynthetically active radiation and others. The sensors can be attached to a metal tripod with mounting hardware, and are connected with cables to a data logger that stores measurements. Units typically run on battery and/or solar power and all components are designed to withstand long-term outdoor weather conditions.

Data logging weather stations can be deployed and left unattended for months at a time, collecting data at user defined intervals and storing it into logger memory. Researchers download data manually or wirelessly, and use computer software to configure, deploy, retrieve and analyze information from the station.

Whether you have experience with weather stations and data loggers or are just getting started, this guide can help you choose a system appropriate for your needs. This report includes discussions of 5 important considerations you should keep in mind, and 10 questions you should ask manufacturers.