The Acquisition module allows you to examine ongoing data acquisition, evaluate the quality of incoming data, quickly identify problem locations, and validate questionable data. You can configure CWMS to receive incoming data from gages in the field via data streams from networks, including DROT (Domestic Satellite Receive-only Terminals), National Weather Service (NWS) feeds, and other sources. When data arrives, CWMS automatically compares the received values to preset quality and threshold values and translates the data into a user-readable format. There are three automated transformation processes:
- An optional on-the-fly transformation process carries out a rudimentary comparison of raw data against preset ranges before storing it in the CWMS database.
- For more complex data operations, the CWMS software executes a selective comprehensive validation/transformation process within a few minutes of data arrival. This includes, for example, validating cumulative precipitation against a subsequent value and duration test then computing hourly incremental precipitation.
- Finally, at fixed times during the day, the CWMS software revalidates and recalculates/transforms data over a longer period, for example, a week.
Because of these automated transformation and validation processes, the CWMS database contains both raw and revised observed data. While the automated transformation and validation processes happen behind the scenes, the CWMS software provides information that apprises you of the quality of incoming observed data in the database. First, CWMS can display color bars and thumbnail plots that dynamically convey the quality of data at individual locations where data are being collected. Second, plots and tables provide detailed views of incoming data. Third, you can view gages in groups (such as precipitation or flow) and see details for more or fewer gages than appear in the georeferenced map display. These features help you assess incoming data and identify specific locations where problems may exist in data acquisition.
Once you have identified problem gages, you can use the Data Validation Editor to validate data manually. The Data Validation Editor allows you to select specific locations for validation (ad hoc mode) or to use pre-defined validation lists (list mode). The Data Validation Editor can filter data to identify and display only those data time series with questionable, missing, and/or rejected data. Additionally, the Data Validation Editor offers tools for both text-entry editing and graphical editing. You can also use automated estimates to edit data.