The automated transmission of measurement data from remote field stations to a central data management system. Telemetry systems enable near-real-time access to streamflow, water quality, and weather data from remote locations.
Telemetry in water resources refers to the automated collection and transmission of hydrological, meteorological, and water quality data from remote field stations to centralized data management and distribution systems. Telemetry enables near-real-time data availability for operational decision-making including flood forecasting, reservoir operations, water supply management, and emergency response. Common telemetry platforms include GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) Data Collection System, used extensively by the USGS and National Weather Service for transmitting data from over 30,000 environmental platforms across the United States. Cellular (3G/4G/5G) communication provides higher bandwidth and more flexible transmission scheduling where coverage exists. Satellite systems including Iridium and Globalstar serve remote locations without cellular coverage. Radio telemetry (VHF/UHF, spread spectrum) is used for local networks within line-of-sight ranges. Modern Internet of Things (IoT) technologies including LoRaWAN and NB-IoT are emerging as low-cost alternatives for sensor networks. A typical telemetry system consists of field sensors, a data logger/data collection platform, a communication modem, an antenna, and a power supply (solar panel and battery). Data transmission protocols include standard formats such as Sutron's SatLink, Campbell Scientific's PakBus, and the WaterML standard for web services. Reliable telemetry is critical because delays in receiving streamflow or precipitation data during flood events can directly impact the effectiveness of warnings and emergency response.