Posts

Fresnel zones, testing GNSS-IR

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The ground (or water) reflection footprint of GNSS satellites (drawn as Fresnel ellipses) helps to determine how to use that free signal to measure surface water levels, see this remarkable paper by Karegar et al. , a technique already verified to monitor soil moisture, vegetation water content, and snow depth among others, see the multiple contributions pioneered by Kristine M. Larson . The picture shows preliminary tests at Güemes lake , Azul, Buenos Aires province.

Surveys continue with drone footage

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Guada´s team in action nearby Cerro del Águila , even in a dry summer. For a deeper detail or high quality pictures check IHLLA sites and publications.  

First drone flight too

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At southern hemisphere, with a good GPS cover of 18 satellites. The  UNICEN university campus  at Azul is found at the rear, and at the front many summer pools !

First launch at the cloud

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January the 6th, 2023, we´ve sent the first high-demanding simulation to Google-Cloud-Compute-Engine successfully from IHLLA , meaning that we´ve got already a feasible and low cost platform to develop 2D flood simulations to compare against satellite imagery. The monitoring screen-shot is shown below.

Pampa awaiting

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During the first December week, I moved for a full time research position at IHLLA institute, Azul, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Consultancy activities will continue, and new phone numbers and Email will be eased soon.

Hydromet networks: guidance for sustainability

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Having worked for 10 years within Hydromet Networks and Early Warning Systems, I recommend this World Bank recent guide ,  as key reference for modernization and maintenance prioritizing sustainability, based in experience from developing countries but practically valid elsewhere.  “Grimes, David R.; Rogers, David P.; Schumann, Andreas; Day, Brian F.. 2022. Charting a Course for Sustainable Hydrological and Meteorological Observation Networks in Developing Countries.  World Bank, Washington, DC. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/38071 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”  Figure: screenshot from Daniel Kull at live presentation, 2022-11-09. Hydromet people and functions, D. Kull.

Sentinel-3 altimetry

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A new set of Land-Hydrology altimeter data from Sentinel-3 is available in pilot phase SR_2_LAN_HY , with a 27 days revisit time, and the orbit footprint as displayed in Copernicus OAH ,  in order to track water surface elevation at reservoirs, the case of Paso de las Piedras in Buenos Aires province, with orbits pictured.