BS 17898:2014

This standard BS 17898:2014 Code of practice for the management of observed hydrometric data is classified in these ICS categories:

• 07.060 Geology. Meteorology. Hydrology

This British Standard gives recommendations for the management of observed hydrometric data, including raw data and other data and statistics derived from these observations. While the principles of data management can be applied to all hydrometric observations, particular focus is placed on measurements of precipitation, water level (including stage) and discharge in open channels.

There are other data (for example, evaporation, soil moisture and snow depths) that are embraced by the term “hydrometry”, as defined in this British Standard, and there are yet others (for example, water temperature, pH, atmospheric pressure) that are peripheral. These are not discussed explicitly but it is intended that the same general principles be applied to the management of all such data.

The standard covers metadata associated with hydrometric data, including recommendations for the production and management of descriptive, analytical and statistical material relating to sites where hydrometric data are collected. The recommendations of this standard can be applied to some forms of data directly derived from observational records (for example, summary time series of monthly mean river flows), but are not designed for the management of data resulting from more complex numerical models or spatially aggregated datasets (for example, remotely-sensed data).

This standard does not cover the field collection of data or its transmission, but focuses on the management of data once they have been received in a hydrometric information management system.