YSI Videos | ysi.com

Five Things I Wish I Knew About the FlowTracker2!

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

New to the SonTek FlowTracker2? Get precise discharge measurements with ease! Join Jessica Latzko as she shares 5 essential tips to help you get the most accurate data from the start. From site selection to real-time feedback, these pro tips will save you time and improve your results. Watch now and measure like a pro!

Send us your questions at sontek@xylem.com">sontek@xylem.com!

Download the Brochure: https://www.ysi.com/File%20Library/Documents/Brochures%20and%20Catalogs/flowtracker2-brochure.pdf

SonTek Webinar | Top Six Questions by SonTek ADCP Customers

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:31:39 GMT

If you've ever had a question regarding ADCPs this webinar probably has the answer! Watch our panel of experts answer questions directly from customers like you.

We cover:
Why is accurate transducer depth critical?
When and why to do a compass calibration?
Is QRev required for post-processing?
Why choose moving boat vs stationary method?
Why choose one track reference over another?
Why use vertical beam vs bottom track depth?

And more!

Xylem Analytics Roadshow Re-cap - Perth, Australia

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Well done and a hearty congratulations is extended to our colleagues in the Southern Hemisphere, as they recently conducted a live customer demo and training event in Perth, Australia, showcasing a cross-section of both water quality and discharge data collection instrumentation.

Questions regarding featured instruments? Email: inquiry@sontek.com

Instrument Displays and Demos Featured:

Discharge Measurement: Water Level Monitoring (Amazon Bubbler), Discharge/Flow (SonTek FlowTracker2®, RS5 ADCP and M9 ADCP), Unattended real-time Discharge/Flow (SonTek IQ/SL acoustic flow meters).

Water Quality Monitoring: Handheld Water Quality Systems (WQS), Realtime WQ monitoring buoy (DB600), Surface WQ Mapping (rQPOD).

Surveying: Lidar (Hypack Lidar Payload), Bathymetry (SonTek HydroSurveyor), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (rQPOD)

Mining and Municipal Water Management: Water quality sampling station (Automatic Sampler), Flow/discharge monitoring (SonTek IQ/SonTek SL acoustic flow meters), Level sensing (MJK), Solar Telemetry (Ai1 Pole).

RiverSurveyor Compass Calibration Video Part I | The Compass Dance

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:10:50 GMT

General overview and guidelines on how to do a compass calibration (“compass dance”) when using the SonTek M9/S5. Important information to consider before doing the “compass dance”.

The patented RiverSurveyor®, S5/M9 systems give a new perspective to the notion of measuring open channel hydraulics. Using SonTek's exclusive SmartPulseHD®, multiple acoustic frequencies are fused with precise bandwidth control for the most robust and continuous shallow-to-deep discharge measurements ever. Visit sontek.com/riversurveyor.

SonTek HydroSurveyor M9 at Dawes Glacier in Alaska

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:08:37 GMT

Video courtesy of filmaker, Sean Casey, who will feature SonTek's HydroSurveyor M9 and CastAway-CTD as part of an upcoming IMAX movie series featuring extreme weather/environmental impact events.

Visit SonTek: http://www.sontek.com

Casey is the inventor of the Tornado Intercept Vehicle and was featured on the Discovery Channel reality television series Storm Chasers.

The video also features Sea Floor Systems Hydrone (remote operated boat).

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 1 | Introduction to the FlowTracker2

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:07:48 GMT

During this instructional video, SonTek Product Manager Janice Landsfeld will go step-by-step through the measurement process and show you all the basics of how to set up the FlowTracker2 handheld ADV, how to conduct a measurement, and how to understand the data and quality control parameters you'll be able to view--right on the instrument's color screen. Whether you are taking a simple check measurement, or going farther to do velocity indexing and build a whole rating curve at the site, this is the discharge measurement procedure you'll follow. You will find the operation intuitive and easy to follow, whether you're already familiar with wading measurements or not.

Ventura County | A Day in the Life of a Hydrologist

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:06:58 GMT

California has endured a prolonged and serious drought, and with recent downpours unlike the region has seen in years, Hydrologists respond with the use of instrumentation that can help collect velocity and discharge data, and assist with flood modelling for future events.

This video graciously shared by our friends at the Ventura (California) Watershed Management District, and Ronald Marotto, Supervising Hydrographer (and Hydrologist featured in this video). Ron is also President of the ALERT Users Group. And video production credits - Gabriel Ramirez!

More about the RiverSurveyor-M9: http://www.sontek.com/productsdetail.php?RiverSurveyor-S5-M9-14
More about the FlowTracker2: http://www.sontek.com/productsdetail.php?FlowTracker2-Handheld-ADV-1

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 5 | Taking Single-Point Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:04:26 GMT

Now that you're familiar with how to navigate the menu and conduct the pre-measurement system and beam checks, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, walks you through the proper methods on how to take your first single point measurement. See graphics and illustrations on data collection best practices to help you better understand the process. Finally, learn how automated QA/QC checks ensure you identify potential problems before your data is impacted.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 9 | In-Office Beam Check (The Bucket Test)

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:03:43 GMT

Before you head out to the field with your shiny new FlowTracker2 in tow, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, provides you some helpful suggestions on basic FlowTracker2 "office checks" you might consider conducting in advance that can help you collect higher quality measurements, and spend less time and energy troubleshooting in the field.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 3 | Navigation and Menu Configuration

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:03:02 GMT

Before you begin your first measurement, it is important to know how to use the features available on the handheld unit. In this video, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, helps familiarize you with the set-up fields and reviews each one-by-one so that you can change those relevant to you and your site. In many cases, once you do the first setup, you will not have to revisit them again. Learn about how to set up templates, both on the instrument itself as well as on your computer using our desktop software.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 7 | Ending a Measurement

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:02:06 GMT

When you're done collecting station data and you've arrived at the opposite bank, it's time to end the measurement. SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, demonstrates what to do when you hit the waters edge and what to expect as you are prompted to do a final data review before accepting and saving a measurement. While it's good practice to review all data carefully before accepting a measurement, it's also good to know that editing data is possible, both on the handheld as well as back at the office.

Tips to Upgrade Your Irrigation Flow Monitoring Technology

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:01:11 GMT

Take the guesswork out of outfitting your canal with water flow monitoring instrumentation and avoid data inaccuracies, lost water, over/under irrigation or compromised crop yield.

SonTek's Dylan Bedortha reviews some of the options available - whether you are looking to replace outdated equipment, or simply re-vamp your current irrigation data collection process.

Questions? Contact us at inquiry@sontek.com - we are always here to help!

https://www.sontek.com/sontek-iq-series
https://www.sontek.com/sontek-sl-series

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 3 | Developing a Border...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:00:33 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 7 | Creating and...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:59:53 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 1 | Starting a Project...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:59:03 GMT

RiverSurveyor How-to | The Loop Method

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:58:06 GMT

In this short video illustration, you will learn the basics of how to conduct a Loop Method measurement, considered an industry standard, and accepted by topwater monitoring agencies worldwide.

The Loop Method is used to correct discharge measurements that are biased by sediment transport (moving-bed) when bottom-tracking is used as a reference to measure boat speed. The basic premise is based on a “back and forth crossing closure error” where the apparent upstream movement of the ship-track is used along with the measurement time to determine the mean velocity of a moving bed. In the case with a moving bed, the discharge will be biased LOW by a certain percentage based on the velocity magnitude of the moving-bed but can be corrected using the Loop measurement.

Another way to avoid moving bed bias is to use the Stationary Method, and the new RS 4.0 includes big improvements to RiverSurveyor Stationary Live software.

Ask SonTek a question! Email us at inquiry@sontek.com.

Introduction to GPS Positioning for RiverSurveyor Stationary Live Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:56:28 GMT

The RiverSurveyor-M9 can be used for both the Moving Boat or Stationary discharge measurements. The stationary measurement method applies the velocity area method using either the Mid-Section or Mean-Section methods for discharge calculations. The measurement of the water depth and velocity profile at individual stations has greatly improved since the introduction of Acoustic Doppler Instruments. SonTek has gone one step further by implementing GPS in RiverSurveyor Stationary Live software to determine the station locations from GPS positioning. This method improves the measurements process, efficiency and accuracy from the traditional measuring tape or tagline methods.

Ask us a question! Inquiry@sontek.com

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 2 | Wading Rod and Instrument Setup

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:51:44 GMT

SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, reviews the various components included with your FlowTracker2 kit and walks you through wading rod set-up and proper use of the top-setting wading rod.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 4 | Beam Checks

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:49:46 GMT

Be prepared and save time - know what to look for before you start your measurement process. SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, shows you how to conduct a beam check to verify signal strength and peak position.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 6 | Taking Multi-Point Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:48:27 GMT

Data collection process continued - SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, now walks you through the process of taking multi-point measurements, providing you a solid understanding of the work flow, and how the FlowTracker2 screen methodically walks you through each step, and prompts you with messages and QC parameters if necessary.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 8 | Data Review

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:47:37 GMT

You have collected your data in the field and now it's time to take a closer look and evaluate what you accumulated. In this in-depth, 20 minute segment, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, shows you how to download data from your instrument and analyze data in FlowTracker2 desktop software.

SonTek-SL Mounting Frame Assembly

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:46:53 GMT

Demonstrated here by SonTek's Dylan Bedortha, the SonTek-SL basic kit includes a 1.2m (4ft) length mounting frame section, slide assembly with adjustable angle mounting plate, and handle bar.

Easy-access side mounting reduces concerns over personnel safety, lowers operational cost by avoiding divers and boats, avoids interruption in facility operations, and avoids interruption in data and water delivery to clients and stakeholders.

Additional mounting frame sections also available for purchase.

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 2 | Georeferencing an...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:46:22 GMT

HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 5 | Developing a Border File with Raw...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:45:44 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 10 | HydroSurveyor...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:45:07 GMT

HydroSurveyor-M9 and HYPACK Training | Australia

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:44:19 GMT

Hydrographers from Australia and New Zealand participate in a training to learn more about how to use HYPACK for hydrographic surveying in tandem with SonTek's HydroSurveyor-M9 and rQPOD.

ASK us a QUESTION!: Inquiry@sontek.com

The rQPOD Modular Remote Survey Boat is a lightweight, portable solution for conducting and recording water surveys. The rQPOD is ready to go wherever you need it.

The rQPOD system is sold as a complete kit from SonTek, and includes a Torrent Board V7 floating platform, patent-pending motorized system. Combine this light weight convertible platform with a RiverSurveyor-M9 or S5 to measure flow or a HydroSurveyor-M9 and measure bathymetry.

Learn more:
https://www.sontek.com/rqpod
https://www.sontek.com/hydrosurveyor
https://www.sontek.com/riversurveyor-s5-m9

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 4 | Developing a Line Plan

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:42:34 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 6 | Defining a Matrix File

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:41:43 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 8 | Defining Your Boat...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:41:01 GMT

Getting Started with HydroSurveyor and HYPACK Chapter 9 | Hardware Configuration

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:39:55 GMT

Day in the Life of a Hydrographer, with Kevin Labbe

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:26:22 GMT

Take a look at a day in the life of Application Engineer, Kevin Labbe as he helps researchers from the University of Georgia learn how to best use the SonTek RS5 ADCP, YSI's EXO2 mulitparameter water quality sonde, and other instrumentation in the estuaries of Little St. Simons, Georgia.

Previously working for the USGS and now Xylem Environmental Solutions, Kevin has over 25 years of experience in water quality and flow data collection technology. Kevin helps customers learn how to best use sophisticated scientific instrumentation, whether it’s in the hot, muggy, mosquito-infested estuaries off Little St. Simons, Georgia, or in below-zero environments where unforgiving, icy conditions still require data.

Specialists working in the water industry are essential to providing clean and affordable water, making those who work in the industry crucial, especially in times of crisis. Hydrographers, Hydrologists, Research Scientists (and more) work to better understand water properties and distribution are paramount to making sure this resource is sustainable well into the future.

Looking for a career in water? Visit Xylem Careers: https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/

Top Reasons You Need the RS5, When You Already Have the FlowTracker, an M9,...

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:23:34 GMT

By now you have probably heard of SonTek's latest and greatest ADCP - the RS5. This hand-sized, grab-and-go instrument and is ideal for collecting discharge data in small rivers and streams. But if you're already a SonTek customer, or familiar with the acoustic Doppler technology in general, you might ask yourself, why would I use the RS5 when I already have another system like a RiverSurveyor-M9, or maybe even a FlowTracker. Well in this video, we're going to give you 5-and-a-half reasons why you would want to go with the RS5 over other flow sensors.

• Learn more about the RS5: https://www.sontek.com/rs5
• Get a QUOTE: https://www.sontek.com/contact-sontek or inquiry@sontek.com
• DOWNLOAD SAMPLE RS5 DATA: https://info.xylem.com/rs5-sample-data.html

Science, Exploration and the Handy CastAway-CTD

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:22:25 GMT

Expedition Glacialis is a global, scientific venture to monitor marine wildlife in some of the most remote places in the world. This beautifully produced video highlights the research team's use of the CastAway-CTD in their mission to combine data and awareness to replicate protocols that can be used by ocean lovers worldwide. The featured Expedition Glacialis exploration team members include Matthew Ryle, Virginie Wyss, and Arnaud Conne. The video was produced by Richard Mardens. You can learn more about the group and its mission here: www.glacialis.ch

Special thanks to our Xylem Analytics Germany colleagues for their collaboration in this project.

About the CastAway-CTD: https://www.sontek.com/castaway-ctd

Ask us a question at inquiry@sontek.com

SonTek Webinar | Introducing the RS5 - BIG data from the world's smallest ADCP!

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:44:48 GMT

Learn more about SonTek's new RS5 ADCP - the handy grab-and-go solution for water monitoring professionals who are looking for quality, high-resolution discharge and flow data, with the convenience of a small, rugged and easy to deploy package.

Xylem Analytics Flow Segment Manager, Isaac Jones, and Senior Application Engineer, Dr. Xue Fan, outline the instrument's technical capabilities and show you data comparisons with other market ADCPs collected during the beta testing process by hydrologic monitoring leaders such as the USGS, the UK Environment Agency, and other government agencies. Specifically, you will learn:

What is included with the one piece system
How the power of SmartPulse+, Broadband and Pulse Coherent technology work together for the most reliable bottom tracking and velocity profiling available
GNSS flexibility available through SonTek or independently
Software upgrades and compatibility with external programs such as QREV (USGS)
Velocity indexing flexibility for other SonTek instrumentation
AND MORE!!

GET A QUOTE: https://www.sontek.com/contact-sontek
VISIT THE RS5 WEBPAGE: https://www.sontek.com/RS5

SonTek Webinar | Principles of Extrapolation and Screening of Velocity Profiles

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:42:42 GMT

This webinar, hosted by Senior Hydrologist Daniel Wagenaar, covers Velocity Profile Principles, Extrapolation of Velocity Profiles, Implementation of Screening Distance and more.

The extrapolation and screening of velocity profile measurements from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler instruments are essential aspects of the measurement process. It is important to understand the fundamental principles of velocity profiles within a channel and the reason why the extrapolation process can have substantial impact on the final discharge calculation.

Key points include:

Velocity Profile Principles
Extrapolation of Velocity Profiles
Implementation of Screening Distance
RSL (SonTek): RiverSurveyor Live Software (SonTek)
QRev (USGS): Software for Computation and Quality Assurance of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Moving-Boat Streamflow Measurements

For more information on this presentation, or for general questions, feel free to send us a message at inquiry@sontek.com or call +1.858.546.8327.

SonTek Webinar | Continuous Wave vs Pulsed Dopplers: 7 Key Questions to Ask...

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:36:08 GMT

Pulsed Doppler and Continuous Wave (CW) flow meters, otherwise known as “ultrasonic” or A-V meters, are well-known flow measurement systems in the water and wastewater industries. Both kinds of systems are Dopplers, yet they differ in some important ways, both technologically and operationally. A natural question is, “What’s the difference?” Yet surprisingly few technical resources exist that compare the two technologies. Water managers would like to simply understand the pros-and-cons of each and how this information could improve operations over the long run.

Well, we are here to help! SonTek's Janice Yasui and Diego Davis aim to explain some of the important technical differences in simple, practical terms that will help answer:

Why is there a price difference between the two?
Is there really a big difference between data collected via Continuous Wave Dopplers, versus Pulsed Doppler instruments
What is range bias and why is it important?
How deep or shallow can I collect data?
What about variable, or uneven flow conditions?
How accurate does my data really need to be?
How do I check if my flow instrument is still accurate in the future?
Your own questions—this is a live webinar with Q&A!

This one hour presentation is chocked full of information that will show you with data and helpful illustrations that not all Dopplers are created equal.

Learn more about the SonTek-IQ, or get a quote!: https://www.sontek.com/contact-sontek

SonTek Webinar | Energize Your Science Class with the CastAway-CTD Lesson Plan!

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:49:24 GMT

Small, handy and easy-to-use, the CastAway-CTD is a fan-favorite used by researchers, oceanographers and scientists who need quick and reliable salinity and temperature data.

The instrument is also widely-used as a tool in environmental science classes as a way to help instructors teach water property fundamentals and demonstrate methods to collect data. Today, educators have even more resources with the NEW customized lesson plan focusing on salinity measurements, now available and shipped with all CastAway-CTDs!

Join SonTek Application Engineer, Dr. Xue Fan, and special guest presenter from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Dr. Todd Martz, for this short online presentation, to learn more about how the CastAway-CTD and accompanying curriculum can inspire and engage students! Questions? Contact SonTek at inquiry@sontek.com.

https://www.sontek.com/castaway-ctd

SonTek Webinar | Quantifying Flooding Events with Acoustic Data

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:42:06 GMT

Investment in flood and coastal risk management delivers many benefits. With the year 2018 seeming to culminate a trend of increasing extreme weather events and their intensity, water resource professionals are being called to question and respond appropriately in service to their constituents, both public and private, governmental and industrial. To this end, what insights do acoustic data, data analysis techniques and visualization bring us? How can we use these tools to better understand, manage, and model flooding events and their associated impacts?

Join us as we answer these questions and take a closer look at discharge data collected by U.S. national monitoring agencies such as the USGS during recent extreme weather events. Example applications will include data from hurricane Irma that packed 185 MPH and took with it 134 lives, and category 4 hurricane Harvey that made landfall in Texas and caused an estimated $125 Billion dollars in damage.

We will also take a look at record-breaking discharge data collected by the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency during massive flooding of the River Tyne in Bywell, Northumberland after Storm Desmond, documented as the worst flood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 1771.

The webinar will focus on:

Adapting to unpredictability: How to use hydrologic theory (like hysteresis) and acoustic measurements together to build stronger early warning systems
Sizing up floods: How acoustic Doppler technology can improve monitoring during flooding events
Optimizing the tools available: Different data processing techniques (like Velocity Indexing) to better quantify discharge during peak flows
Real solutions: How acoustic measurements are used for flood modeling and forecasting

Product Manager Janice Landsfeld and Applications Engineer Dr. Xue Fan (xue.fan@xyleminc.com) are our presenters for this event. We welcome advance questions and will even accept data for sharing with your water monitoring peers!

Ask us a question! inquiry@sontek.com
https://www.sontek.com/riversurveyor-s5-m9

SonTek Webinar | From Coastal Shorelines to the Deep Blue: Collecting...

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:38:20 GMT

Science shows changes are occurring in our oceans – and they are happening quickly and on a global scale. What we know:

The ocean is getting warmer, affecting sea level, currents and weather
Sea level is rising at a rate of six-tenths of an inch per decade since 1880 (source, US EPA)
Coastal flooding is accelerating at record levels
Storm surge is increasing as storms become more intense

With change comes the on-going need for defensible data that researchers, scientists and water management professionals can rely on for informed decision-making.

Join us as we gather some of the premier minds of technology development in one “virtual” room to talk about case studies and share updates on the instrumentation being used to measure water level, tides and waves by agencies such as NOAA, USGS, and UK’s Environment Agency, all of whom have relied on this information for years to provide the ocean monitoring/research community actionable data for long-term planning, and in many cases today, emergency response. Our international team of presenters includes:

Isaac Jones – Product Manager/Application Engineer, SonTek (San Diego, California)
Anders Tengberg – Product Manager/Scientific Advisor, Aanderaa (Bergen, Norway)
Trent Demuzio – Application Engineer, YSI (Yellow Springs, Ohio)

Expect to learn industry “Best Practices” and more about the latest technology used to measure water level, waves, and velocity. As part of the Xylem family, Aanderaa, SonTek and YSI offer access to years of expertise and we are happy to answer questions relating to your unique data collection requirements.

SonTek Webinar | RiverSurveyor 4.0: Collecting Acoustic Stationary and Moving...

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:29:01 GMT

You might have heard about some of the big upgrades to the powerful, multi-frequency RiverSurveyor-M9, but we didn’t want you to take our word for it – the proof is in the data – and we want to share examples on how RiverSurveyor 4.0 has dramatically simplified the data collection process for hydrologists and water monitoring specialists like you!

JOIN SonTek's Product Manager/Application Engineer Isaac Jones and Senior Hydrologist, Daniel Wagenaar as they highlight how RiverSurveyor 4.0 has improved work-flow processes for water monitoring agencies, such as the USBR and EC. They will also go over new features to include:

1) No tagline/tape measure required: With RiverSurveyor Stationary Live, automatically measure distance between stations with DGPS or RTK GPS equipped systems.

2) Manual configuration: Now you can set blanking distance, cell size and number of cells for moving boat measurements.

3) Real-time QA/QC warnings: Know when there could be a problem before there is one.

4) Zipped files: New and improved compression and auto-decompression, providing faster access to large amounts of data.

5) Sample filter: Remove your random velocity outliers with ease!

Learn more about the RiverSurveyor here!: http://www.sontek.com/riversurveyor or email SonTek at inquiry@sontek.com!

SonTek Webinar | The Pressure is ON! The FlowTracker2 Now Comes with Built in...

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:24:52 GMT

With advances in technology and general application know-how contributed by world-renowned hydrologists, researchers and scientists, SonTek is pleased to unveil the new FlowTracker2 now with optional pressure sensor feature! Here is how the FT2 with pressure sensor can optimize your data collection efforts:

1) More accurate and precise measure of depth.

2) More accurate and precise positioning of sensor at proper depth for measurement.

3) Ability to measure in places where sight-reading of depth on a rod is inconvenient or impossible. Get spot-on depth measurements from bridges, walkways, manholes, or other structures.

4) Elimination of chance of human error when depth is manually read on the rod (source of error) and then keyed-in (another source of error). Ensure high quality data in spite of distracting conditions, cold weather, or personnel in training.

5) Ability to review and QA/QC depth time series data back at the office. Ensure manager visibility over field procedures and more rigorous data review options.

6) SonTek’s innovative patent-pending method of properly compensating pressure readings under different flow conditions. Ensures a real, useable, high-quality solution in the field, across different flow conditions.

Learn more about the FlowTracker2 here: https://www.sontek.com/flowtracker2
Or, ask one of our Application Specialists a question at inquiry@sontek.com

SonTek Webinar | FlowTracker2 How to Make the Highest-Quality Measurements...

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:09:06 GMT

If you’re a hydrologist, scientist, or water monitoring professional, chances are access to precise flow/discharge data in varying environmental conditions is important to your organization and the communities you serve. Better data means better decision-making – often in situations that are critical and time-sensitive.

You might already be collecting data using the traditional mechanical current meter, or maybe you have hands-on experience with the SonTek FlowTracker or similar wading device. Either way, nothing beats the quality assurance, data accessibility, and overall performance of the new FlowTracker2 handheld ADV.

You will learn:

The QA/QC Advantage: get comprehensive quality assurance and understanding about flow conditions. How to easily review essential parameters such as flow variability, flow angle, proper instrument orientation … and QC as you are taking your measurement!
What is an automatic beam check and how it helps you understand environmental conditions;
More about FlowTracker2 features that streamline the data collection process, such as audio prompts, templates and rich graphics;
Understand the breadth of post-processing options and see examples of tables, time series graphs and editing. See ALL data parameters per station and per point velocity, for a 360-view of your measurement;
Helpful tips on site selection for optimal data reliability!

SonTek Webinar | The Fundamentals of Velocity Indexing Technique

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:02:09 GMT

Velocity Indexing (VI) is a critical advantage to have in your skillset when measuring flow, discharge, and total volume. This technique is used by agencies like the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and many other local, state, and federal environmental agencies who need to regularly collect flow data.

But are you one of those scratching your head in confusion when the topic of velocity indexing comes up? You are not alone – it is a complex subject matter – and SonTek is here to help!

Do any of these situations seem familiar?

You already use a current meter or ADCP to calibrate a stage-discharge curve, but you are not familiar with the idea of adding velocity to the equation.
You already have an ADVM (like the SonTek-IQ), but you haven’t been checking or rating it methodically.
You have lingering questions about acoustic instruments and their accuracy
You have a monitoring site that has been tricky to get good readings at.

Well, if you have questions about Velocity Indexing, we have answers! Senior Hydrologist Daniel Wagenaar, and Janice Landsfeld, provide an introductory overview of the velocity index technique and its use with acoustic Doppler instrumentation.

SonTek Webinar | Why Collect Water Quality Data When All You Need is Flow (or...

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:31:34 GMT

We see it quite a bit - water monitoring programs focus on either water quality OR flow, but not both. However, for scientists looking for a comprehensive perspective on environmental phenomena, collecting both types of data is crucial to understanding what environmental and man-made influences are impacting a body of water.

Just ask our friends at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where lake research scientists and their student team members are on a mission to protect the freshwater lakes of Kosciusko County. Both water quality and flow data are indispensable for those who have used the pristine waters for the generations of families living within neighboring communities. Among other things, their program of combined water quality and flow monitoring allows them to understand the economic and environmental impacts of:

Harmful Algal Blooms
Zebra mussel incursions
Starry stonewort
Recreational usage
Weather events
Watershed usage for agriculture