3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS)
The 3D-PAWS Manual provides guidance for building, deploying, and operating 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations using modular hardware and open-source electronics.
What is 3D-PAWS?
The 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS) is an open, modular environmental monitoring system designed to expand access to reliable weather and environmental observations.
3D-PAWS combines 3D-printed components, open-source electronics, and cloud-based data systems to create affordable and adaptable weather stations that can support national meteorological services, research networks, community monitoring programs, and educational deployments.
The system is designed to complement existing observing networks by enabling low-cost deployment of additional stations, improving spatial coverage in areas where traditional meteorological instrumentation may be difficult or expensive to install.
Typical measurements include:
air temperature, pressure, and humidity
wind speed and direction
precipitation
water level and flooding
air quality
soil moisture and temperature
Because the system is modular, stations can be configured with additional sensors depending on monitoring needs and environmental conditions.
Complementing Existing Observation Networks
3D-PAWS is designed to complement, not replace, traditional meteorological observing systems. National meteorological and hydrological services often operate high-precision reference stations that follow strict international standards, but maintaining dense observation coverage across large regions can be challenging.
3D-PAWS stations provide a flexible way to expand observation networks, particularly in areas where installing conventional stations may not be practical. Increasing the spatial density of environmental observations helps improve situational awareness, supports regional forecasting systems, and strengthens environmental monitoring programs.
When combined with existing networks, 3D-PAWS deployments can contribute to:
improved spatial coverage of meteorological observations
enhanced monitoring in remote or underserved regions
additional observations for weather and hydrological modeling systems
expanded environmental monitoring for research and decision support
Because the system is modular and adaptable, it can be used for temporary campaigns, pilot networks, or long-term monitoring programs.
Observing Practices and Standards
3D-PAWS deployments follow widely accepted meteorological observing practices, including guidance described in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8).
While 3D-PAWS stations are designed as low-cost and modular systems, the same principles of site selection, sensor exposure, and metadata documentation are applied to improve data quality and comparability.
Some measurements differ from traditional meteorological reference standards. For example, wind sensors in the standard 3D-PAWS configuration are typically installed at approximately 2 m above ground level, rather than the 10 m height used at many operational meteorological stations. With careful siting and documentation, these observations remain valuable for environmental monitoring, research, and operational decision support.
Estimated Build Time and Cost
A typical 3D-PAWS station can be built using widely available components and a desktop 3D printer.
Estimated cost per station
$300–$700 USD (depending on sensors and configuration)
3D printing time
~60–100 hours total printing time
Assembly time
~4–8 hours
Field installation time
~1–2 hours
These estimates vary depending on the sensors installed, printing equipment, and deployment configuration.
For a detailed breakdown of system costs, see:
Build and Deployment Workflow
Building and deploying a 3D-PAWS station follows a series of stages, from preparing components to installing the station and maintaining it in the field.
Typical stages include:
Prepare components
Build core instruments
Add optional sensors
Configure the data logger
Test sensors and system
Pre-assemble the station
Deploy the station and record metadata
Access and maintain data
Detailed instructions for each step are provided throughout the manual.
Quick Start
If you are new to 3D-PAWS, the guides below will help you navigate the manual and begin working with the system.
Build a Station
Learn how to prepare components, assemble the core instruments, and integrate sensors and electronics.
→ Getting Started → Building the Core Instruments → Setting Up the Data Logger
Deploy a Station
Install the station in the field, verify sensor operation, and document the deployment.
→ Site Selection → Installing 3D-PAWS → Station Metadata
Access the Data
Connect the station to the data system and visualize measurements.
→ CHORDS → Particle / CHORDS Integrations → Grafana
Using This Manual
The manual is organized according to the lifecycle of a 3D-PAWS station.
Getting Started
Introduces the system workflow and preparation steps before beginning the build.
Building the Core Instruments
Instructions for assembling the primary sensors used in most 3D-PAWS stations.
Adding Additional Instruments
Optional environmental sensors that can be added depending on monitoring needs.
Setting Up the Data Logger
Instructions for configuring the data logging hardware and communication systems.
Deploying 3D-PAWS
Guidance for selecting a site, installing the station, and documenting the deployment.
Accessing the Data
Information on retrieving and visualizing station data using CHORDS and Grafana.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Best practices for maintaining stations and diagnosing operational issues.
Applications
3D-PAWS stations are used in a variety of environments and research contexts, including:
Community weather monitoring networks
Flood and storm surge monitoring
Agricultural and soil monitoring
Educational deployments and field courses
Environmental research and field campaigns
The system’s open architecture allows stations to be adapted for many different environmental monitoring needs.
Additional Resources
Additional documentation and supporting materials are available in the Other 3D-PAWS Resources section of the manual, including:
Instrument datasheets
3D-Printer Maintenance Recommendations
Training materials and courses
Previous manual versions
Where to Begin
If you are new to 3D-PAWS, start with the Getting Started section to review the system workflow, printing guidance, and wiring standards before assembling your station.
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