Accessing the Data

Guidance for accessing and verifying 3D-PAWS observations through CHORDS and Grafana.

Overview

3D-PAWS stations transmit environmental observations through connected data services for storage, visualization, analysis, and integration into observation systems.

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Data Flow

Sensors → Data Logger → Network → CHORDS → Grafana

• CHORDS stores and provides access to station observations.

• Grafana provides dashboards for viewing current and historical observations.

The exact data path depends on the data logger and communications configuration. For example, Particle-based stations transmit observations through the Particle Cloud before they reach CHORDS.

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Viewing Data

Platform	Purpose	Key Features
CHORDS	Data storage and access	Time-series observations, API access, external integration
Grafana	Data visualization	Current conditions, historical data, customizable dashboards

Use the pages in this section for detailed instructions on accessing and working with each platform.

→ CHORDS

→ Grafana

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Verify Station Data

After deployment or maintenance, confirm that observations are reaching the data service and updating as expected.

Check that:

• new observations are being received

• timestamps are correct

• observations are updating at the expected frequency

• all expected sensor variables are present

• measurement values are physically reasonable for current conditions

Basic Data Quality Checks

When reviewing station data, look for patterns that are consistent with how each measurement should behave.

Measurement	What to Look For
Temperature	A recognizable day/night cycle without abrupt, unexplained jumps
Relative Humidity	Changes that generally respond to temperature and changing moisture conditions; watch for values persistently near 0% or 100%
Pressure	Smooth changes over time; abrupt jumps or flat values may indicate a problem
Rainfall	Zero during dry periods and discrete increases during precipitation events; accumulation should not increase because of irrigation or other non-weather sources
Wind Speed	Natural variability over time; extended periods of exactly zero may indicate a broken anemometer
Wind Direction	Direction should vary with changing winds; a fixed value for long periods may indicate a broken vane or connection issue if wind speeds are present.

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If Data Is Missing or Incorrect

If observations are missing, incomplete, or unexpected, begin with the basic station checks:

1. Verify that the data logger is powered and operating.

2. Confirm network connectivity.

3. Check sensor and cable connections.

4. Verify the station configuration.

5. Confirm that observations are reaching the expected data service.

For Particle-based stations, INFO messages provide a useful first check of data logger status, connected sensors, storage, communications, and other system conditions.

For detailed diagnostic procedures, see Troubleshooting.

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Pages in This Section

• CHORDS – accessing stored station observations and data services

• Grafana – viewing station observations and dashboards

• Particle / CHORDS Integrations – configuring the data path between Particle Cloud and CHORDS