Overview of specialized 3D-PAWS station configurations for rainfall-focused, wind-enabled, and rapid deployment use cases.
Overview
In addition to the standard 3D-PAWS configuration, several specialized station designs are available to support specific operational needs, deployment environments, and partner requirements.
These variants modify the standard station design to prioritize:
specific environmental variables
faster deployment
simplified assembly and training
distributed or emergency monitoring
This page provides an overview of the primary 3D-PAWS station variants.
FEWS NET Station (Rainfall-Focused)
The FEWS NET station is a simplified version of 3D-PAWS designed to support drought and food security monitoring.
This configuration prioritizes rainfall and temperature measurements while reducing system complexity.
Key Features
Two rain gauges for redundancy and data validation
Multiple temperature sensors
Relative humidity sensor for heat stress monitoring
No wind or radiation sensors (to simplify deployment)
The dual rain gauge design allows for:
cross-checking rainfall measurements
improved data reliability in operational networks
This design reduces:
training requirements
build time
installation complexity
while still capturing the most critical variables for FEWS NET applications.
FEWS NET Station (Upgraded with Wind)
The Upgraded FEWS NET station builds on the standard FEWS NET design by adding wind measurements.
Key Features
All features of the FEWS NET station
Wind speed and wind direction sensors
Maintains dual rain gauge configuration
This version is used when:
additional atmospheric context is required
a transition toward a full meteorological station is desired
The design maintains the simplicity of the FEWS NET system while expanding measurement capability.
Rapid Deployment Station (RD-3D-PAWS)
The Rapid Deployment 3D-PAWS (RD-3D-PAWS) is designed for situations where stations must be installed quickly and moved easily.
Unlike standard stations, this version is mounted on a portable tripod system instead of a fixed post.
Key Features
Tripod-mounted system for portability
Pre-assembled sensor arms and wiring harness
Centralized data logger mounted on the tripod
Fast setup and teardown
Field deployment characteristics:
setup time: less than 10 minutes
rapid disassembly for relocation or emergency evacuation
This design enables:
temporary monitoring campaigns
emergency response deployments
mobile or short-term observation networks
The station can be transported fully assembled, with sensors and cables pre-configured for quick installation.
When to Use Each Variant
Variant
Best Use Case
Standard 3D-PAWS
Full meteorological monitoring with all core sensors
FEWS NET
Drought, rainfall, and food security monitoring
FEWS NET (Upgraded)
Rainfall-focused networks with added wind measurements
