FAQs

What technology does CUAHSI use to share data?

We encourage scientists to publish their time series data using the Hydrologic Information System (HIS), which will make your data discoverable to wide audience of water scientists. While the majority of time series data may be published in the HIS, some are better served using HydroShare.  Contact CUAHSI staff to discuss the best method to publish your data.

What is the Hydrologic Information System?

CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System (HIS) is a system for publishing and accessing time series data. For more information, visit the Legacy Tools page.

What is the funding model for CUAHSI?

CUAHSI is on a 5 year cooperative agreement schedule with the National Science Foundation to provide sustainable support. For more information, read about the Cooperative Agreements: EAR-0753521, EAR-1248152, and EAR-1338606.

Does CUAHSI provide technical support?

Yes. Please contact help@cuahsi.org for all support questions. We strive to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner and will schedule teleconference meetings upon request.

Is the source code for the tools available?

Yes, all CUAHSI tools and software are open source. You can find the source code on github at https://github.com/cuahsi and https://github.com/hydroshare.

I encountered a problem how do I file a bug report?

Please contact help@cuahsi.org or find us on github.

Where can I find data?

There are several methods for accessing water science data: (1) using our web client http://data.cuahsi.org, (2) the HydroShare website http://www.hydroshare.org, or (3) programmatically via REST API http://hiscentral.cuahsi.org/webservices/hiscentral.asmx.

How Frequently does the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Information System (NWIS) data get updated?

The USGS NWIS services, listed below, are updated every week on Saturdays.

USGS NWIS Daily Values: http://hiscentral.cuahsi.org/pub_network.aspx?n=1

USGS NWIS Unit Values: http://hiscentral.cuahsi.org/pub_network.aspx?n=3

USGS NWIS Ground Water Level: http://hiscentral.cuahsi.org/pub_network.aspx?n=8

How can I get data using CUAHSI-supported tools?

There are a few methods of getting data using CUAHSI-supported tools, depending on the type of data you are looking for: (1) HydroClient is an application with a mapping interface that is convenient for accessing environmental time series data, (2) HydroShare is a website that is useful for more disparate data (e.g. time series, geospatial, model, etc.), (3) programming against our HIS Catalog REST API, or (4) use our WaterML R Package.

What kind of data are available from CUAHSI Data Services?

HydroClient provides access to time series data like stream gauge measurements, meteorological station measurements, repeated “grab” samples, and soil moisture measurements from federal agencies, university researchers, and watershed organizations all in the same format.  For more information see the User Guide.

HydroShare provides access to a broad set of hydrologic data types that include time series, geospatial, models, and more. Learn more about HydroShare here.

Does CUAHSI provide access to international data?

CUAHSI does not limit their holdings to data collected in the United States, however much of the data collected and provided by U.S. academic researchers and federal agencies.

How can CUAHSI help me with my National Science Foundation Data Management Plan requirement?

A Data Management Plan (DMP) must now be included with NSF proposals. The DMP details the storage, archiving and dissemination plans for data resulting from NSF-funded projects. CUAHSI has compiled the guidance based on NSF’s Grant Proposal Guide that may assist you in completing your Data Management Plan. We cannot guarantee that these recommendations are adequate, even though we believe they are appropriate. For more information, visit the Instructions for NSF Principal Investigators page of our website.

How can I publish my data?

The Data Publishing page provides detailed instructions depending on the type of data you working with (e.g. time series, geospatial, model, etc.)

Is there a limit to how much data I can publish with CUAHSI?

We strive to accommodate also large datasets within our dataservices but our resources are not endless and you might encounter performance issues, so please contact help@cuahsi.org to discuss your specific use case.

Can I host data on my own server or does it have to be on CUAHSI servers?

Although CUAHSI now encourages all users to leverage our cloud-based data publication, you can still publish or manage your time series data using your own server. The HydroServer software, which is the same software that CUAHSI’s hosting service uses, is open source and freely available. You can use this software as is or adapt this software to your needs. Browse the Legacy Tools page for more information.

Is HydroShare a part of CUAHSI?

Yes. HydroShare is a collaborative effort led by Utah State University and involves multiple collaborating institutions including CUAHSI, and supported by National Science Foundation awards ACI-1148453 and ACI-1148090.

Are there any costs associated with publishing my data?

CUAHSI does not charge the academic community. All others should inquire with help@cuahsi.org.

I’m not from a US academic institution, can we still use your services?

Yes, please inquire with help@cuahsi.org.