CrowdWater
from 27/02/2017
CrowdWater is a global Citizen Science project initiated by the University of Zurich, which collects hydrological data. The goal is to develop a cheap and easy data collection method that can be used to predict floods and low flow. The long-term aim of the project is to complement existing gauging station networks, especially in regions with a sparse measurement network, such as in developing countries.
With the CrowdWater App, developed by the SPOTTERON Citizen Science Platform, users can actively contribute to environmental data collection by building virtual stations and submitting estimates of key hydrological variables. This Citizen Science approach allows individuals to play a crucial role in gathering data, which is essential for improving flood and drought predictions, especially in regions with limited access to traditional measurement networks.
Aim
Started by two Ph.D. students in the field of hydrology at the University of Zurich, CrowdWater is a global Citizen Science project that collects hydrological data in order to develop cheap and easy data collection method that can be used to predict floods and low flow. Today, there are many challenges, both locally and globally, regarding Earth's most precious asset: water. Scientists are, therefore, asked again and again to explore the essential basics needed for decisions in water management. In order to develop models for flood or drought forecasts, measurement data is used across many different criteria, which often proves difficult, as these are often not sufficiently collected. This is especially true of developing countries where urgent water management decisions need to be made.
The decrease in official hydrological and meteorological observation data is often frustrating, especially in terms of the new challenges. Remote sensing, geophysical methods, and wireless sensor networks are useful measuring techniques. However, important hydrological variables such as soil moisture or streamflow remain difficult to observe with a high spatiotemporal resolution.
The aim of the CrowdWater project is to harness the power of Citizen Science to collect hydrological data that can be used to predict floods and low flow events. By enabling citizens to contribute data, the project fills gaps in existing measurement networks, especially in regions with sparse data coverage, such as in developing countries. The data collected helps improve hydrological models, supporting better water management and decision-making to address global water challenges. The results form the basis for the two initiators' doctoral thesis and are also published in scientific journals.
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Profile image design by: SPOTTERON Citizen Science App Platform | www.spotteron.net
Logo design by: SPOTTERON Citizen Science App Platform | www.spotteron.net
Created May 21, 2025, 8:52 p.m.
Updated May 26, 2025, 10:24 a.m.
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