Estimating the Calibration Error–Caused Bias Limit of Moving-Boat ADCP Streamflow Measurements
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 5
Abstract
The bias error in moving-boat acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) streamflow measurements can be separated into two classes: calibration and application. Accordingly, the total bias limit of measured discharges can be separated into two components: calibration and application error–caused bias limits (in terms of standard uncertainties). This technical note presents a simplified analytical Type B model for estimating the calibration error–caused bias limit using manufacturer specifications for ADCP and its internal sensors. The merit of the presented model is that it helps to gain insights into the effects of major calibration error sources and parameters on the calibration error–caused bias limit.
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Data Availability Statement
The NIWA ADCP regatta data used during this study were provided by a third party. Direct requests for these data may be made to the provider as indicated in the Acknowledgments.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Andrew Willsman of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), New Zealand, for sharing the NIWA ADCP regatta data. The author would also like to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments that helped to improve the quality of this technical note.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 5 • May 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 12, 2019
Accepted: Oct 16, 2019
Published online: Mar 10, 2020
Published in print: May 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 10, 2020
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