 Curious about how NEON's instrument data are collected and delivered to ensure they are of the highest quality? It all begins in the field where an array of different sensors at each field site collect RAW Level 0 data 24x7. As part of the sensor-to-network interface, a data logger receives measurement data from the sensors and transmits it to an on-site server in an instrument hut. These RAW Level 0 data are automatically sent back to the Process Data Repository at NEON headquarters in close to real-time. To ensure high-quality data with low error rates, NEON engineers have systems to monitor each sensor's state of health. These systems can be used to generate a triple ticket if the instrument's measurements are out of a predefined range, prompting a NEON scientist to investigate the issue. Calibration coefficients and associated metadata that are required to transition RAW Level 0 data to higher level data products are stored in the repository. This five-step process begins by applying the relevant scientific algorithms for the data product. Applying the calibration for the specific instrument determined the last time the sensor was calibrated in the NEON calibration validation and audit laboratory. Applying automated quality control algorithms like checking for plausible magnitude and variability. Calculating mean values for the appropriate averaging interval, which is 1 in 30 minutes for most NEON instrument data. Algorithms to generate higher level data products include interpolation over space and time and calculations based on multiple Level 1 data products. These higher level data products are then sent back and stored in the process data repository. After the data are transitioned to higher level data products, another set of machine-readable instructions are used to publish the data. Data are formatted, compressed, and tagged with the publication date. If the data are reprocessed, the publication date is updated. Finally, the data are delivered to the NEON data portal for you to search and download freely. Have more questions? Send an inquiry to our team.