Estimating the Uncertainty of Streamgauging Techniques Using In Situ Collaborative Interlaboratory Experiments

Abstract

AbstractWhile the application of uncertainty propagation methods to hydrometry is still challenging, in situ collaborative interlaboratory experiments are a valuable tool for empirically estimating the uncertainty of stream gauging techniques in given measurement conditions. The authors propose a simple procedure for organizing such experiments and processing the results according to the authoritative ISO standards related to interlaboratory experiments, which are of common practice in many metrological fields. Beyond the computation and interpretation of the results, some issues are discussed regarding the estimation of the stream gauging technique bias in the absence of accurate enough discharge references in rivers; the uncertainty of the uncertainty estimates, according to the number of participants and repeated measurements; the criteria related to error sources that are possibly meaningful for categorizing measurement conditions. The interest and limitations of the in situ collaborative interlaborat...