SD Mesonet Station Hosting: Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to see their answers.
What is the ideal site for a SD Mesonet station?
While not always possible, the ideal site has the following characteristics:
What space is needed?
The equipment is contained within a fence about 32x32 feet in size. The station needs empty, weed-free grass within 100 feet (no pavement or crops) and no structures within 300 feet.
How long will the station be there?
The intent is to operate the station indefinitely. The modern SD Mesonet station currently on the South Dakota State University campus started with manual temperature and precipitation in the 1880’s when it was Dakota Agricultural College in the Dakota Territory.
How often will it need to be accessed?
After a few days of construction, the station will typically need a visit by SD Mesonet technicians every few months.
What are some things to know about the station?
What is expected of me?
We ask the landowner to keep the grass within 100 feet weed free. A phone call is appreciated if anything looks damaged.
Is power or an internet connection required?
No utilities are required. The station is solar-powered and uses a cellular communications system.
What’s in it for me?
I have another question or concern not yet addressed in this list.
If something you need to know is not answered here, please Contact Us.
We look forward to hearing from you about your thoughts as the Mesonet goes through this statewide expansion over the coming years.