Mind the Gap: Lessons Learned From Bringing Hydrological Data From the Field to Ready‐To‐Use Files

ABSTRACT

In academic research, data collection often starts with a short‐term project, such as a MSc or PhD project, but can continue beyond the initial scope to gather information for a broader range of events and climatic conditions. While these projects are often initiated and managed by a single researcher, the shift to long‐term monitoring typically involves different people. This can pose challenges at almost every stage, from field data collection and documentation to the final steps of creating files that are ready for analysis. Based on our own experiences and those of our colleagues, we have identified different issues related to this shift and provide recommendations to improve data collection and management, thereby improving data quality and making the data easier to use. These include better protocols, documentation and more consistent data checking practices, as well as a stronger emphasis on data management in student projects.