ODM Tools Python: Open Source Software For Managing Continuous Sensor Data

Hydrologic and water quality data is being collected at high frequencies, for extended durations, and with spatial distributions that require infrastructure for data storage and management. The Observations Data Model (ODM), which is part of the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) Hydrologic Information System (HIS), was developed as a framework in which to organize, store, and describe point observations data. In this paper we describe ODM Tools Python, which is an open source software application that allows ODM users to query and export, visualize, and edit data stored in an ODM database. Previous versions of ODM Tools included functionality to export data series and associated metadata, plot and summarize single data series, generate derivative data series, and edit data series using a set of simple tools. We have developed a new version of ODM Tools in Python that adds a modernized graphical user interface, multiple platform support (Windows, Linux, and Mac), multiple database support (Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL), and support for automated scripting of quality control edits performed on data series through an integrated Python script editor and console. Scripting records the corrections and adjustments made to data series in the quality control process, ensuring that the steps are traceable and reproducible. Additional improvements to ODM Tools Python include customizable queries for data selection and export, the ability to plot multiple data series simultaneously with various plot types, and user-defined functions for data series editing and derivation