We are pleased to announce an important upgrade to our sensors information database, introducing a more consistent and transparent sensor information system. This latest release improves the way sensor metadata are organized, named, and communicated to users, making ISMN datasets easier to interpret and more robust for scientific analysis.

What has changed?

1. Consolidated and Standardized Sensor Information

Sensor names across the ISMN have been reviewed and harmonized to ensure consistent naming conventions. This includes clearer identification of sensor manufacturers and models, reducing ambiguity caused by legacy or inconsistent naming formats.

For users, this means improved comparability across networks, easier filtering of datasets by sensor type, and more reliable metadata for research workflows.

2. Introduction of Sensor Versioning

ISMN has also introduced a new sensor versioning system that tracks sensor deployments over time and space using two new metadata identifiers:

• Redundancy Number – indicates when multiple sensors are installed at the same depth and location.
• Replacement Number – indicates when a sensor has been exchanged at the very same position, e.g. due to malfunction.

Together, these two identifiers allow users to distinguish between parallel sensors and successive replacements at the same measurement point.

How does this affect downloaded data?

The new versioning information is now embedded directly into downloaded file names, providing users with key deployment details immediately. The reading of ISMN data using the ISMN reader (https://ismn.earth/en/tools/) is not affected by these changes.

Previous file name format:
NETWORK_STATION_sm_0.00000_0.050000_Hydraprobe-Analog-B_DATES.stm

New file name format:
NETWORK_STATION_sm_0.00000_0.050000_Stevens-Hydraprobe-Analog_2_1_DATES.stm

What does the new file name include?

• Sensor producer: Stevens
• Sensor model: Stevens-Hydraprobe-Analog
• Redundancy number: 2
• Replacement number: 1

Why this matters for users

These improvements provide several practical benefits:

• Better time series interpretation by clearly identifying sensor replacements and overlapping installations.
• Improved data disaggregation for advanced analyses and quality control.
• Greater transparency in long-term station histories.
• More reproducible research, as sensor changes are explicitly traceable.
• Simplified metadata access, with important deployment information available directly in file names.
• Enhanced network interoperability, supporting multi-network and cross-platform studies.

Supporting Better Soil Moisture Science

As in situ observation networks continue to grow, maintaining clear and consistent metadata is crucial. With this update, ISMN strengthens its commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly soil moisture datasets for climate research, hydrology, agriculture, and environmental monitoring worldwide.

We encourage all users to explore the updated sensor information in upcoming downloads and benefit from the improved transparency and traceability now available across the ISMN datasets.