Darkwater Inland Observatory Network (DION)
DION Vision & Mission
Our Vision: To contribute high-quality assurance observations to global calibration and validation efforts, enhancing the accuracy of satellite-derived water quality products across Australia.
Delivering:
- Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) for radiometers using standardised protocols (e.g., instrument calibration, uncertainty budgets)
- High-frequency datasets of paired laboratory, in situ, and satellite observations for robust modelling and forecasting
- Open-access data portal for transparency and collaboration (in development)
- Operational, future-proofed facility with capacity for additional instrumentation
Deployment Site: Googong Dam
- Location: 30km southeast of Canberra
- Environment: Dark water, drinking-water reservoir (CDOM-dominated)
- Deployment: Mid-2023
- Operational Since: September 2024
Autonomous Monitoring System
Measuring Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Supplementary Observations: Monthly field campaigns
Key Features:
- Autonomous water surface measurements (every 15 minutes) with regular in-water observations.
- Real-time monitoring via Grafana dashboard.
- Customised HyperCP code for automation.
- Workflow integration for AquaWatch Data Service portal.
- Documented System Engineering Design of DION.
- Funded by AusCalVal & CSIRO AquaWatch.
Instrumentation Overview:
| Instrument Type | Details |
| Radiometers | 3 sets of TriOS Ramses Ed, Lsky, Lw (characterised by Tartu University) |
| Pan/Tilt Unit | For directional control of sensors |
| Weather Station | Continuous atmospheric monitoring |
| Cameras | Horizontal and forward-looking views |
| Water Temperature | Depths: 0.2, 3, 6, 9, 12m |
| Thermal Radiometers | Heitronics KT15.82 |
| Power and Comms | Fully autonomous systems |
| YSI EXO2 | With water quality sensors (operational by Oct 2025 |
In addition to the autonomous monitoring, monthly or fortnightly observations at Googong are building a comprehensive database for water quality modelling and forecasting. These will include:
Laboratory analysis of water samples:
- Absorption coefficients
- Pigments – HPLC
- TSS (inorg/org fraction)
- Total and dissolved organic carbon
In situ instruments:
- Backscattering – HS6, WetLabs BB9 or BB2
- Radiometry – RAMSES Ed, Esky & Lu
- Temperature, DO, Conductivity with depth
An open access DION Bio-optical database will be compiled for:
- Algorithm development,
- Sensor calibration, and
- Validation of water quality parameters retrieved from Earth Observation data.
DION Project Team
Janet Anstee (PI), Gemma Kerrisk, Darius Culvenor*, David Benn, James Taylor, Albertina Dias
contact: Janet.Anstee@csiro.au +61 418 49 1370 for more information
*Environmental Sensing Systems