Meetnet

Meetnet is a term used in Dutch-speaking environmental science to describe a coordinated network of measurement stations that collect data over time. Derived from meten (to measure) and netwerk (network), a meetnet aims to produce consistent, long-term data across locations for trend analysis and informed decision making.

A typical meetnet includes a set of observing sites, sensors, data loggers, and a centralized data management system. Stations are selected to represent regional variability and monitor variables such as groundwater levels, river discharge, water quality, precipitation, temperature, and biodiversity indicators. Data are collected regularly and stored with accompanying metadata to ensure traceability and comparability.

Governance often involves collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and water boards. Protocols specify sampling frequency, instrumentation, calibration, data formats, and quality assurance/quality control procedures to maintain consistency over time and between sites. Ongoing maintenance and documentation of methodological changes are essential to preserve data integrity.

Meetnets support environmental monitoring, water management, and scientific research by providing transparent, interoperable data. They are widely used in national or regional programs and frequently linked to international networks that promote standardized methods and data sharing.