LocationsAuthor: Feruza Shaimkulova, First-Class Hydrological Engineer, Hydrometeorological Department, Andijan Region
Harnessing Modern Technology for Smarter Hydrological Monitoring. Reflections on the Training Sessions
June 17, 2025
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
For over 14 years, I have served as a hydrological engineer with Uzhydromet in the Andijan region. My primary responsibility is to analyze data collected from hydrological monitoring stations – data that play a critical role in developing water forecasts and issuing early warnings to protect communities and infrastructure from natural disasters.
Traditionally, key hydrological parameters such as flow velocity, water depth, and discharge were measured manually. These methods are not only time-consuming – sometimes taking up to 5–6 hours per measurement – but also physically demanding, especially on large river systems like the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Manual data collection often required significant physical endurance and was limited in both accuracy and efficiency.
However, with the advancement of modern technologies, we are now witnessing a transformative shift in hydrological monitoring practices. Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, such as the SonTek RS5, offer an efficient and highly accurate alternative to traditional measurement techniques. These devices allow for real-time data collection, reducing the time needed for each measurement and significantly improving data reliability.
To build capacity in the use of this innovative technology, I recently participated in a five-day training workshop organized by UNDP Uzbekistan. The training brought together over 30 hydrometeorological specialists from across the country, creating a collaborative environment for learning, knowledge exchange, and technical skill development.
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
The training programme combined theoretical instruction with hands-on fieldwork at hydrological monitoring sites in Nauvalisoy, Ugam-Khojikent, and Chirchik-Gazalkent. Under the guidance of an international expert, we learned how to operate and calibrate the RS5 profiler in real-world conditions, collect and analyze flow data, and work effectively in field teams.
I found out the following key benefits of the SonTek RS5 Profiler:
- Enhanced accuracy and speed. The RS5 enables rapid and precise measurement of water discharge, channel depth, and riverbed profiles – an essential capability during high-risk periods such as floods or droughts.
- Support for sustainable water management. Reliable, systematic data can be integrated in the hydrological models to support evidence-based decision-making on water use, flood control, and disaster preparedness.
- Monitoring long-term trends. Continuous data collection enables the tracking of river system changes over time, particularly in the context of climate change and human impacts.
Overall, all of this contributes to data-driven decision-making and improves its quality as the country develops early warning systems to face the challenges of climate change.
This training workshop was not only valuable for the technical knowledge I gained but also for the opportunity to engage with colleagues from different regions. We exchanged insights on how to adapt the Doppler profiler to varying geographic and climatic conditions and shared experiences in integrating new technologies into everyday operations.
The training concluded with the awarding of certificates of completion. However, the most important outcome for me was a renewed sense of confidence that Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological services are moving in the right direction. By leveraging modern technology, we can significantly enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of hydrological monitoring – making our early warning systems more effective and our country more resilient to the growing threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.
