TSDSystem: a framework to collect, archive and share time series data at volcanological observatories

Abstract

This paper presents a framework designed to collect, archive, and share time series data coming from sensor networks at Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo (Italy), which we have developed and called Time Series Database management System (TSDSystem). The framework proposes a flexible database model for the standardization of sensor networks data and implements an optimized technology for storage and retrieval of acquired time series data. It is designed for the implementation of multiparametric databases and then suitable for development in volcanological observatories worldwide. The proposed framework provides a web service to perform writing and reading data via a standard web communication protocol, which easily enables interaction with other instruments or automatic systems. All results provided by the TSDSystem web service are represented using common data formats in the context of online services. In particular, the station networks metadata representation follows a schema inspired by the International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks, widely known in seismology. A web GUI (graphical user interface) is provided to test and document the web service. Additionally, basic built-in web applications are supplied with the web GUI to perform joint and synchronized time series data visualization as well as representation of stations on a geographical map. The web GUI also offers administration tools for data access policy management, creation of monitoring dashboards and data publication through web pages. The framework implements an authorization system that can be used to restrict both writing or reading operations. The TSDSystem can also be a useful tool for engineering surveillance systems. The implementing code of the framework is available with an open source license on a public repository together with a user manual.