The target to provide this innovation as a possible solution to improve observation networks in the least developed, data sparse regions of the world. The low-cost and build it yourself aspect make it sustainable in these regions.

The benefits of the low-cost 3D printed automatic weather station system is that it uses uses low-cost, reliable micro-sensors and computer technology. It can be built and assembled locally by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) or bout other location agencies. What is unique about the innovation is that allows local agencies to take ownership in building and maintaining observation network and provides sustainability for long-term operations of networks which is critical for monitoring of high impact weather such as flash floods, droughts, and heat waves. Most weather stations are expensive and hard to maintain when components fail. Our innovations allows for local agencies to "print and replace" components when the fail or are damaged. It will improve global monitoring of weather conditions in least developed, most data sparse regions of the world.

The plan is to release the designs, documentation, and training material as an open source resource. This will allow individuals and other agencies to start making and distributing their on 3D printed automatic weather station networks.
Our next steps is to complete the documentation and provide an initial release to the community. We are also planning to build additional sensors for soil, stream flow, and air quality monitoring to expand the innovations to all environmental monitoring applications.