DCP Definition

Data Collection Platform (DCP) - A microprocessor-based system that collects data from sensors, processes the data, stores the data in random access memory (RAM), and provides communication links for the retrieval or transmission of the data.

DCP# - The one digit identification (ID) number for the DCP; sometimes shown as the eighth digit of the station ID. The first or only DCP at a station is usually DCP1 (or xxxxxxx1, where xxxxxxx is the station number). If a second DCP is installed or operating concurrently with DCP1, it will be called DCP2 (or xxxxxxx2, where xxxxxxx is the station number). If a DCP is moved to a new spot in the same geographic location (same hydrographic characteristics and using the same bench marks to reference the tidal datums) the DCP# will remain the same; but, the configuration information will reflect the change.