Open-source hardware and software and web application for gamma dose rate network operation

Abstract

The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection operates a network of about 1800 gamma dose rate stations as a part of the national emergency preparedness plan. Each of the six network centres is capable of operating the network alone. Most of the used hardware and software have been developed in-house under open-source license. Short development cycles and close cooperation between developers and users ensure robustness, transparency and fast maintenance procedures, thus avoiding unnecessary complex solutions. This also reduces the overall costs of the network operation. An easy-to-expand web interface has been developed to make the complete system available to other interested network operators in order to increase cooperation between different countries. The interface is also regularly in use for education during scholarships of trainees supported, e.g. by the 'International Atomic Energy Agency' to operate a local area dose rate monitoring test network.

The German Dose Rate Monitoring Network and Implemented Data Harmonization Techniques

“…When two neighboring stations (distance <30 km) detect increased radiation levels within 1 h, the officer on duty is notified via cell phone. He has to analyze the radiological situation within 1 h (11) . Assuming a typical ADER of 0.08 μSv h −1 , the alerting level is ~0.11 μSv h −1 .…”