Evaluation of the Hydrometric Network in the Maritime Provinces Spanning 1990–2021 Using Information Analysis

Using an information theory-based analysis, the hydrometric network in the maritime provinces was evaluated. The chosen metric was the information quality ratio (IQR), a mutual information-based approach. The IQR values range between zero and one, indicating more unique or redundant information, respectively. The IQR was used to evaluate the reproducible information within this network. Data from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2021, was used for this analysis to produce a running 10-year analysis resulting in 23 snapshots of the information content of the network over time. These results were then evaluated by station and by sub-sub-drainage area (SSDA) as defined by the standard drainage area classification published by Statistics Canada. Initial results show that some stations have fairly consistent IQR values from year to year, while others are more variable, especially when stations are decommissioned or when new stations are introduced to the network. Ultimately, this work will provide an idea of how network information changes over time.