The Assessment of the Representativeness of Data from Dose Rate Monitoring Stations

To ensure the representativeness of data obtained at fixed, ground based dose rate monitoring stations of environmental networks, a clear concept is described which specifies what such a station and its near vicinity should look like. An ideal station is defined as a probe at I m height above a smooth ground surface of grassland or similar vegetation. The main irregularities (trees, buildings, etc.) which, in practice, occur in the near vicinity of such probes are discussed. Parameterised calibration factors are calculated with the new Monte Carlo code PENELOPE. A semi-quantitative scoring scheme helps to decide to what extent irregularities can be tolerated. Its application is straightforward and provides a coarse but objective description of the site-specific conditions of a dose rate probe.