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SET Community of Practice Resource Hub

The Surface Elevation Table (SET) Community of Practice (CoP) supports coordination, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen coastal resilience across the Southeast. This resource hub serves as a central location for protocols, funding opportunities, visualization tools, coastal wetland resources, and frequently asked questions.

Jump to a resource:

PROTOCOLS DATA VISUALIZATION TOOLS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES COASTAL WETLAND RESOURCES PUBLICATIONS INFOGRAPHICS – ELEVATION RESULTS SET R RESOURCES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Image credit: South Carolina Geological Survey (SCGS)

Protocols

These resources guide consistent data collection and analysis across the SET network.

Protocol Resources from the July 2025 SET Workshop

Data Visualization Tools

Funding Opportunities

Explore current and future funding for SET and coastal wetland monitoring projects: View Spreadsheet

Coastal Wetland Resources

Publications

Explore SET publications: View Spreadsheet

Infographics – Elevation Results (NEW)

SET R Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are building a Frequently Asked Questions section to support new and experienced practitioners. We’re continuously updating this section, so if you have a question you’d like to see answered, contact us and let us know! Below are some key topics based on community feedback and common inquiries

Logistics: Site Selection & Accessibility

Why does site accessibility matter? 

  • Sites that are easy to access and require less travel time are more likely to be monitored regularly. For example, a site accessible by car is much easier to monitor than one requiring a long boat ride or a strenuous hike.

What should I avoid when siting a station? 

  • Avoid locations that require a long hike (e.g. 2+ miles) or involve extended boat travel. Shorter, simpler access routes significantly improve the likelihood of consistent data collection. 

Station Installation

How long does it take to install a station?

  • Installation of a single rSET and its support piers typically takes about 2 hours with a crew of 3-4 people (not including travel time).

Can multiple stations be installed in a day?

  • Yes, if the stations are close together and at least one person is experienced, a 3-4 person team can install up to three stations in a full 8-10 hours workday.

Data collection

How long does it take to collect data at one site? 

  • Around 1 hour per site, excluding travel time. 

How many SETs can one person read in a day? 

  • An experienced reader can typically read one SET every 30 minutes. Reading more than six in a single day is discouraged, as fatigue can impact data quality. 

Cost Estimates

How much does a station cost? 

  • Budget around $2,500-$3,000 per SET station, including materials and installation equipment (excluding labor and travel).

What are the cost variables? 

  • Equipment availability (new vs. existing) 
  • Steel prices (e.g. ~$52.00 per rod)
  • Shipping and other materials (PVC, receivers, concrete, platforms)

Equipment & Vendors

Where can I get installation equipment? 

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