gravitools: an open-source toolbox in Python for post-processing Exail Absolute Quantum Gravimeter (AQG) and other terrestrial gravimeter data

New devices often come along with new data structures and formats, and new instrument technologies require a new method of data processing. In recent years, BKG and GFZ have operated novel absolute quantum gravimeters (AQG) by Exail (formerly Muquans) in different environments for geodetic and hydrological applications. Here we present a newly released open-source library “gravitools” [1] we have developed for the handling and post-processing of AQG raw data.

The library is designed as a toolbox of data structures for common data handling, but also routines for standardized processing. For this new instrument there is yet no agreed upon standard method for these two aspects. With gravitools, we aim at providing a solid approach to address this topic and actively contribute to the necessary development of such a standard within the gravimetry community. In order to enhance usability, gravitools was developed as a user-friendly, reliable software application both for non-experts and advanced users. To this end, it offers a command-line, scripting and graphical user interface, which provides advanced users the option to precisely define their individual settings and routines. This contribution will provide an overview of implemented key features and their usage (data handling, processing, visualizing, documenting and archiving) as well as an outlook of planned extensions, such as the integration of similar features for CG-6 gravimeters.

The gravitools library It is written purely in Python and released on the Python Package Index (PyPI). It is licensed as open-source to make it freely available to the scientific community and encourage feedback and contributions.

[1] gravitools: https://gitlab.opencode.de/bkg/gravitools