This part of BS 7843 gives guidance on the design, development and review of UK networks of collecting raingauges that meet user requirements in the most cost-effective way. It is applicable to raingauges deployed at ground level or close to the ground for the purpose of measuring precipitation in mm of water equivalent.

Remote sensing raingauges, devices that detect the presence of precipitation particles and weather radars are not covered by this standard.

This part does not give guidance on the installation or maintenance of individual collecting raingauges. Recommendations for these are given in BS 7843‑2.