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Using Version Control to Manage Seismic Software Configurations

Building and maintaining computer systems is an important part of operating a seismic network. The real-time data flow is complex - acquisition, processing, distribution, storage, visualization, etc., and the variability from network to network is similarly complex - sensors, stations, geometry, telemetry, metadata, models, software, hardware, personnel, collaborators, etc. Given these challenges, solutions that simplify and streamline the work efforts are not just helpful, but critical to the networks operation and success.

In this presentation we explore the concept of using a well known tool in the field of software development - git version control - as a solution to a long standing problem in the field of network seismology - configuration management. We look at some real world scenarios using examples from ISTI and NCSN.

A git version control project forms the basis of this method, with a project for each software application that requires significant configuration. We enlist a resource that typically exists for a short time - the branch - and reimagine it as a resource that exists for the long term. We see how configurations change over time, and how version control provides tools to track, distribute and even revert these changes. We examine how configurations compare from system to system and network to network, and the tools used to highlight those similarities and differences. We discuss the additional benefits of using version control - as a centralized platform where users can collaborate, resources are securely stored remotely, and creating new systems can quickly be accomplished using automation, virtualization and cloud frameworks.

Session: Network Seismology: Recent Developments, Challenges and Lessons Learned [Poster]

Type: Poster

Room: Exhibit Hall A+B

Date: 4/15/2026

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Loren Antolik

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 8

Additional Authors