Snow depth estimation from Geoprecision-Maxbotic ultrasonic devices: R processing code and example datasets from Antarctica

This dataset provides the R script and example data used to estimate snow depth from ultrasonic distance measurements collected by low-cost Geoprecision-Maxbotic devices, designed for autonomous operation in polar conditions. The dataset includes: The full R script used for data preprocessing, filtering, and snow depth calculation, with all parameters fully documented. Example raw and clean data files, ready to use, acquired from a sensor installed in the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica) between 2023 and 2024. The processing pipeline includes outlier removal (Hampel filter), gap interpolation, moving average smoothing, reference level estimation, and snow depth conversion in millimetres and centimetres. Derived snow depths are exported alongside summary statistics. This code was developed as part of a research project evaluating the performance and limitations of low-cost ultrasonic snow depth measurement systems in Antarctic permafrost monitoring networks. Although the script was designed for the specific configuration of Geoprecision dataloggers and Maxbotic MB7574-SCXL-Maxsonar-WRST7 sensors, it can be easily adapted to other distance-measuring devices providing similar output formats. All files are provided in open formats (CSV, and R) to facilitate reuse and reproducibility. Users are encouraged to modify the script to fit their own instrumentation and field conditions.