National Hydrography
FAQ
For additional hydrography-related FAQs, please visit the Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data Questions page and choose "Hydrography" from the drop down.
How should I cite datasets and services from The National Map?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing data obtained through The National Map ; you should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. The following should help you find the information that you need: Citation for Datasets Author: U.S. Geological Survey Release date: the first four...
What sources were used to produce the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a combination of USGS hydrologic digital line graph (DLG) files and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reach files, version 3.0 (RF3). U.S. Forest Service Cartographic Feature Files (CFF) and USGS Tagged Vector Hydro (TVH) captured from 7.5-minute printed maps were also used. Some states also...
What is the positional accuracy of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?
Original hydrographic data were compiled to meet National Map Accuracy standards . These standards have been maintained in the process of creating the NHD. At 1:100,000 scale, ninety percent of well-defined features are within 167 feet (0.02 inches at map scale) of their true geographic position. When higher resolution data are created and...
What is the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a digital vector dataset used by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to define the spatial locations of surface waters and is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of surface water data for the U.S. The NHD contains features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, canals, dams, and stream gages in a...
In what scale are the data in the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?
For the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands, medium and high resolution NHD data are available at 1:100,000 and 1:24,000-scale, respectively. NHD data are available for Puerto Rico at 1:20,000-scale, and at 1:63,360-scale in Alaska. Users are encouraged to work with their state's principal steward to produce and submit data...
What formats are available for hydrography data products in The National Map?
Hydrography data are offered in Esri File Geodatabase 10.1 or Shapefile formats. National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) data is available as state extracts, 4-digit sub-regions, 8-digit sub-basins, or in a specified extent from The National Map Download Client . A national extent of medium and high resolution NHD data in File Geodatabase format is...
How do I download hydrography data products?
Download USGS hydrography data (datasets representing U.S. surface water for mapping and modeling applications) using The National Map Download Client or using download links that are listed on the Access National Hydrography Products website. Learn more: The National Map Training Videos National Hydrography Dataset User Guide For streamflow data...