National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)
US Geological Survey, US Department of the Interior (USGS)
ACCESS INFORMATION
DATA ACCESS
http://nhd.usgs.gov/ACCESS TYPE
Open access
LAST KNOWN VERSION
Continuously maintained
DATA FORMAT
- kml
- FileGDB
OVERVIEW
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is the surface water component of The National Map. NHD is a digital vector dataset used by geographic information systems (GIS). It contains features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, canals, dams and stream gauges. These data are designed to be used in general mapping and in the analysis of surface-water systems. NHD contains a flow network that allows for tracing water downstream or upstream. Surface water drainage data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) and elevation data derived from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) are used. The NHD also uses an addressing system based on reach codes and linear referencing to link specific information about the water, such as water discharge rates, water quality, and fish population.
BROAD DATA CATEGORIES
- Agriculture and natural resources
- Geospatial data
SPECIFIC DATA ELEMENTS
- Hurricane
- Flood
- Topography and bathymetry
RESOLUTION
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
US States; Puerto Rico; US Virgin Islands; American Samoa; Saipan