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Surface Water Resources
The Vermont Hydrography Dataset (VHD) - Vermont's 1:5k NHD
Latest Revision: 10/23/2006

Overview

The USGS-Innovative Partnership Framework Hydrography project, completed by VCGI in 2004, replaced a patch work of surface water data layers across the state (see historic SW source data map) created at different scales, using different methods and at different times with a single, hydrologically connected and consistently produced 1:5k dataset called the "Vermont Hydrography Dataset" (VHD). The VHD is Vermont's implementation of the framework National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) data model, maintained by the USGS, and represents the most accurate, statewide surface water data to date. For more information on this project see the Projects and Initiatives section below.

The NHD is a set of standards, originally represented by the "NHDinARC" "data model", that has migrated to the "NHDinGEO" model. VCGI completed the VHD just as the USGS began to migrate the NHD from its original, coverage based "NHDinARC" data model to its current geodatabase data model, "NHDinGEO". For an overview of the implications of this new implementation click here. At present, the Vermont Geographic Information System (VGIS), provides "NHDinARC" data for all but the Black-Ottaquechee (01080106) subbasin, while the "NHDinGEO" is available statewide for the Vermont "local resolution" data (VHD) at the USGS NHD GEODATABASE website. Data are also available in a shapefile extract from NHDGEO called NHDGEOinSHP. Data requests in NHDGEOinSHP are only available by individual subbasins.

The NHD framework models offer a superior design to their predecessors and truly address water related issues nationwide. However, with power and versatily comes more complexity. A VHD FAQ has been created in an attempt to address some of the more common issues. To check availability or to acquire VHD data in "NHDinARC" format click here (Note: An IE browser is required to successfully download data).

Projects and Initiatives

Value Added Attributes for the Vermont Hydrography Dataset
The NHD Value Added Attributes are a set of 20 new attributes that are computed from the NHD flow table and assigned to each drain feature in the stream network. “The VAAs are designed to enhance the capabilities of NHD in three areas: 1) Navigation/Traversal; 2) Analysis; and 3) Display.
See the VAA project page

Identifying Intermittent & Perennial Streams Using Logistic Regression
See the NEIEN project page for an overview of this project
Also see the USGS Scientific Investigations Report (2006–5217) for the science behind the effort - "A Logistic Regression Equation for Estimating the Probability of a Stream in Vermont Having Intermittent Flow"

Revising the Draft VGIS Surface Waters Data Standard
VCGI will be revising the 1993 Draft Surface Waters standard upon receiving the NHD Data Maintenance Standard, currently in draft form. This high priority update is being postponed in order to build upon the NHD standards, avoid duplication of effort and create a document that will serve the Vermont GIS SW user community for years to come.

Surface Water Related Resources

NHD & Related Data Links

  • NHD Homepage - For a complete overview on the National Hydrography Dataset
  • VHD in "NHDinARC" format from the VGIS. In Vermont State Coordinates.
  • VHD in "NHDinGEO" format from the USGS. Note! In the "Geographic" projection
  • Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) (for a quick overview of the WBD see this fact sheet).
  • Arc Hydro Homepage - Hosted by the GIS Water Resources Consortium.
  • Arc Hydro Online Support System - A series of links to download software, and documents about Arc Hydro. Hosted by the Center for Research in Water Resources, University of Texas at Austin.

    NHD & Related Tools

  • NHD Tools - Many useful tools for the "NHDinARC" VHD data only. An upgrade to the NHD ArcView 3.x Toolkit that is compatible with the NHDGEOinARC format is expected to be released sometime in early fall, 2004.

    ArcGIS Links

  • Dr. Dana Tomlin's "Map Algebra: The Bird’s Eye View from a Worm’s Eye Perspective". Presented at the 2002 Northeast ARC Users Conference (NEARC). Fantastic overview on grid processing!  

    Presentations & Articles

  • Enriching the VHD with Value Added Attributes and Hydrographic Category . A presentation given at the 2006 VGIS EXPO, Burlington, VT April 13.  
  • Utilizing the NHD Reach Indexing Tool in VHD (1:5K) Applications. A presentation given at the 2003 Northeast ARC Users Conference (NEARC).  

    Archive

    Building the Vermont Hydrography Dataset (VHD)
    Through a USGS Innovative Partnership (USGS-IP) Project, VCGI created a highly accurate statewide surface water dataset, coined the "VHD". To review the schedule of data developed by sub-basin see     VHD Project Schedule. (~750k)

    The 1:5,000 scale Vermont Hydrography Dataset was constructed in two separate phases. The first phase produced a "pre-release" version of the data, by 8 digit cataloging unit, a.k.a., "subbasin", that was eventually replaced with NHD "certified" data. In this phase the best surface water data available was identified and aggregated by subbasin. Edits included enhancing spatial accuracy and creating a hydrologically correct network. While certain attributes were carried over from the source data, none were enhanced in this step.

    The second phase produced a "certified" version of the data compliant with National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) standards and populated with a wealth of attributes. Some of these are transferred ("conflated") from the 1:24,000 scale version of the NHD to retain key information, e.g., reach codes, some are automatically generated and others are entered manually.
    VCGI wins USGS contract to update hydrography
    The Vermont Center for Geographic Information, Inc. (VCGI) was recently awarded a contract by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to update its 1:5000 source scale hydrography data.

    VCGI Partners With ANR and NRCS to Update White River Sub-basin Data
    As part of its Watershed Planning program, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has awarded grants to VCGI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to update hydrography for the White River sub-basin.

    Announcement of FGDC Surface Waters Integration Pilot Project

    FGDC Grant Proposal

    View a presentation given at the 2000 Northeast ARC Users Conference (NEARC) showing the current status of hydro work in Vermont.  

    Contact Info
    If you have any questions or comments regarding surface water data please feel free to contact Mike Brouillette, surface water data manager, via e-mail , phone (802) 882-3008 or fax (802) 882-3001.

    • VCGI - 58 South Main Street (Suite 2), Waterbury, VT 05676 (802-882-3000) (Fax 802-882-3001)