NetMap's Technical Help Guide

Comparison of the NHD to NetMap's stream layer

Comparison of the NHD to NetMap’s stream layer
NetMap’s stream layer is derived from digital elevation models that can range from the National Elevation Dataset (NED, in 10 m resolution) to 1-5 meter LiDAR.  In some areas, such as in Alaska, available DEMs range from the SRTM (Shuttle Radar) 30 m to proprietary 20 m DEMs (derived from satellite imagery). The 10-m NED DEM is derived from 1:24,000 scale U.S.G.S. topographic maps (http://ned.usgs.gov/).
 
The section covers a comparison of the NHD to NetMap’s stream layer.
 
There can be significant variation in the density of mapped streams. See examples in Figure 1 in Washington and Oregon (NHD+ downloaded 2012).
 
Figure 1. (Top) An example from western Washington that illustrates the inherent variation in stream densities in the NHD based on ownership. (Bottom) Another example showing variation in stream density in northwest Oregon.
 
 
In addition to inconsistencies in drainage density, there are also considerable mapping errors in certain areas because of the human digitizing factor of NHD creation (in particular headwater streams). Because of dense vegetation or other confounding factors, NHD stream lines, particularly in headwaters can be inconsistent with the actual topography (Figure 2). The inconsistency between the NHD lines (in some areas) and the digital elevation model, suggests that the “burning” in of the NHD into the NED could lead to some undesirable outcomes. However, the NHD should be considerably more accurate in larger channels where it is more clear how the channel relates to the topography (note – NetMap’s uses the NHD as a guide (match) to define the locations of the larger, lower gradient channels in its stream layer).
 
Figure 2. The two panels show examples of NHD flow line inaccuracies compared to the NED (10 m) digital elevation model. NetMap’s stream lines are shown for comparison.
 
In meandering or braiding channels in wide valley floors, it is difficult to create accurate stream line locations in the NHD because of dynamic channel shifting (Figure 3). This is a difficult problem to overcome in both the NHD and in NetMap’s stream layer that utilizes the NHD in those areas. However, specific users can adjust the stream lines to make them more accurate in their own databases (Figure 4)
 
Figure 3. An example of inaccurate NHD double banked streams in the Lower Yakima River, Washington. This type of problems is difficult to address in both the NHD and in NetMap’s stream layer (that uses the NHD in these areas as a mask) because of dynamic channel shifting from year to year due to floods.
 
Figure 4. NHD flow lines can be spatially offset from the actual stream channel either due to human mapping error or because of channel shifting over time. Such errors can be rectified by users in specific applications as shown above.
 
Both the NHD and the NetMap stream layer have important characteristics. Table 1 presents a comparative analysis of the two layers.
 
 
Table 1. A comparison between NHD and NetMap
Stream Layer Attribute
NHD
NetMap
(1) Channel initiation criteria/network extent (channel density)
Based on cartographic interpretations (1:100,000
or 1:24,000). Mapping anomalies such as varying stream densities and isolated or unconnected reaches can exist.
1:24,000 (in prep.)
 
National.
 
 
 
 
Uses a consistent method to extract a synthetic, routed and attributed network including drainage area, specific drainage area (per contour length), plan  convergence, and minimum segment length using available DEMs, typically 10m but LiDAR when available.
 
Objective is maximum density with no feathering on planar slopes. Channels then trimmed top down by user to tailor network to individual landscapes
 
Regionally available-national planned.
 
Users can create their own customized networks.
 
(2) Customization to specific landscapes
na
Yes, network extent segment length, associated hillslope discretization (e.g., users can build [customize] a digital synthetic stream layer)
(3) Flow direction/flow dispersion
Na
D infinity, (e.g., Tarboton 1997)
Flow dispersion until channel initiated
(4) Channel segment length – grain of the channel hillslope coupling
 
 
Variable, meters to multi kilometers long, can include events within a segment.
 
Segment length flexible from the grain of the network nodes (DEM grain) to multi-kilometers. Criteria for defining lengths is flexible, fixed or variable. Segment length commonly 50m to 200m.
Drainage wings scaled (width) by segment length @segment length average 100m, drainage wing area is 0.1 km2.
 
Road segmentation-pixel scale and reaggraegation.
(5) Digital terrain (NED) – stream network integration
Line work burned into the NED because of inconsistencies between them – e.g., different origins and different technologies
consistent
(6) Consistency between NHD and other layers
na
Yes, NetMap mirrors NHD in lower gradient portions of networks; uses lake data, uses watershed boundary data, can incorporate other NHD data (see below)
(7) Floodplain mapping
Limited and variable
 
Yes, floodplain (terrace) mapping tool based on DEM; flexibility on lateral mapping extent
(8) Stream-watershed attributes – TOOLS bundled with stream layer
 
 
Limited, mostly hydrological
Extensive, 70 tool and 80 parameters, see
includes: gradient, stream order, valley width, drainage area, elevation, mean precip, width, depth, flow (the latter three, regression based) and see
 
Summarize channel and hillslope information at any scale defined by the grain of the node based network and by the corresponding hillslope discretization;
Tool packages:
-fluvial morph
-aquatic habitats
-erosion
-roads
-vegetation/fire/climate
(9) Road Network Relationships with River Network
No
Yes, road networks broken at pixel cell boundaries, linked to streams in numerous ways (drain diversion, surface erosion, landslide, debris flow, habitat above etc.)
(10) Tributary Confluences identified
Variably available but inconsistent
Yes, with confluence effects predictions
(11) Attach user’s stream layer attributes to NetMap’s stream layer (Cross Talk)
No
Yes
(12) Transfer  NetMap attributes to another stream layer (Overlay Tool)
 
No
Yes
 
The NHD+ is a valuable data resource. NetMap uses the NHD to guide the locations of channels in areas of low relief and low gradient. NetMap can add value to and strengthen the NHD via attribute transfer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Made with help of Dr.Explain

Copyright TerrainWorks 2014