River bed-sediment size and distribution is critical for fish spawning habitat. The kayaking scientist in this photo is towing an advanced acoustic instrument that measures river velocity and depth. In addition, a camera captures photos that can be used to create digital elevation models and eventually maps of river bed-sediment size.
Brandon T Overstreet
Brandon Overstreet is a hydrologist at the Oregon Water Science Center.
As a member of the Geomorphology team at the Oregon Water Science Center, Brandon incorporates remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and field surveys to characterize river attributes including water depth, streamflow, temperature, and riparian vegetation. His work focuses on linking river observations at a range of scales to physical habitats, fluvial hazards, and management.
Brandon joined the USGS as a student employee in 2016 and became a permanent employee in 2020 following completion of his doctoral degree. He has over 10 years of experience planning and conducting remote sensing missions and incorporating data into hydrologic studies. Brandon is a FAA and DOI certified UAS pilot and developed the UAS program at the USGS Oregon Water Science Center.
Education and Certifications
B.S. in Geology, University of Idaho, 2008
M.S. in Geology, University of Wyoming, 2011
Ph.D. in Hydrology, University of Wyoming, 2020
Science and Products
Multiscale comparison of hyperspectral reflectance from periphyton in three Oregon rivers used for municipal supply
Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, McKenzie River Basin, Oregon, September 1999 Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, McKenzie River Basin, Oregon, September 1999
Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, Santiam River Basin, Oregon, August 2000 Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, Santiam River Basin, Oregon, August 2000
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cougar Reservoir, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cougar Reservoir, Oregon, December 2023
Topographic Survey of Select Erosional Features within Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, 2023 and 2024 Topographic Survey of Select Erosional Features within Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, 2023 and 2024
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Hills Creek Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Hills Creek Lake, Oregon, December 2023
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Dorena Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Dorena Lake, Oregon, December 2023
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cottage Grove Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cottage Grove Lake, Oregon, December 2023
Submerged Grain Size Maps in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon Submerged Grain Size Maps in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Orthomosaic maps of the Clackamas River, Oregon, produced from images acquired April 16-18, 2024 Orthomosaic maps of the Clackamas River, Oregon, produced from images acquired April 16-18, 2024
Classified Cover Mapping to Support Preliminary Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Vegetation (Ludwigia spp.) in the Willamette River, Oregon: Albany and Salem Reaches Classified Cover Mapping to Support Preliminary Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Vegetation (Ludwigia spp.) in the Willamette River, Oregon: Albany and Salem Reaches
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, during annual low pool, January and February, 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, during annual low pool, January and February, 2023
Floodplain forest vegetation cover maps to support effectiveness monitoring of channel and floodplain restoration projects along the Willamette River, Oregon (ver. 1.1, August 2025) Floodplain forest vegetation cover maps to support effectiveness monitoring of channel and floodplain restoration projects along the Willamette River, Oregon (ver. 1.1, August 2025)
River bed-sediment size and distribution is critical for fish spawning habitat. The kayaking scientist in this photo is towing an advanced acoustic instrument that measures river velocity and depth. In addition, a camera captures photos that can be used to create digital elevation models and eventually maps of river bed-sediment size.
Researchers prep equipment before a river mapping survey on the Niagara section of the North Santiam River.
Researchers prep equipment before a river mapping survey on the Niagara section of the North Santiam River.
Below are publications that Brandon Overstreet has authored.
Hyperspectral imaging of river bathymetry using an ensemble of regression trees Hyperspectral imaging of river bathymetry using an ensemble of regression trees
High resolution mapping of submerged sediment size and suitable salmon spawning habitat using topo-bathymetric Lidar in the Santiam Basin, Oregon High resolution mapping of submerged sediment size and suitable salmon spawning habitat using topo-bathymetric Lidar in the Santiam Basin, Oregon
Evaluating the potential to quantify salmon habitat via UAS-based particle image velocimetry Evaluating the potential to quantify salmon habitat via UAS-based particle image velocimetry
Integrating depth measurements from gaging stations with image archives for spectrally based remote sensing of river bathymetry Integrating depth measurements from gaging stations with image archives for spectrally based remote sensing of river bathymetry
Hydrologic budget of the Harney Basin groundwater system, southeastern Oregon Hydrologic budget of the Harney Basin groundwater system, southeastern Oregon
Assessing the potential for spectrally based remote sensing of salmon spawning locations Assessing the potential for spectrally based remote sensing of salmon spawning locations
Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river
Estimating river discharge with swath altimetry: A proof of concept using AirSWOT observations Estimating river discharge with swath altimetry: A proof of concept using AirSWOT observations
Sampling strategies to improve passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry Sampling strategies to improve passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry
Using remotely sensed data to estimate river characteristics including water-surface velocity and discharge Using remotely sensed data to estimate river characteristics including water-surface velocity and discharge
A framework for modeling connections between hydraulics, water surface roughness, and surface reflectance in open channel flows A framework for modeling connections between hydraulics, water surface roughness, and surface reflectance in open channel flows
Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel-bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel-bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA
Non-USGS Publications**
Smith, L.C., Cooper, M.G., Andrews, L.C., Pitcher, L.H., Overstreet, B.T., Rennermalm, A.K., et al. (2021) Greenland Ice Sheet Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements of supraglacial river discharge and Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of ice surface motion, 2016. Arctic Data Center. doi: 10.18739/A22F7JS1
Smith, L.C., Cooper, M.G., Andrews, L.C., Pitcher, L.H., Overstreet, B.T., Rennermalm, A.K., Cooley, S.W., Ryan, J.C., Miege, C., Kershner, C., Simpson, C.E. (2021) Greenland ice sheet surface position near a major supraglacial river moulin 2016, The GAGE Facility operated by UNAVCO, Inc., GPS/GNSS Observations Dataset. doi: 10.7283/GT6K-B184
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Multiscale comparison of hyperspectral reflectance from periphyton in three Oregon rivers used for municipal supply
Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, McKenzie River Basin, Oregon, September 1999 Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, McKenzie River Basin, Oregon, September 1999
Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, Santiam River Basin, Oregon, August 2000 Airborne Thermal Infrared and True-color Imagery and Longitudinal Profiles of Stream Temperatures, Santiam River Basin, Oregon, August 2000
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cougar Reservoir, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cougar Reservoir, Oregon, December 2023
Topographic Survey of Select Erosional Features within Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, 2023 and 2024 Topographic Survey of Select Erosional Features within Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, 2023 and 2024
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Hills Creek Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Hills Creek Lake, Oregon, December 2023
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Dorena Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Dorena Lake, Oregon, December 2023
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cottage Grove Lake, Oregon, December 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface model of Cottage Grove Lake, Oregon, December 2023
Submerged Grain Size Maps in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon Submerged Grain Size Maps in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Orthomosaic maps of the Clackamas River, Oregon, produced from images acquired April 16-18, 2024 Orthomosaic maps of the Clackamas River, Oregon, produced from images acquired April 16-18, 2024
Classified Cover Mapping to Support Preliminary Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Vegetation (Ludwigia spp.) in the Willamette River, Oregon: Albany and Salem Reaches Classified Cover Mapping to Support Preliminary Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Vegetation (Ludwigia spp.) in the Willamette River, Oregon: Albany and Salem Reaches
High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, during annual low pool, January and February, 2023 High-resolution orthoimagery and digital surface models of Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, during annual low pool, January and February, 2023
Floodplain forest vegetation cover maps to support effectiveness monitoring of channel and floodplain restoration projects along the Willamette River, Oregon (ver. 1.1, August 2025) Floodplain forest vegetation cover maps to support effectiveness monitoring of channel and floodplain restoration projects along the Willamette River, Oregon (ver. 1.1, August 2025)
River bed-sediment size and distribution is critical for fish spawning habitat. The kayaking scientist in this photo is towing an advanced acoustic instrument that measures river velocity and depth. In addition, a camera captures photos that can be used to create digital elevation models and eventually maps of river bed-sediment size.
River bed-sediment size and distribution is critical for fish spawning habitat. The kayaking scientist in this photo is towing an advanced acoustic instrument that measures river velocity and depth. In addition, a camera captures photos that can be used to create digital elevation models and eventually maps of river bed-sediment size.
Researchers prep equipment before a river mapping survey on the Niagara section of the North Santiam River.
Researchers prep equipment before a river mapping survey on the Niagara section of the North Santiam River.
Below are publications that Brandon Overstreet has authored.
Hyperspectral imaging of river bathymetry using an ensemble of regression trees Hyperspectral imaging of river bathymetry using an ensemble of regression trees
High resolution mapping of submerged sediment size and suitable salmon spawning habitat using topo-bathymetric Lidar in the Santiam Basin, Oregon High resolution mapping of submerged sediment size and suitable salmon spawning habitat using topo-bathymetric Lidar in the Santiam Basin, Oregon
Evaluating the potential to quantify salmon habitat via UAS-based particle image velocimetry Evaluating the potential to quantify salmon habitat via UAS-based particle image velocimetry
Integrating depth measurements from gaging stations with image archives for spectrally based remote sensing of river bathymetry Integrating depth measurements from gaging stations with image archives for spectrally based remote sensing of river bathymetry
Hydrologic budget of the Harney Basin groundwater system, southeastern Oregon Hydrologic budget of the Harney Basin groundwater system, southeastern Oregon
Assessing the potential for spectrally based remote sensing of salmon spawning locations Assessing the potential for spectrally based remote sensing of salmon spawning locations
Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river
Estimating river discharge with swath altimetry: A proof of concept using AirSWOT observations Estimating river discharge with swath altimetry: A proof of concept using AirSWOT observations
Sampling strategies to improve passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry Sampling strategies to improve passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry
Using remotely sensed data to estimate river characteristics including water-surface velocity and discharge Using remotely sensed data to estimate river characteristics including water-surface velocity and discharge
A framework for modeling connections between hydraulics, water surface roughness, and surface reflectance in open channel flows A framework for modeling connections between hydraulics, water surface roughness, and surface reflectance in open channel flows
Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel-bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel-bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA
Non-USGS Publications**
Smith, L.C., Cooper, M.G., Andrews, L.C., Pitcher, L.H., Overstreet, B.T., Rennermalm, A.K., et al. (2021) Greenland Ice Sheet Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements of supraglacial river discharge and Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of ice surface motion, 2016. Arctic Data Center. doi: 10.18739/A22F7JS1
Smith, L.C., Cooper, M.G., Andrews, L.C., Pitcher, L.H., Overstreet, B.T., Rennermalm, A.K., Cooley, S.W., Ryan, J.C., Miege, C., Kershner, C., Simpson, C.E. (2021) Greenland ice sheet surface position near a major supraglacial river moulin 2016, The GAGE Facility operated by UNAVCO, Inc., GPS/GNSS Observations Dataset. doi: 10.7283/GT6K-B184
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.