Surface water, like rivers and lakes, as well as groundwater have flows that change all the time. The USGS maps and measures water to help understand the environment and how water moves through it. Maps are important tools in understanding water resources, conditions, and issues. Maps allow people to visualize spatial data and understand how the environment may affect their lives.
Mapping Water
Water is vital to our Nation and the U.S. Geological Survey plays an important role in tracking and mapping our water resources. The resources presented below discuss different aspects of mapping our nation's water.
The Benefits of 3D Hydrography
Surveying for flood insurance rate maps
Landsat Water Atlas
From Data to Maps
What was your favorite childhood activity? Perhaps playing with or in water?
Though we often take water for granted, it is in fact a precious resource. Water is at the very heart of our existence.
USGS scientists are developing and improving mapping tools to understand water flow and be able to predict future change by monitoring water in different locations and times. They are also interested in areas where there is water shortages, floods, and other water-related hazards. They try to understand what the future may bring by examining the past.
To achieve the goal of predicting water volume, quality, and movement, scientists use tools to measure, analyze, and map water. They use different map types and mapping techniques. An example of this is scientists convert Landsat images to maps to use as tools to measure water use and plan for future needs. The USGS has many other mapping products to help understand water data.
Landsat Science Products
Mobile Water Data
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
What is the National Hydrography Program (3DHP)?
Surface Water Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Surface Water maps and related data.
3D Hydrography Program
Federal Priority Streamgages (FPS) Mapper
StreamStats Application
Flood Inundation Mapper
USGS Flood Event Viewer
Mapping Coastal Change
Groundwater Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Groundwater maps and related data.
Principal Aquifers Maps
National Groundwater Monitoring Network
U.S. Groundwater Conditions
Water Quality Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Water Quality maps and related data.
National Real-Time Water Quality
Continuous Real-Time Water Quality of Surface Water
SPARROW Watershed Tool
Water-Quality Changes in the Nation's Streams and Rivers
Groundwater Quality: Decadal Change
Oil and Gas Water Mapping
Water Use Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Water Use maps and related data.
U.S. Water Use from 1950-2015
Water use in the U.S., 2015
Mapping Water Use with Landsat
Examples of Mapping Water
Here are examples of projects mapping water around us.
Mapping Florida's Coastal Waters
Sea Floor Mapping Group
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
Water On-The-Go
Saltwater-Interface Mapping - Long Island
Mapping Sturgeon Spawning Habitat
Delineation of Water Bodies In Emergent Wetlands
Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts
Bridge Scour Countermeasures
Predicting Groundwater Quality in Unmonitored Areas
Drought Forecasting for Groundwater in Northeastern US
New Technologies for Mapping Surface Soil Moisture Over Wildfire-Prone Landscapes
StreamStats: Streamflow Statistics and Spatial Analysis Tools for Water-Resources Applications
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
Pesticides and Water Quality
USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Science
Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox
Emerging Flood Inundation Mapping Technologies
Flood Inundation Mapping - Loss Estimation
SPARROW: Attributes for NHDPlus Catchments (Version 1.1) for the Conterminous United States
Oil and Gas Waters Project
Flood Inundation Mapping Science
Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
Where can I get watershed maps?
Use The National Map Viewer to display or create watershed maps with the National Watershed Boundary Dataset. Watersheds are shown as Hydrologic Units, each one with a unique Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC). Go to The National Map Viewer (it might take a minute to fully load). In the green bar above the map, click on the Layers icon, which looks like a stack of paper. Click on the box beside "Watershed...
Where can I find flood maps?
FEMA is the official public source for flood maps for insurance purposes: FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer NOAA is responsible for producing flood forecast maps that combine precipitation data with USGS streamflow data: National Weather Service - Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service River Forecasts Long-Range River Flood Risk Coastal Inundation Dashboard: Real...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
What is the Ground Water Atlas of the United States?
This Ground Water Atlas of the United States is a series of USGS publications that describe the location, the extent, and the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the important aquifers of the Nation. The series consists of 13 chapters that describe the regional groundwater resources that collectively cover 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more: Principal Aquifers...
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 Downloader or using download links that are listed at Access National Hydrography Products. Learn more: The National Map: Hydrography Training Videos National Hydrography Dataset User Guide For streamflow data, see: Where can I get real-time and historical...
- Overview
Mapping Water
Water is vital to our Nation and the U.S. Geological Survey plays an important role in tracking and mapping our water resources. The resources presented below discuss different aspects of mapping our nation's water.
The Benefits of 3D HydrographyThe Benefits of 3D HydrographySurveying for flood insurance rate mapsSurveying for flood insurance rate mapsLandsat Water AtlasLandsat Water AtlasFrom Data to Maps
What was your favorite childhood activity? Perhaps playing with or in water?
Though we often take water for granted, it is in fact a precious resource. Water is at the very heart of our existence.
USGS scientists are developing and improving mapping tools to understand water flow and be able to predict future change by monitoring water in different locations and times. They are also interested in areas where there is water shortages, floods, and other water-related hazards. They try to understand what the future may bring by examining the past.
To achieve the goal of predicting water volume, quality, and movement, scientists use tools to measure, analyze, and map water. They use different map types and mapping techniques. An example of this is scientists convert Landsat images to maps to use as tools to measure water use and plan for future needs. The USGS has many other mapping products to help understand water data.
Landsat Science ProductsLandsat Science ProductsMobile Water DataMobile Water DataDownload Data & Maps from The National MapDownload Data & Maps from The National MapWhat is the National Hydrography Program (3DHP)?What is the National Hydrography Program (3DHP)?Surface Water Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Surface Water maps and related data.
3D Hydrography Program3D Hydrography ProgramFederal Priority Streamgages (FPS) MapperFederal Priority Streamgages (FPS) MapperStreamStats ApplicationStreamStats ApplicationFlood Inundation MapperFlood Inundation MapperUSGS Flood Event ViewerUSGS Flood Event ViewerMapping Coastal ChangeMapping Coastal ChangeGroundwater Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Groundwater maps and related data.
Principal Aquifers MapsPrincipal Aquifers MapsNational Groundwater Monitoring NetworkNational Groundwater Monitoring NetworkU.S. Groundwater ConditionsU.S. Groundwater ConditionsWater Quality Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Water Quality maps and related data.
National Real-Time Water QualityNational Real-Time Water QualityContinuous Real-Time Water Quality of Surface WaterContinuous Real-Time Water Quality of Surface WaterSPARROW Watershed ToolSPARROW Watershed ToolWater-Quality Changes in the Nation's Streams and RiversWater-Quality Changes in the Nation's Streams and RiversGroundwater Quality: Decadal ChangeGroundwater Quality: Decadal ChangeOil and Gas Water MappingOil and Gas Water MappingWater Use Maps
Here are some tools to access USGS Water Use maps and related data.
U.S. Water Use from 1950-2015U.S. Water Use from 1950-2015Water use in the U.S., 2015Water use in the U.S., 2015Mapping Water Use with LandsatMapping Water Use with LandsatExamples of Mapping Water
Here are examples of projects mapping water around us.
Mapping Florida's Coastal WatersMapping Florida's Coastal WatersSea Floor Mapping GroupSea Floor Mapping GroupDelineating the U.S. Extended Continental ShelfDelineating the U.S. Extended Continental ShelfWater On-The-GoWater On-The-GoSaltwater-Interface Mapping - Long IslandSaltwater-Interface Mapping - Long IslandMapping Sturgeon Spawning HabitatMapping Sturgeon Spawning HabitatDelineation of Water Bodies In Emergent WetlandsDelineation of Water Bodies In Emergent WetlandsHydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsHydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsBridge Scour CountermeasuresBridge Scour CountermeasuresPredicting Groundwater Quality in Unmonitored AreasPredicting Groundwater Quality in Unmonitored AreasDrought Forecasting for Groundwater in Northeastern USDrought Forecasting for Groundwater in Northeastern US - Publications
- Science
Filter Total Items: 16
New Technologies for Mapping Surface Soil Moisture Over Wildfire-Prone Landscapes
A partnership between the USGS, Pepperwood Preserve, and Black Swift LLC aims to map soil and fuel moisture over wildfire-prone landscapes.StreamStats: Streamflow Statistics and Spatial Analysis Tools for Water-Resources Applications
StreamStats provides access to spatial analytical tools that are useful for water-resources planning and management, and for engineering and design purposes. The map-based user interface can be used to delineate drainage areas, get basin characteristics and estimates of flow statistics, and more. Available information varies from state to state.National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
Our surface water, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems are priceless resources, used by people across the Nation for drinking, irrigation, industry, and recreation. The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project is a leading source of scientific data and knowledge for development of science-based policies and management strategies to improve and protect our water resources.Pesticides and Water Quality
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill pests, including insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and fungi (fungicides). The USGS assesses the occurrence and behavior of pesticides in streams, lakes, and groundwater and the potential for pesticides to contaminate our drinking-water supplies or harm aquatic ecosystems.USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Science
Through local partnerships the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions. Click for more information on this USGS program.Flood Inundation Mapping Toolbox
The FIM Toolbox contains comprehensive information on the Flood Inundation Mapping program, including how to develop a flood inundation map library. Resources include process documents, scientific and technical requirements, forms and templates, outreach and educational materials, and contact information. The FIM Toolbox is updated as new resources become available.Emerging Flood Inundation Mapping Technologies
The following technologies represent state-of-the-art tools, methodologies, and techniques that the USGS and our partners are researching and testing. Most of these techniques are experimental and not publicly available, but could significantly improve our ability to plan for and respond to flooding events in the future.Flood Inundation Mapping - Loss Estimation
Using a flood inundation map library to estimate where floodwaters will go and how deep they will be is crucial for planning and preparing for floods. By performing loss-estimation modeling, the potential physical, economic, and social impacts of disasters can be calculated, helping communities anticipate the effects of flooding and identify specific strategies to reduce losses and speed recovery.SPARROW: Attributes for NHDPlus Catchments (Version 1.1) for the Conterminous United States
The national databases used in USGS SPARROW models are available for download. Attributes from the NHDPlus data set, such as climate, geology, soils, land cover, hydrologic variables, physical characteristics, chemicals, and nutrients, are available for all catchments in the digital stream networks (1:500K scale).Oil and Gas Waters Project
The primary objective of this project is to provide information on the volume, quality, impacts, and possible uses of water produced during generation and development of energy resources (particularly hydrocarbons) as well as related fluids injected into reservoirs for energy development and associated waste disposal. The purpose of this work is to address scientific and societal questions...Flood Inundation Mapping Science
When planning for a flood, there are three key questions that must be answered: What areas will be flooded? How deep will the flood waters get? When will the flood arrive? Historical flooding can help a community anticipate how much impact similar flood events could have, but there are other methods and tools that can provide more accurate and nuanced estimations of a wide variety of flood...Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program
Floods are the leading cause of natural-disaster losses in the U.S. More than 75 percent of declared Federal disasters are related to floods, and annual flood losses average almost $8 billion with over 90 fatalities per year. Although the amount of fatalities has declined due to improved early warning systems, economic losses continue to rise with increased urbanization in flood-hazard areas. - Data and More
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- FAQ
Where can I get watershed maps?
Use The National Map Viewer to display or create watershed maps with the National Watershed Boundary Dataset. Watersheds are shown as Hydrologic Units, each one with a unique Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC). Go to The National Map Viewer (it might take a minute to fully load). In the green bar above the map, click on the Layers icon, which looks like a stack of paper. Click on the box beside "Watershed...
Where can I find flood maps?
FEMA is the official public source for flood maps for insurance purposes: FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer NOAA is responsible for producing flood forecast maps that combine precipitation data with USGS streamflow data: National Weather Service - Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service River Forecasts Long-Range River Flood Risk Coastal Inundation Dashboard: Real...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
What is the Ground Water Atlas of the United States?
This Ground Water Atlas of the United States is a series of USGS publications that describe the location, the extent, and the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the important aquifers of the Nation. The series consists of 13 chapters that describe the regional groundwater resources that collectively cover 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more: Principal Aquifers...
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 Downloader or using download links that are listed at Access National Hydrography Products. Learn more: The National Map: Hydrography Training Videos National Hydrography Dataset User Guide For streamflow data, see: Where can I get real-time and historical...