Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced publication of the Holston River, TN hydrologic unit 10 (0601010403) in the 3D Hydrography Program web map services and provided update on HydroAdd planned release of the Beta version (August 2025) and version 1.0 (September 2025).
Karen F Adkins
Karen is the Acting User Engagement Chief, and User Engagement Lead for Hydrography in the NGP User Engagement Office.
Karen joined the NGP User Engagement Office in 2023, bringing her technical and leadership expertise to support the National Map Liaisons in engagement and communication activities regarding the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP). She previously served as the Senior Hydrography Project Lead for the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) where she led staff and activities in the production of the legacy USGS hydrography products and services (National Hydrography Dataset, National Watershed Dataset, National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution) and in the transition to 3DHP.
Education and Certifications
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems, Pennsylvania State University
Postbaccalaureate Certificate, Geographic Information Systems; Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute (#513169)
Science and Products
topoBuilder quick start guide topoBuilder quick start guide
Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced publication of the Holston River, TN hydrologic unit 10 (0601010403) in the 3D Hydrography Program web map services and provided update on HydroAdd planned release of the Beta version (August 2025) and version 1.0 (September 2025).
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationSteve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of the Elevation Derived Hydrography Specification 2024 Revision A3 and updates on the following:
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationApril 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationSteve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of the Elevation Derived Hydrography Specification 2024 Revision A3 and updates on the following:
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of updated Elevation Derived Hydrography Specifications and publication of the following products and services:
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of updated Elevation Derived Hydrography Specifications and publication of the following products and services:
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Data
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) DataThe 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) database will initially be populated with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) features, mapped to the new data model. The NHD-source features will be replaced with hydrography derived from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) lidar and IfSAR data as it becomes available.
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Data
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) DataThe 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) database will initially be populated with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) features, mapped to the new data model. The NHD-source features will be replaced with hydrography derived from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) lidar and IfSAR data as it becomes available.
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?Federal Fiscal Year 2024 was the first full operational year for the 3D Hydrography Program. We made significant progress in a number of areas, publishing final versions of legacy products, and developing processes for the new program. This presentation will provide an overview of what was accomplished in FY24 and what is planned for FY25.
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?Federal Fiscal Year 2024 was the first full operational year for the 3D Hydrography Program. We made significant progress in a number of areas, publishing final versions of legacy products, and developing processes for the new program. This presentation will provide an overview of what was accomplished in FY24 and what is planned for FY25.
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography Program
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography ProgramThe USGS-NFHP Webinar on the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) and The National Map (TNM) provided a deep dive into the current state and future direction of USGS hydrography and elevation data, focusing on the replacement of legacy datasets with highly accurate, 3D-enabled data.
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography Program
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography ProgramThe USGS-NFHP Webinar on the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) and The National Map (TNM) provided a deep dive into the current state and future direction of USGS hydrography and elevation data, focusing on the replacement of legacy datasets with highly accurate, 3D-enabled data.
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsThe U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), began a series of studies in 2019 to develop a web-based statewide hydraulic modeling tool to provide preliminary culvert designs for stream-crossing projects in Massachusetts.
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsThe U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), began a series of studies in 2019 to develop a web-based statewide hydraulic modeling tool to provide preliminary culvert designs for stream-crossing projects in Massachusetts.
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHP
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHPThe new 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is the focus of USGS efforts to acquire and produce detailed surface-water mapping information, such as lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHP
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHPThe new 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is the focus of USGS efforts to acquire and produce detailed surface-water mapping information, such as lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHP
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHPThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) is a national hydrologic unit (HU) geospatial dataset that defines surface drainage areas for the United States. This dataset provides a foundation for local, regional, and national applications to manage, archive, exchange, and analyze data by HU.
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHP
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHPThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) is a national hydrologic unit (HU) geospatial dataset that defines surface drainage areas for the United States. This dataset provides a foundation for local, regional, and national applications to manage, archive, exchange, and analyze data by HU.
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in Tennessee
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in TennesseePresenters are Rebecca Ransom and David Ladd with the USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center in Nashville, TN.
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in Tennessee
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in TennesseePresenters are Rebecca Ransom and David Ladd with the USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center in Nashville, TN.
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022Our material is taken from the "USGS National Hydrography Datasets – What’s Happening Now?" session previously held at the recent American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Geospatial Water Technology Conference earlier in May. We will cover:
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022Our material is taken from the "USGS National Hydrography Datasets – What’s Happening Now?" session previously held at the recent American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Geospatial Water Technology Conference earlier in May. We will cover:
Science and Products
topoBuilder quick start guide topoBuilder quick start guide
Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced publication of the Holston River, TN hydrologic unit 10 (0601010403) in the 3D Hydrography Program web map services and provided update on HydroAdd planned release of the Beta version (August 2025) and version 1.0 (September 2025).
Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced publication of the Holston River, TN hydrologic unit 10 (0601010403) in the 3D Hydrography Program web map services and provided update on HydroAdd planned release of the Beta version (August 2025) and version 1.0 (September 2025).
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationSteve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of the Elevation Derived Hydrography Specification 2024 Revision A3 and updates on the following:
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationApril 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” Presentation
April 22, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and "Updating historical flow permanence classifications with probabilistic continuous-value estimates” PresentationSteve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of the Elevation Derived Hydrography Specification 2024 Revision A3 and updates on the following:
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of updated Elevation Derived Hydrography Specifications and publication of the following products and services:
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”
January 28, 2025 USGS Hydrography Community Call: 3D Hydrography Program Announcements and “HydroAdd3D Sneak Peak”Steve Aichele, the National Geospatial Program Hydrography Management and Planning Lead, announced release of updated Elevation Derived Hydrography Specifications and publication of the following products and services:
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Data
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) DataThe 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) database will initially be populated with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) features, mapped to the new data model. The NHD-source features will be replaced with hydrography derived from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) lidar and IfSAR data as it becomes available.
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Data
December 2024 USGS Hydrography Community Call: Delivering and Using 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) DataThe 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) database will initially be populated with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) features, mapped to the new data model. The NHD-source features will be replaced with hydrography derived from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) lidar and IfSAR data as it becomes available.
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?Federal Fiscal Year 2024 was the first full operational year for the 3D Hydrography Program. We made significant progress in a number of areas, publishing final versions of legacy products, and developing processes for the new program. This presentation will provide an overview of what was accomplished in FY24 and what is planned for FY25.
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?
The 3D Hydrography Program at one year – what was accomplished in FY24, what is planned for FY25?Federal Fiscal Year 2024 was the first full operational year for the 3D Hydrography Program. We made significant progress in a number of areas, publishing final versions of legacy products, and developing processes for the new program. This presentation will provide an overview of what was accomplished in FY24 and what is planned for FY25.
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography Program
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography ProgramThe USGS-NFHP Webinar on the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) and The National Map (TNM) provided a deep dive into the current state and future direction of USGS hydrography and elevation data, focusing on the replacement of legacy datasets with highly accurate, 3D-enabled data.
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography Program
USGS-NFHP Webinar - The National Map and the 3D Hydrography ProgramThe USGS-NFHP Webinar on the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) and The National Map (TNM) provided a deep dive into the current state and future direction of USGS hydrography and elevation data, focusing on the replacement of legacy datasets with highly accurate, 3D-enabled data.
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsThe U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), began a series of studies in 2019 to develop a web-based statewide hydraulic modeling tool to provide preliminary culvert designs for stream-crossing projects in Massachusetts.
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts
A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in MassachusettsThe U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), began a series of studies in 2019 to develop a web-based statewide hydraulic modeling tool to provide preliminary culvert designs for stream-crossing projects in Massachusetts.
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHP
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHPThe new 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is the focus of USGS efforts to acquire and produce detailed surface-water mapping information, such as lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHP
Understanding the Transition from NHDPlus HR to 3DHPThe new 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is the focus of USGS efforts to acquire and produce detailed surface-water mapping information, such as lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHP
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHPThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) is a national hydrologic unit (HU) geospatial dataset that defines surface drainage areas for the United States. This dataset provides a foundation for local, regional, and national applications to manage, archive, exchange, and analyze data by HU.
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHP
Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Transitioning to 3DHPThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) is a national hydrologic unit (HU) geospatial dataset that defines surface drainage areas for the United States. This dataset provides a foundation for local, regional, and national applications to manage, archive, exchange, and analyze data by HU.
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in Tennessee
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in TennesseePresenters are Rebecca Ransom and David Ladd with the USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center in Nashville, TN.
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in Tennessee
Development of a Geographic Information System Methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in TennesseePresenters are Rebecca Ransom and David Ladd with the USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center in Nashville, TN.
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022Our material is taken from the "USGS National Hydrography Datasets – What’s Happening Now?" session previously held at the recent American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Geospatial Water Technology Conference earlier in May. We will cover:
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022
What’s Happening with National Hydrography – USGS at AWRA Geospatial Water Technology Conference May 2022Our material is taken from the "USGS National Hydrography Datasets – What’s Happening Now?" session previously held at the recent American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Geospatial Water Technology Conference earlier in May. We will cover: