StreamCat and LakeCat Datasets and Developments

We developed the StreamCat and LakeCat Datasets to provide watershed-level characterizations of several hundred natural (e.g., soils, geology, climate, and land cover) and anthropogenic (e.g., urbanization, agriculture, mining, and forest management) landscape features for ca. 2.6 million stream segments and 376,000 lakes across the CONUS, respectively. These datasets can be quickly paired with field samples based on location to provide independent variables for modeling and other analyses. Both datasets are built using the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), and specifically the NHDPlus, as their geopspatial framework, making use of catchment delineations and network topology to allocate and accumulate landscape metrics for all NHDPlus rivers and streams and waterbodies depicted in CONUS in this dataset.  Additionally, we have developed an application programming interface (API), along with a web tool, that allows for easy access to the StreamCat data and incorporation of data in models and applications.

Impact/Purpose

This presentation is for the National Hydrography Infrastructure Working Group (NHI), an inter-agency group that coordinates the development of the National Hydrography Dataset and Watershed Boundary Dataset and is led by the USGS.  The presentation is to provide informational background on how the StreamCat and LakeCat datasets, developed by the EPA, leverage the National Hydrography Dataset and ways we are developing and delivering these datasets.

Citation

Weber, M., Ryan A Hill, S. Leibowitz, D. Rebhuhn, AND A. Brookes. StreamCat and LakeCat Datasets and Developments. National Hydrography Infrastructure Workd, Corvallis, OR, January 27, 2022.