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Publications— Data Series

Bathymetric Surveys of Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake, Pennsylvania, June 2007

U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 357

Prepared in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

By Clinton D. Hittle and A. Thomas Ruby III


View the report in Portable Document Format (PDF) DS 357 (810 KB)
Appendix—Bathymetric Data for Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake Download the appendix (6.32 MB)


Abstract

In spring of 2007, bathymetric surveys of two Pennsylvania State Park lakes were performed to collect accurate data sets of lake-bed elevations and to develop methods and techniques to conduct similar surveys across the state. The lake-bed elevations and associated geographical position data can be merged with land-surface elevations acquired through Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) techniques. Lake Arthur in Butler County and Raccoon Lake in Beaver County were selected for this initial data-collection activity. In order to establish accurate water-surface elevations during the surveys, benchmarks referenced to NAVD 88 were established on land at each lake by use of differential global positioning system (DGPS) surveys. Bathymetric data were collected using a single beam, 210 kilohertz (kHz) echo sounder and were coupled with the DGPS position data utilizing a computer software package. Transects of depth data were acquired at predetermined intervals on each lake, and the shoreline was delineated using a laser range finder and compass module. Final X, Y, Z coordinates of the geographic positions and lake-bed elevations were referenced to NAD 83 and NAVD 88 and are available to create bathymetric maps of the lakes.

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Study Area
Methods of Investigation
     Office Preparation
     Field Operation—Equipment
     Field Operation—Methods
     Data Manipulation
     Quality Assurance
Summary
Acknowledgments
References Cited
Appendix—Bathymetric Data for Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake


Suggested citation:
Hittle, C.D., and Ruby, A.T., III, 2008, Bathymetric surveys of Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake, Pennsylvania, June 2007: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 357, 10 p.


If you have Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Acrobat®Reader® installed on your computer, you may view and print the PDF version of this report. Acrobat Reader, is a free download from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

View the report in Portable Document Format (PDF) DS 357 (810 KB)
Appendix—Bathymetric Data for Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake Download the appendix (6.32 MB)


For more information about USGS activities in Pennsylvania contact:
Director
USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center
215 Limekiln Road
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070
Telephone: (717) 730-6960
Fax: (717) 730-6997
or access the USGS Water Resources of Pennsylvania home page at:
http://pa.water.usgs.gov/.

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