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User’s Manual for Computer Program BASEPLOT

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 02-151, 72 pages (Published 2002)

Curtis L. Sanders, Jr.

This report is available online in pdf format (4 MB): USGS OFR 02-151.pdf

ABSTRACT

The checking and reviewing of daily records of streamflow within the U.S. Geological Survey is traditionally accomplished by hand-plotting and mentally collating tables of data. The process is time consuming, difficult to standardize, and subject to errors in computation, data entry, and logic. In addition, the presentation of flow data on the internet requires more timely and accurate computation of daily flow records.

BASEPLOT was developed for checking and review of primary streamflow records within the U.S. Geological Survey. Use of BASEPLOT enables users to (1) provide efficiencies during the record checking and review process, (2) improve quality control, (3) achieve uniformity of checking and review techniques of simple stage-discharge relations, and (4) provide a tool for teaching streamflow computation techniques.

The BASEPLOT program produces tables of quality control checks and produces plots of rating curves and discharge measurements; variable shift (V-shift) diagrams; and V-shifts converted to stage-discharge plots, using data stored in the U.S. Geological Survey Automatic Data Processing System database. In addition, the program plots unit-value hydrographs that show unit-value stages, shifts, and datum corrections; input shifts, datum corrections, and effective dates; discharge measurements; effective dates for rating tables; and numeric quality control checks. Checklist/tutorial forms are provided for reviewers to ensure completeness of review and standardize the review process. The program was written for the U.S. Geological Survey SUN computer using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software produced by SAS Institute, Incorporated.

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Computation of Basic Streamflow Records

Program BASEPLOT

Program Description

Program Installation

Program Execution

Review of Basic Streamflow Record Computation Using Program BASEPLOT

Numeric Quality Control Error Flags A-E

BASEPLOT Figure 1—Stage Minus Offset Versus Flow

BASEPLOT Figure 2—Stage Versus Discharge, Low-Water Arithmetic Scale

BASEPLOT Figure 3—All V-shift Curves for the Retrieved Period

BASEPLOT Figure 4—Shifts Displayed on Stage Versus Flow Plot

BASEPLOT Figure 5—Individual V-Shift Curves

BASEPLOT Figure 6—Hydrograph of Gage Heights, Shifts, and Datum Corrections

BASEPLOT Table 1—Percent Differences Between Measurements in Prior 4 Years and the Current Ratings

BASEPLOT Table 2—Measurements, Inspection, V-Shift, and Quality Control Data

Summary

References

Appendix—Review Checklist for Computer Program BASEPLOT

REPORT AVAILABILITY

This report is available online in pdf format (4 MB): USGS OFR 02-151
To view the PDF document, you need the Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. (A free copy of the Acrobat® Reader may be downloaded from Adobe Systems Incorporated.)

For more information, contact the South Carolina Publications Unit.

USGS South Carolina Publications South Carolina Water Science Center

 USGS South Carolina Publications • South Carolina Water Science Center