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User’s Guide for the National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR)

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5031
National Geospatial Program
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255031

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Abstract

The National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR) is a scalable hydrologic geospatial fabric or framework, built from (1) the High Resolution (1:24,000-scale or better) National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), (2) nationally complete Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD), and (3) 1/3-arc-second 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) digital elevation model (DEM) data (at a 10-meter ground spacing; or 5-meter 3DEP DEM in Alaska only). The NHDPlus HR provides a modeling and assessment framework at a local 1:24,000 scale, while nesting seamlessly into the national context.

NHDPlus HR is modeled after the highly successful NHDPlus version 2 (NHDPlusV2). Like NHDPlusV2, the NHDPlus HR includes data for a nationally seamless network of stream reaches, elevation-based catchment areas, flow surfaces, and value-added attributes that enhance stream-network navigation, analysis, and data display. However, NHDPlus HR provides much greater spatial detail than NHDPlusV2, while NHDPlusV2 is, at present, more complete in its attribution of additions, removals, and diversions, as well as stream connectivity. This user’s guide is intended to provide necessary information and guidance in the use of NHDPlus HR data.

Suggested Citation

Moore, R.B., McKay, L.D., Rea, A.H., Bondelid, T.R., Price, C.V., Dewald, T.G., and Hayes, L., 2025, User’s guide for the National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5031, 78 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255031. [Supersedes USGS Open-File Report 2019–1096.]

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Downloading and Organizing NHDPlus HR Data by Hydrologic Unit-Based Prediction Unit
  • Data File Formats
  • NHDPlus HR Versioning
  • Structure of the NHDPlus HR VPU Data
  • Main Data Components of the NHDPlus HR VPU Datasets and How They Fit Together
  • National Data Model and Release
  • NHDPlus Data Domains
  • Concepts for Understanding and Using NHDPlus HR
  • NHDPlus HR Production Process Description
  • Selected References
  • Glossary
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title User’s guide for the National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR)
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5031
DOI 10.3133/sir20255031
Publication Date September 30, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Geospatial Program, New England Water Science Center
Description Report: xiii, 78 p.; 2 Data Releases; Project Site
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details