NHDPlus High Resolution User's Guide
"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."
Resource details
| Format | |
|---|---|
| Last updated | Sep 4, 2026 |
| Part of | National Hydrography Data - NHD and 3DHP |
Other resources in this dataset
- Access 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Data Products
- USGS - NHD Staged Products Directory
- Download NHD Data & Maps from The National Map
- National Hydrography Overlay Map Service (ArcGIS)
- The National Map Services
- Hydrography Presentations
- California NHD Stewardship Website
- USGS National Hydrography Website
- USGS 3D Hydrography Program
- NHD Data Dictionary
- 3D Hydrography Program Products: 3DHP_all 2023 Service Specification | U.S. Geological Survey
- NHD Stewardship Reports to the California Geographic Information Association Community Council
- California Business Rules for Updating the National Hydrography Dataset, 2021 update
- CDEC Flow Stations with NHD Attributes
- NHD Major Rivers Geodatabase
- NHD Major Rivers Geopackage
- NHD Major Rivers Shapefile
- NHD Major Rivers and Creeks Geodatabase
- NHD Major Rivers and Creeks Geopackage
- NHD Major Rivers and Creeks Shapefile
- NHD Major Lakes and Reservoirs Geodatabase
- NHD Major Lakes and Reservoirs Geopackage
- NHD Major Lakes and Reservoirs Shapefile
- How to Use the NHD Visibility Filter in a GIS
- Reference Data Used in Updating the California NHD
- NHD Data Model v2.3 Poster
- USGS Hydrography Datasets Playlist on YouTube
- USGS Letter re: End of NHD Editing
- USGS 3D Hydrography Program
- Hydrography Data Stewardship: Transitioning to the 3D Hydrography Program
- Elevation-Derived Hydrography Challenges and Solutions, July 2023
- Elevation Derived Hydrography Presentation, Esri User Conference 20240716