Open-File Report 02-151
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
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.
Computation of Basic Streamflow Records
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
Appendix—Review Checklist for Computer Program BASEPLOT
This report is available online in pdf format (4 MB): USGS OFR 02-151
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