Searching for Data in HydroDesktop

HydroDesktop is a GIS-enabled, open source client that can be used to search for, download, analyze, and export data registered in HIS. In HydroDesktop, there are multiple ways to search for data, which are outlined below.

Note: The screenshots included in this post are from HydroDesktop 1.5.9. Since this is an ongoing development project, the interface and functionality of the client are subject to change.

1. Search by Rectangle - Using the search rectangle is the most basic way to spatially limit a search. Simply zoom to your area of interest using the zoom and pan tools on the map ribbon. Next, activate the Search Ribbon and click Draw Rectangle. Lastly, type a keyword, adjust the search dates, and click the Search button.

One way to search for data in HydroDesktop is by drawing a rectangle to limit your search spatially.

2. Search by Preloaded Shapefile - When opening HydroDesktop, one of the default projects includes the states and counties (or provinces) of North America in addition to Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC's) in the United States. To search by one of these polygons, either select one using the Select Features tool (Note: To select a feature in a layer, that respective layer must selected in the Legend) or activate the Search by Attribute tool. Both of these are located on the Search Ribbon. If you select a feature with Select Tool, you are ready to enter your keyword, dates, and search away! If you use the select by attribute tool, however, you will have to define the attribute first in the dialogue screen.

In this example, I've used the select by attributes tool to select the state of New Hampshire.

3. Search by Other Layer- It is quick and easy to import your own shapefile into HydroDesktop. To do this, click the Add Layer button on the Map Ribbon. Search for and select your layer to import, then follow the same steps as previously outlined when using the preloaded political units or HUC's.

This example shows the result of searching for data via selection of a geologic layer in the Boston area.

4. Search by Delineated Watershed - The Delineate Watershed tool is a fantastic resource in HydroDesktop. Located on the Map Ribbon, this tool allows you to delineate a watershed simply by clicking on a place on the map. The tool uses EPA web services in order to create this polygon that will be found in your legend. Once it appears, simply select the watershed polygon, type in your keyword and dates, and click Search!

Using the Delineate Watershed Tool on the Charles River Basin, I was able to find 7 different sources of data within the Charles River watershed.