The USGS has a KML map of their stream gauges and water quality sensors in
the US.  Here's a good starting point: http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert/

Getting an embeddable realtime view can be more difficult - I have a
regional example here
http://www.ce.cmu.edu/~wquest/Dunkard%20Images/SensorMap.html

Having worked on a water data research project, there are several standards
and data models being discussed and used by researchers.  The USGS has
shapefiles and IDs of water catchment areas for each major stream - that'll
save you a great deal of trouble with DEM terrain data.  You don't tend to
see these files or stream data online, because the science is mostly done
with desktop GIS and rarely publicized.  I believe that the NSF, EPA, and
local governments were backing http://his.cuahsi.org/ and
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/datait/models/basins/index.cfm for sharing
information on streams.  It would be good to have tie-ins to these
successful programs.

--
Nick Doiron

On Sat, May 28, 2011 at 5:00 AM, Robert Szczepanek <rob...@szczepanek.pl>wrote:

> Hi Charlie,
>
> I like your idea, but there are many issues to discuss.
>
> 1. What is the goal?
> Depending on users interest (hydrologists, biologists, ..), "average"
> stream can be represented as line or polygon.
> Set of attributes depends on user needs. Even simple water level changes in
> time. Without some standarisation (mean yearly level?) this will be mixture
> of everything. And such attributes are not easy to get.
>
> Geometry based on recent ortophotomaps with basic set of attributes (stream
> name(s); some "average" discharge and velocity?) could be start point.
>
> 2. Relation to OSM.
> It can be seen as subset or extension of OSM. And probably those two sets
> will be used together. Close cooperation with/within OSM?
>
> 3. Additional data
> What about water level gauge stations?
>
> Anyway - great idea!
>
> regards,
> Robert
>
> W dniu 28.05.2011 03:51, Charlie Schweik pisze:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I find myself wondering if there is a possibility of starting an "open
>> stream map" project in a similar way to open street map? With the idea
>> that this might be connected to an invasive plant species effort too...
>>
>> It is an interesting idea -- roads are relatively stable. Streams have
>> additional attributes, like water levels.
>>
>> Any reactions or ideas on how this might be started?
>>
>> Cheers
>> Charlie Schweik
>>
>>
>>
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