Exploration Tools
The exploration toolset can be used in addition to the standard basin delineation process in StreamStats or the tools can be used on their own, without delineating a basin. The toolset currently holds seven options to choose from, including simple measuring/profiling, network tools, and the PROSPER tool for streamflow performance probabilities and classes.
To the left of the map, below the plus and minus zoom buttons, is the Exploration Tools button, which has a tool box on it. Clicking on the button will cause a small window to appear over the map. The exploration tools have general options like the Measure Tool, Elevation Profile Tool, the Show Your Location tool. Also provided are network navigation tools which include Flow (Raindrop) Path, Network Path, and Network Trace. Other tools like the PROSPER tool are included as well. Clicking on one of these tool buttons causes the button to turn from blue to orange to indicate that the tool is active.
Measure Tool
This tool computes the distance between selected points on the map. When the Measure Tool button is selected, a blue dialog box will appear below the tool button with instructions on how to use the tool. Also, the user’s cursor 27 will change from their chosen default pointer to a cross-hair. Locate the starting point on the map where you want to measure a distance, click on it, and then move the cross-hair to another point or the end point. If the next point is an intermediary point then click once there. Double-click on the end point to complete definition of the shape for which the length is needed. The total length will appear in the blue dialog box which previously provided instructions for use of the tool.
Elevation Profile Tool
This tool produces a plot of the elevation profile between selected points on the map and a listing of the data used to plot the profile. As with the Measure Distance tool, when the Measure Tool button is selected, the user’s cursor will change from their chosen default pointer to a cross-hair. Locate the starting point on the map where you want to begin the elevation profile, click on it, and then move the cross-hair to another point or the end point. If the next point is an intermediary point then click once there. Double-click on the end point to complete defining the extent of the desired cross section. The Exploration Tools window will then be replaced by a plot of the elevation profile. Below the plot will be listing of the data used to create the plot, including the latitudes, longitudes, elevations, and distances from the initial point. At the bottom of the data listing are buttons allowing downloading of the data to a comma-delimited (.csv) file, printing of the output, and closing the window.
Show Your Location
The Show Your Location tool is primarily for use of StreamStats on mobile devices. Clicking or tapping on the button will cause the map to redraw centered on the user’s location, with a blue dot shown at the user’s location.
Flow (Raindrop) Path
The Flow (Raindrop) Path tool will trace the flow path of a specified point through the network.
Network Path
The Network Path tool allows users to trace the relationship between two specified points through the network by providing a start and end point.
Network Trace
The Network Trace tool offers users the ability to trace any point on the network in an upstream or downstream direction by providing a starting point, direction, query source (such as NHD flowlines, NWIS gages, StreamStats gages, or USGS Water Quality sites), and optionally a distance to limit the trace.
PROSPER
The PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model provides annual (2004-2016) streamflow permanence probabilities (SPPs; probabilistic predictions) and streamflow permanence classes (SPCs; categorical wet/ dry with an associated confidence level). Probabilities are of a stream channel having year- round flow at a 30- m spatial resolution. Model methods, output, and appropriate uses are detailed in Jaeger et al. (2018). Interpretation of a pixel as wet or dry will be based on combined consideration of the SPP, the sign of the SPC (negative for dry, positive for wet), and the associated confidence (1 - 5 representing 50% - 95 %). For example, predictions with a negative (positive) sign, high confidence level indicated by an SPC of - 5(5), and an SPP of less than (greater than) 0.5 will be the most reliable. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydroa.2018.100005