Abstract

NHD-NHN: Building a Bi-National Framework
Track: Water Resources
Authors: Pete Steeves, Michael Laitta

The US National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and the Canadian National Hydro Network (NHN) are feature-based databases that interconnect and uniquely identify stream segments that make up Canadian and US surface water drainage systems. Until recently, these two national databases were not connected, thus not interoperable, preventing a seamless hydrographic view of the US Canadian interface. The International Joint Commission, in collaboration with USGS and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) have been working towards the completion of a seamless, interoperable NHD/NHN for shared sub basins along the Canadian – US boundary. This presentation will outline the technical and the coordination challenges associated with this unique bi-national collaboration as well as address the need for a sustainable international stewardship framework.