Index-Velocity Technical Tips
Index Velocity Inspections in SVMAQ
Index velocity inspections can now be fully documented in SVMAQ under the 'Sensor Inspections' tab. The HaWG has put together a training video and tip sheet for how to use this inspection window as well as best practices for documenting ADVM inspections at Index Velocity Stations.
Link to Online TrainingLink to Tipsheet
DCP Script Repository
Configuring a DCP to communicate with an ADVM and log all the desired variables can be confusing and time consuming. The HaWG has created a repository where field personnel can share scripts they have used to configure DCPs to communicate and log ADVM data. Please share your scripts and search the repository before writing a new script to see if that problem has already been solved. Note: While the primary focus is on scripts supporting ADVM use, you are encouraged to share any script you think would be useful to others.
Note: All Scripts from the HaWG Script Repository are moving to the HIF script repository.
Link to HIF Script RepositoryNote Sheets for Index Velocity Stations
Two note sheets are available for the inspection and servicing of index velocity gages and for installation of an index velocity gaging station. The forms below are provided in pdf format. Contact OSW for Publisher versions of the forms if desired.- ADVM inspection form (pdf). Form designed for use when inspecting or servicing an index velocity gage.
- ADVM setup and installation form (pdf). Form designed for use during initial installation and configuration of an acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) or when modifications to the ADVM installation are made.
Quick Sheets
The USGS has prepared technical references (quick sheets) to supplement the more formal index-velocity guidance publications. These index-velocity quick sheets (below) are a useful resource for hydrographers working with index-velocity records and stations.- Site Selection and Reconnaissance Tips (pdf)
- Index-velocity Rating Tips (pdf)
- Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter Cell Size (pdf)
- Stage-area Rating Tips (pdf)
- Entering Multi-parameter Ratings into ADAPS (pdf)
Real-time Index Velocity Examples
The following links provide examples of USGS streamflow-gaging stations with real-time, online data produced from index-velocity instrument and methods:
Columbia River at the Dalles, Oregon (14105700) - long-term index-velocity site
Lostman's River below Second Bay, Florida (02290918) - a tidally effected stream in the Florida Everglades
Kankakee River at Davis, Indiana (05515500) - an low-slope Midwestern stream
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois (05536890) - a highly-regulated canal system with navigation, lockages, hydropower operations, and flood flow diversions
San Joaquin River at Jersey Point, California (11337190) - tidally-affected river flowing to the California Delta which is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers