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DATAFLOW Surface Mapping Program

Dataflow instrument

The surface mapping program collects data every 4 seconds aboard a moving boat, using an instrument suite known as DATAFLOW. DATAFLOW uses a pump on the transom of the boat to feed surface water through a chamber where water quality is measured by a sonde/instrument similar to those used in the continuous monitoring program. The water quality data are geo-referenced with a GPS unit and recorded in an onboard computer. The boat follows a path that records surface water quality both in nearshore shallow areas and mid-channel areas of rivers and the Chesapeake. Data are used to assess water quality criteria, particularly the extent of acceptable habitat for underwater grasses. Data are also used to assess the scale of events such as algal blooms or runoff and pinpoint regions that require management action to improve water quality. For a more in-depth description of the DATAFLOW mapping program, click here.


DATAFLOW Program Data Resources:

Click the titles or images below to navigate to each data resource.

1. DATAFLOW Surface Mapping Program Description:

Read more in-depth about the DATAFLOW Surface Mapping Program, including the background of the program, how data are collected, and how these data may address many key management issues in Chesapeake Bay. Station Information table

2. DATAFLOW Instrumentation Details:

Visit the DATAFLOW Instrumentation page for in-depth details about the technology used, as well as photos and a diagram of the setup. Dataflow Instrumentation details

3. View Integrated DATAFLOW Maps and Data Download:

View data-integrated surface maps of DATAFLOW data based on your selected tributary and sampling date. There's also an option to download these data for your own use. example Dataflow map