The document discusses the U.S. Geological Survey's efforts to modernize and improve their delivery of groundwater data to stakeholders through web applications and digital platforms. It provides examples of recent web apps developed by USGS, including the Groundwater Data Explorer, a conceptual model data app, and GWWebFlow, a groundwater model visualization tool. The goal is to make data more intuitive, visually appealing, and accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences through these online tools and resources.

1. U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Groundwater Data Delivery
and Visualization
TAGD Business Meeting
May 21, 2018
Using Web Applications and Digital Platforms
to Deliver Data to Stakeholders, Cooperators
and the General Public
@danielkpearson | https://webapps.usgs.gov

2. Modernization
 “When scientists… explain their work
simply—and more effectively—public
communication increases the impact of
science in multiple dimensions.”
 Mónica I. Feliú-Mójer, Scientific American
 In 2018, Data Delivery Platforms should be:
 Intuitive, Visually Appealing, Focused
 Dynamic Content, Innovative
 “Clean, simple, modern”

3. What happened in the last 5-7 years?
 Google Earth
 Mobile Technology
 Open Source
 Maps/Geolocation
 Infographics
 Social Media
 Renewed focus on communicating to both
technical and non-technical audience

4.  Transition from “just GIS” to web
visualization and geospatial analysis
 National team with diverse set of skills (14)
 Infrastructure to sustain growth
(server/network)
 R&D to add new tools and capabilities
Evolution at USGS TXWSC

5. USGS Data Handling and Delivery
 Publications
 Pubs Warehouse (USGS Report Series)
 Journal Articles
 Proceedings
 Data Delivery
 ScienceBase
 Digital data warehouse (w/metadata)
 NWIS
 Websites and Web Applications*

6. Modernizing Delivery of GW Data
GW Data Explorer (2017)
 USGS Houston Subsidence Program
Conceptual Model Data (pending)
 Decision support for GCDs in Texas
Big Data Delivery (2017)
 National repository for GeoLogs
Real-time Groundwater Data for Texas (2016)
 Texas Water Dashboard
MODFLOW Data Visualization (2018)
 GWWebFlow

7. Seeing the bigger picture!

11. GWWebFlow from USGS
 Groundwater Model Visualization tool
 Helps users visualize the inputs (e.g. aquifer
properties) and outputs (e.g. gw levels and flow
direction) of complex groundwater models across
the country
 Supports most MODFLOW-based groundwater
models
 MODFLOW to netCDF via
https://water.usgs.gov/ogw/flopy/

12. System Components/Workflow
MODFLOW Model
THREDDS Server
FloPy Conversion
GWWebFlow App

15. Benefits and Results…
 Currently includes 6 models
 Allows for broader use of models by
stakeholders and the public
 USGS considering next steps at a national-
level for model archiving and publishing
 Provide hosting and serving capacity for
cooperators
 Libraries accessed via
https://txthredds.usgs.gov

16. U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Questions?
Daniel K. Pearson
USGS-TXWSC
Data-Spatial Studies Chief
dpearson@usgs.gov
512-927-3561
@danielkpearson