Rivers, lakes and streams geospatial data is managed and maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources(WDNR). 24K hydro is the shorthand name for these data, and references the 1:24,000 scale of the source USGS topo maps. When the public views 24K hydro, they often notice that water features do not line up with the underlying aerial photography. The hydro database is also structured around many siloed applications that result in data duplication and data gaps. With the development a statewide LIDAR-derived DEM, the WDNR has an opportunity to improve the spatial accuracy of 24k hydro and develop more efficient workflows. The challenges include maintaining links to legacy 24k hydro information and coordinating update efforts among diverse stakeholders. This presentation will present the results of the WDNR's needs assessment for updating 24k hydro and outline next steps.
