US: Clearer views of waters along the U.S. and Canadian border are now possible with new seamless digital maps. The new maps will be helpful in solving complex water issues that require a thorough understanding of drainage systems on both sides of the International Boundary. The maps are developed cooperatively by both countries. "In the past, cross-border maps were not always accurate, but now these new digital maps are fully linked across the entire US and Canadian border. This cooperative project allows scientists on either side to look at the water just as nature does, irrespective of the artificial line separating the two nations,” said Peter Steeves, physical scientist with the USGS.
"The USA/Canada coordinated mapping efforts along the International Border have opened doors to joint scientific analysis that rely on hydrography integration. Water quality and quantity modelling are already being developed on top of this enriched database, said David Harvey, National Manager with the Environment Service of Canada,” said David Harvey, National Manager with the Environment Service of Canada.
The principle agencies involved in this effort are the USGS and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), with oversight by the International Joint Commission (IJC). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agricultural Foods Canada, Environment Canada along with many provincial and in-state partners participated throughout the process.
Source: USGS
