DWR's Basin Characterization Tools - BCTools

*Back to [Basin Characterization Program webpage](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization "Basin Characterization Program webpage")*

#Downloads:

+ ##[Full BCTools package (v2026.01)](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/eb8c327e-dd58-449f-8ad8-63d4fa1a0f21 "Full BCTools package (v2026.01)")  
+ ##[Example Datasets](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/7971b455-082c-403c-b20e-ececc78cf2ca "Example Datasets") 
+ ##[BCTools User Manual - Quick Guide](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/d9d4792a-6746-4ea0-8e8b-694bdb545fc7 "BCTools User Manual - Quick Guide") 
+ ##[BCTools User Manuals (Combined)](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/529a4fc8-d85f-47e6-b3a1-994f74c16aa7 "BCTools User Manuals (Combined)") 

*Jump to [Training](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/fc99eaac-c212-4936-b559-a196aec9482f "Training")*

#BCTools Overview:
[DWR’s California's Groundwater Basin Characterization Program](https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin-118/Basin-Characterization "California's Groundwater Basin Characterization Program") integrates statewide airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys, lithologic and geophysical logs, and other subsurface datasets to produce continuous geologic frameworks and 3D aquifer system models. Program datasets and modeling outputs are available through the [Basin Characterization Program Open Data Portal Page](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization "Basin Characterization Program Open Data Portal Page").

BCTools is DWR’s open‑source software suite for constructing hydrostratigraphic models, generating sediment‑texture models, and developing aquifer‑parameter datasets for groundwater flow modeling. The suite includes the following tools:

+ Data2HSM – hydrostratigraphic modeling tools
+ Texture2Par – texture and aquifer parameter modeling tools
+ AEM Data Preprocessor – formats AEM data for use in the two tool suites
 
BCTools integrates these components into a single interface while allowing each to be run independently. 

###BCTools Framework
![Alt text](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/ca0e3aae-a13c-444f-88c0-ad5ed25fec28/resource/d3e6c30e-0ca3-4b5c-b975-7d67f70acac1/download/bctools_framework_web.png "BCTools Framework")




##Data2HSM

Data2HSM is a machine‑learning tool suite for constructing hydrostratigraphic models (HSMs). It enables users to combine AEM data, lithology logs, and geophysical logs to develop basin hydrostratigraphy. Outputs can include groundwater model layering, conceptual models, 3D lithologic models, and key hydrogeologic surfaces.

Tools within Data2HSM:

+ GMM – creates 2D/3D lithologic or stratigraphic models
+ Smart Interpretation – rapidly maps hydrogeologic surfaces with a 3D viewer
+ GeoPDNN – produces continuous 3D stratigraphic models from interval data

For additional information, see the [Data2HSM User Manual](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/73bb5449-b7a8-43f9-89c5-c7b69127594b "Data2HSM User Manual"). 

##Texture2Par

Generates 3D sediment texture models and aquifer parameters for groundwater flow modeling. It uses kriging and empirical relationships to combine AEM data, lithology logs, and aquifer parameters. Outputs can be used for texture model analyses (e.g. [Aquifer Recharge Potential Mapping Process Document](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/7d33d618-38bc-4511-834c-6e791695f8e2 "Aquifer Recharge Potential Mapping Process Document")) or imported directly to IWFM and MODFLOW. 

For additional information, see the [Texture2Par User Manual](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/40b4f199-39d8-408b-9105-edc3b386f559 "Texture2Par User Manual")

##AEM Data Preprocessor
Formats [DWR's Statewide AEM Survey](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/aem "DWR's Statewide AEM Survey") datasets into files ready for use in Data2HSM and Texture2Par.

For additional information, see the [AEM Data Preprocessor User Manual](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/e6146fd6-9f71-47c6-adde-7ac1c63be700 "AEM Data Preprocessor User Manual")

#Training and Support

##[Training Videos](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization-bctools/resource/fc99eaac-c212-4936-b559-a196aec9482f "Training Videos")
The on-demand training workshop provides detailed instructions on how to use the tools and hands-on exercises. The on-demand training workshop consists of the following modules:

+ ###Module 0: Welcome and Orientation
+ ###Module 1: Data
+ ###Module 2: Texture2Par
+ ###Module 3: Data2HSM
+ ###Module 4: Wrap-Up

Additional presentations covering BCTools are available via the [Basin Characterization Exchange Hub](https://cadwr.box.com/v/BasinCharacterizationExchange "Basin Characterization Exchange Hub").  

Questions and comments may be directed to Basin.Characterization@water.ca.gov.




Tags: AEM, basin characterization, bulletin 118, data analysis tools, data2hsm, geophysical logs, hydraulic conductivity, hydrostratigraphic model, lithology logs, specific storage, specific yield, texture model, texture2par
Organization: California Department of Water Resources