Download: Geofabric Surface Hydrology Network (FGDB, 1.5GB)

##### Abstract This downloadable dataset is part of the Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric (AHGF) also known as the Geofabric. The Geofabric Surface Hydrology Network provides a Nationally consistent base for analysing surface stream networks and catchments. It includes major surface water features (excluding external territories) and is designed to support consistent stream network analysis. The dataset helps trace stream flow using detailed topographic connections and can be used to select hydrological features, including related catchments and gauges for modelling and analysis. This product works alongside other Geofabric datasets, including: * Geofabric Surface Cartography * Geofabric Hydrology Reporting Catchments It also defines catchment boundaries and supports stream and catchment assessments. Most features are natural, but some man-made ones, like reservoirs and gauges, are also included. The stream network is based on ANUDEM processing of the 1 Second SRTM DEM-S and mapped features.It shows how streams would flow across the land if enough water were present, even if the stream appears disconnected or intermittent in other datasets like Geofabric Surface Cartography. Unlike the cartography product, this network shows continuous stream paths and is fully topologically correct—meaning all stream segments flow in the right direction and are properly connected. The dataset includes six feature types: * Waterbody * Network Stream * Network Node - including gauges * Catchment * Network Connectivity (Upstream) * Network Connectivity (Downstream) Product Schema: [Visio-AHGF_GDB_SHNetwork_Schema_V2_1_release.vsd] Data Dictionary: [ahgf_data_dictionary_surface_network_V2_1_release.pdf] Data Product Specifications: [ahgf_dps_surface_network_V2_1_release.pdf] ##### Currency Date modified: 2022 Modification frequency: As needed ##### Data extent Spatial extent North: -8.9° South: -44.0° East: 154.1° West: 112.8° ##### Source information Downloaded from the geofabric download page on the 17th of April 2025: [Downloads: Geofabric: Water Information: Bureau of Meteorology] ##### Lineage statement Geofabric Surface Network is part of a group of Geofabric products developed by the Bureau of Meteorology. It shows how water flows across Australia’s landscape and includes features like lakes, swamps and reservoirs. The stream lines and connectors are based on terrain data from ANUDEM (version 5.3.0) and ATAD version 173, and waterbody data from AusHydro V2. Streams are first converted into vector lines, then adjusted using mapped stream locations from the AHGF Mapped Stream dataset. Features are grouped into subtypes based on their source and how they behave in the stream network. All stream and waterbody features are part of a connected flow system. The dataset also includes catchments—areas where water flows into a single stream. These catchments are based on stream paths from ANUDEM and terrain data from the 1-second SRTM DEM-S grid. They form the basis for larger catchment boundaries, grouped by Contracted Nodes or NCB Levels 1 and 2. How the data was processed: 1. ANUDEM and ATAD stream data was loaded into the Geofabric development system. 2. Stream features were reorganised into new feature classes in the Geofabric Maintenance Geodatabase. 3. Each feature was given a unique HydroID using ESRI ArcHydro tools. 4. The updated features were moved into the Geofabric Surface Network dataset. The Digital Atlas of Australia team at Geoscience Australia made small updates to this dataset for online use. They fixed some geometry issues and improved map features like visibility, labels and symbols. These changes help make the dataset easier to access and faster to use. ##### Contact Bureau of Meteorology, Community Services Group,[ahgf@bom.gov.au]