Digital Spatial Data

BASINS Version 3.0

The Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) is a multipurpose environmental analysis system for use by regional, state, and local agencies in performing watershed and water quality based studies. It was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Water to address three objectives: (1)to facilitate examination of environmental information, (2)to support analysis of environmental systems, and (3) to provide a framework for examining management alternatives. Because many states and local agencies are moving toward a watershed-based approach, the BASINS system is configured to support environmental and ecological studies in a watershed context. For more information see the BASINS page at the US Environmental Protection Agency web site.

BASINS Version 3.0 is a customized ArcView GIS application that integrates environmental data, analysis tools, and modeling systems. Therefore, BASINS' hardware and software requirements are, at a minimum, similar to those of the PC-based ArcView 3.1 or 3.2 system. 

Spatial coverage: U.S. (Except the AGSL doesn't have region 4 CDs. See below.)
Temporal coverage: Varies (1970s-2000)
Scale: N/A 
Format: DBase table or shapefiles 
Coordinate System: Geographic, decimal degrees projection (NAD1983)
Access Constraints: This Agreement provides participating institutions listed in Appendix C the right to copy and use the following Software Programs and Data sets listed under "Software Included". Authorized users are registered students, faculty, staff and subcontractors. All use of software must be non-commercial in nature, serving educational, academic, administrative, or research purposes. Use of the software for profit or gain is strictly prohibited. Specific Permitted Uses and Limitations are described in the attached Exhibit.

The AGSL has the BASINS version 3 system, documentation, and GIS data of nine regions out of ten EPA Regions. The AGSL does not has region 4 CDs

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Comments for the AGSL? Send them to agsl@uwm.edu.