The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed this statewide Hydrography geographic data layer from 1:24,000-scale sources. The 1:24K Hydrography database includes information about surface water features represented on the US Geological Survey's 1:24,000-scale topographic map series such as perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, and so on. A large portion of the DNR's Waterbody Identification Codes (WBICs) have been incorporated into the 24K Hydro layer, along with surface water names from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database. Wetlands delineations are NOT included in the 24K Hydro data layer.
Following the initial release of the 24K Hydrography database in October of 2000, a series of data updates and enhancements have culminated in Version 4 of the 24K Hydro layer, which was completed in June 2004. Version 4 includes data enhancements and corrections.
See also the User Advisory enclosed with the metadata.
Refer to "Wisconsin DNR 24K Hydrography Version 4 Capture and Feature-Coding Decision Rules", accessible at: <http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/maps/gis/documents/24khyd_decision_rules.pdf>.