Technical Services

As an extension of our ongoing Atlas research programs, the USF Water Institute offers technical research services to public or private organizations looking for opportunities to augment the technical abilities of existing staff. Our experienced research faculty, professional staff and talented students offer a diverse set of stormwater and environmental mapping, monitoring and management related services to organizations throughout Florida.

Contour Data Processing and Mapping Services

We process customer-collected data using specialized software to generate bathymetric maps of waterbodies. These accurate, geospatial models reveal the complex bathymetry and morphological characteristics of the waterbody and allow it to be graphically represented. Our staff also can use the resulting digital model to perform additional analysis. For example, a table of a waterbody's stage-volume relationship can be created for areas where LIDAR datasets are available. Waterbodies appropriate for this analysis include lakes and ponds, as well as navigable rivers, streams, and creeks. Training is available from our professional staff to ensure proper data collection.

STORET Data Processing

The STORET Data Warehouse is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's repository of water quality monitoring data collected by water resource management groups statewide. We assist organizations in meeting the stringent requirements of DEP EAS-0101, the data field definition imposed by the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR).

We offer two services. The first is a web-based tool that simplifies the entire process of preparing a data export for STORET submission, providing the ability to quality assurance check all data before it is sent to STORET. We also offer a personalized service of loading/formatting records and storing them into the STORET database, interfacing directly with FDEP staff as needed.

Data Mapping/Download Web Tool

The Data Mapping/Download Web Tool is a system for collecting, storing, analyzing and disseminating raw or processed sensor data. It is an easy-to-use graphic portal that allows viewing and downloading any information that has a spatial component, helping website visitors to quickly identify data sets of interest.

Field Data Collection–Water Resources

Our field scientists have the training, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment to perform a number of different types of on-site resource assessments for both fresh and saltwater environments. Services include, but are not limited to, bathymetric mapping of lakes and streams, seagrass scar evaluation, submerged vegetation analysis (species, depth, volume, nutrient storage, etc.), wetland vegetation analysis, water quality sampling (physical, chemical and biological properties), and lake vegetation index assignment. Resource managers and researchers are invited to contact us to discuss their specific project needs.