StreamNet Data Query System

You can obtain data from the StreamNet database using the following query methods.

Standard Query Method - This query method is the primary means of locating information contained in the StreamNet database. It is designed to query the database at each step so that subsequent selections will only be allowed in categories where data exist. It is not necessary to use all of the available criteria in building the query, and the response will be fastest if the fewest number of criteria are used. For example, if you are interested in data for a particular subbasin and know its name, it is not necessary to start with State - just begin with Subbasin. However, if you are not certain of the name of the subbasin, start with State, then click Subbasin to see a list of all subbasins in or partially in that state. The only required criterion is Data Category. This need not be selected first, but subsequent response time may be improved if it is. It may be convenient to begin a query with the criterion you are most interested in, such as a species, a location, or a specific kind of data. For help in using the query system, please consult the user guide.

Interactive Map Query Method - This query method provides a visual, interactive approach to locating information from the StreamNet database. Data layers may be overlaid in a map window and tools allow you to navigate and zoom to the area of your interest. Geographic features including subbasins, counties, hatcheries, and streams may be queried from the map with a hyperlink tool to access data associated with them. This method may also be used to create your own custom maps and to perform basic geospatial analysis.

Query Columbia Basin Data by Steps - This is a step-by-step query method that begins sorting geographically by state and subbasin within the Columbia Basin. The order of selecting criteria is fixed, but you may skip criteria if you wish. Like the Standard Query, the database is queried at each step so that only criteria containing data are available at subsequent steps. This prevents requesting impossible combinations of criteria, but requires time to run at each step.

Query by Form - This query approach is based on selecting all query criteria at once before running the query. This is the fastest query method, since running a single query with all criteria is significantly faster than querying the database as each criterion is selected. CAUTION! This approach allows selection of criteria that may be meaningless or incompatible (e.g., Species = chum and State = Idaho; Data Category = Facilities - Dams and selecting any species; Species = coho and Run = fall; etc.) leading to no data being returned. We recommend this query approach only for those already experienced with using the Standard Query approach.