Accurate and efficient cross-section surveys are essential for maintaining high-quality stage-discharge ratings and index velocity gage operations. This presentation demonstrates a streamlined workflow for conducting differential level surveys of river cross-sections using the SVMobileAQ mobile application and importing the data into AreaComp3 software for visualization and analysis. The session will cover the fundamentals of setting up a conventional differential level instrument (level gun) and collecting cross-section data in the field with SVMobileAQ. Attendees will then learn how to seamlessly import the survey data into AreaComp3 to generate plotted cross-sections referenced to gage datum. Although commonly applied to index velocity gages, this approach provides broader benefits for streamgaging programs, including evaluation of control features at stage-discharge stations, detection of changes in channel geometry through overlay of historical surveys, and investigation of discrepancies by comparing survey results with ADCP bathymetry. This practical, field-to-office workflow offers an accessible and efficient method for improving the quality and utility of cross-section data in water resources monitoring.
