This document specifies methods for determining the velocity and cross-sectional area of water flowing in open channels and for calculating the discharge employing point velocity measurement devices.

It is applicable to methods using rotating-element current meters, acoustic doppler velocimeters (ADVs), acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) stationary method, surface velocity measurement including floats and other surface velocity systems.

Although some general procedures are discussed, this document does not describe in detail how to use or deploy these systems.

NOTE         For detailed procedures, refer to guidelines from instrument manufacturers and the appropriate public agencies.