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River bathymetry is needed to accurately simulate river hydrodynamics. River bathymetric data are typically collected through boat-mounted single- or multi-beam echosounder surveys. Detailed bathymetric data from multibeam surveys may exceed the requirements of standard river hydraulic models (1D and 2D). Compared to data-intensive but expensive multibeam surveys, single-beam surveys are cost-effective. Single-beam surveys can sufficiently inform river simulations when coupled with specific preprocessing and interpolation techniques. This study contrasts two survey patterns, including the commonly used but under-studied zigzag surveys, against the traditional cross-sectional surveys. Linear and anisotropic Kriging interpolations, two widely used methods, are applied to construct bathymetry mesh from different survey configurations. Results from this study highlight efficient survey configurations for both cross-sectional and zigzag patterns, balancing accuracy and cost. Notably, zigzag surveys approach the efficacy of cross-sectional surveys when spaced below a certain threshold, but Kriging interpolation shows diminished performance with sparse zigzag surveys. The findings from this study bridge gaps in previous research by offering nuanced comparisons between survey configurations and interpolations. This study offers a comparative analysis to guide more effective planning and utilization of single-beam surveys, without advocating for specific survey patterns or interpolation techniques. 

ABSTRACT River morphology data are critical for understanding and studying river processes and for managing rivers for multiple socio‐economic uses. While such data have been extensively acquired, several issues hinder their use such as data accessibility, various data formats, lack of data models for storage, and lack of processing tools to assemble data in products readily usable for research, management, and education. A multi‐university research team has prototyped a web‐based river morphology information system (RIMORPHIS) for hosting and creating new information (e.g., terrain and material composition data) and data processing tools for the broader earth science communities. The RIMORPHIS design principles include: (i) broad access via a publicly and freely available platform‐independent system; (ii) flexibility in handling existing and future data types; (iii) user‐friendly and interactive interfaces; and (iv) interoperability and scalability to ensure platform sustainability. Developing such an ambitious community resource is only possible and impactful by continuously engaging stakeholders from the project inception. This paper highlights the research team's strategy and activities to engage with river morphology data producers and potential users from academia, research, and practice. The paper also details outcomes of stakeholder engagement and illustrates how these interactions are positively shaping RIMORPHIS development and its path to long‐term sustainability.