This paper discusses the feasibility of applying three new surveying and mapping methods in the prototype observation of the western waterway，namely the Thousand Seekers Knowing Inch Elevation Anomaly Budget Method，the Thousand Seekers GPS Float Method and the Temporary Water Scale Suspension Method，by analyzing the experimental data of the important tributaries of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China，including the reservoir tail section of the Jinsha River Xiangjiaba Power Station and the important waterway prototype observation projects in the municipal sections of the Min River Yibin and Meishan.The results show that the elevation anomalies of the whole survey area obtained by the elevation anomaly budget method can replace the traditional RTK point correction measurement level height.Additionally，the GPS float method can replace the traditional total station front rendezvous method to obtain the surface flow velocity and direction，as well as the river core specific drop，while the temporary water scale suspension method can replace the traditional temporary water scale method for hydrological observation.The experimental data prove that the measurement quality of the new surveying and mapping methods reaches or even exceeds that of the traditional surveying and mapping methods.These approaches can meet the quality requirements of the survey specification and design，while also reducing production costs and improving working efficiency compared to traditional methods，achieving twice the result with half the effort.These methods have significant potential for promotion and use.