USGS Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:

Data extracts from the Geographic Names Information System are available for download as tab delimited text (.txt) files within a compressed (.zip) format. See the Download GNIS selection under Domestic Names on the GNIS Web site. For each download category, a link to File Format explains the data in the file.

These files contain primary feature attributes, but do not contain all attributes. They include the official feature name (but not other names called variant names), the primary coordinates, and the primary State, county, and topographic map containing the primary coordinates. If a feature exists in more than one State, county, or on more than one map, this secondary information is displayed at the GNIS public Web site (http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/), but is not contained in these files. Customized files are available on request to GNIS Manager.