Frequently-anticipated questions:
Title: Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Abstract:
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the Federal
standard for geographic nomenclature. The U.S. Geological Survey
developed the GNIS for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a
Federal inter-agency body chartered by public law to maintain
uniform feature name usage throughout the Government and to promulgate
standard names to the public. The GNIS is the official repository
of domestic geographic names data; the official vehicle for geographic
names use by all departments of the Federal Government; and the
source for applying geographic names to Federal electronic and
printed products of all types. See <http://geonames.usgs.gov> for
additional information.
Supplemental_Information:
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names was created in 1890 and established
in its present form by Public Law in 1947 to establish and maintain
uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government.
The Board serves all government agencies and the public as the
central authority to which name inquiries, name issues, and new
name proposals can be directed. It is comprised of representatives
of Federal agencies associated with land management and cartography.
Sharing its responsibilities with the Secretary of the Interior,
the Board develops principles, policies, and procedures governing
the use of both domestic and foreign geographic names as well
as undersea and Antarctic feature names.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey, 19810501, U.S. Geographic Names Information
System (GNIS): U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
Online Links:
- What geographic area does the data
set cover?
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -180.00
East_Bounding_Coordinate: 180.00
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 72.00
South_Bounding_Coordinate: -90.00
- What does it look like?
- Does the data set describe conditions
during a particular time period?
Beginning_Date: 1974
Ending_Date: Present
Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition
- What is the general form of this
data set?
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Live map layers in ESRI SDE; live query by URL with parameters
and response in XML; web form query with tabular, geographic
display and printable format; ASCII file download
- How does the data set represent
geographic features?
Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
Features are located by State and county, and related to the
USGS topographic map on which the feature is shown.
This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector
data types (SDTS terminology):
- Entity point
- Area point
- Node, planar graph
- Complete chain
- GT-polygon composed of chains
Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates,
that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest
0.00028. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00028. Latitude
and longitude values are specified in decimal degrees.
- How does the data set describe geographic
features?
Geographic feature
A geographic feature is any relatively permanent part of the
natural or manmade landscape or seascape that has recognizable
identity within a particular cultural context. The primary attributes
of a geographic feature are name and location. (Source: Principles,
Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names, By Donald
J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic Geographic Names (emeritus)
and Roger L. Payne, Executive Secretary, United States Board
on Geographic Names and Domestic Geographic Names, Third printing
(revised) and Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html>).)
Feature Identifier
A permanent, unique identifying number for a geographic feature
record. This number is assigned by the Geographic Names Information
System and used as a relational key for uniquely identifying,
indexing, and searching geographic features and for integrating
or reconciling GNIS data with other data sets. The number has
no information content. The GNIS Feature ID supersedes the Federal
Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 55 Place Code as the Federal
standard unique feature identifier and is under consideration
as an ANSI standard. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS,
523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Range of values
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Minimum:
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1
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Maximum:
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9,999,999,999
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Feature Name
A geographic feature name and its written form and application
approved or recognized as official by the United States Board
on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government.
The official name is established either by policy or by decision
of the Board on Geographic Names. A geographic feature may have
only one official name, which must be the name applied to the
feature on all Federal products, electronic or printed. (Source:
Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names,
By Donald J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic Geographic Names
(emeritus) and Roger L. Payne, Executive Secretary, United States
Board on Geographic Names and Domestic Geographic Names, Third
printing (revised) and Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html>).)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic
Names
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Codeset Source:
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Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic
Names, By Donald J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic
Geographic Names (emeritus) and Roger L. Payne, Executive
Secretary, United States Board on Geographic Names and
Domestic Geographic Names, Third printing (revised) and
Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html>).
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Feature Variant Name
A variant name is any geographic feature name or spelling other
than the official name once or currently used to refer to a particular
geographic entity. A geographic feature may have any number of
variant names. Variant names are displayed in the GNIS public
web query site but currently are not available from the GNIS
web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized
data files will be provide upon request. (Source: Principles,
Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names, By Donald
J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic Geographic Names (emeritus)
and Roger L. Payne, Executive Secretary, United States Board
on Geographic Names and Domestic Geographic Names, Third printing
(revised) and Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html>).)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic
Names
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Codeset Source:
|
Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic
Names, By Donald J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic
Geographic Names (emeritus) and Roger L. Payne, Executive
Secretary, United States Board on Geographic Names and
Domestic Geographic Names, Third printing (revised) and
Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html>).
|
Primary Point
The latitude and longitude of a point locating a geographic
feature, also termed the feature "application." Along
with the feature name, the application is approved or recognized
as official either by policy or by decision of the United States
Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government.
It is the point to which the official name is attached independent
of the existence, state, currency, or accuracy of any other geographical
representation of the feature, and may be subject to change or
correction. A geographic feature may have only one primary point
regardless of size or extent. A point feature is defined by this
single set of coordinates on the USGS National Base Map series
at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000. The primary point of a linear
feature depends on the feature class. If feature class equals
stream, valley or arroyo, the primary point is the mouth. The
primary point of a canal, channel, or trail is the center. The
primary point of a ridge is the highest point. The primary point
of an areal feature is the approximate geographic center with
the following exceptions: The primary point of a populated place
is the center of original place, if known, such as the city or
town hall, main post office, or town square regardless of changes
over time; The primary point of a reservoir is the center of
the dam; The primary point of a summit, range, ridge, or pillar
is the highest point. The primary point has a sequence number
of 1. These points do not represent feature boundaries or geometries
and should not be confused with them. The feature application
may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as a point
in a geographic information system. (Source: Geographic Names
Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Range of values
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Minimum:
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-90.0000000 latitude
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Maximum:
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72.0000000 latitude
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Units:
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Decimal degrees
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Resolution:
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0.0000001
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Range of values
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Minimum:
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-180.0000000 longitude
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Maximum:
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180.0000000 longitude
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Units:
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Decimal degrees
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Resolution:
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0.0000001
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Secondary Point
The latitude and longitude of a point locating a linear or areal
geographic feature on a map of the USGS National Base Map series
(at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000) other than the map containing
the primary point. With one exception (i.e., the point representing
the source of a stream, valley or arroyo may be on the same map
as the primary point) a feature is assigned one point per map
on which it is located. The points are sequenced. Sequence number
one is always the primary point and the remaining points are
secondary points. For a linear feature with feature class equal
to valley, stream, or arroyo, the points are sequenced from mouth
toward the source and the highest sequence number is the source.
For other linear features and for areal features, secondary points
are sequenced according to guidelines of the U.S. Board On Geographic
Names. The location of the point on the feature within the map
is arbitrary. This method of associating features with maps was
conceived prior to geographic information system technology and
has been retained as a useful approximation of feature extent
and a reference to printed maps. These points do not represent
boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them.
Secondary points may be displayed as latitude and longitude data
or as points in a geographic information system. Secondary points
are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently
are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service,
or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide
upon request. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National
Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Range of values
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Minimum:
|
-90.0000000
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Maximum:
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72.0000000
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Units:
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Decimal degrees
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Resolution:
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0.0000001
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Range of values
|
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Minimum:
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-180.0000000
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Maximum:
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180.0000000
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Units:
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Decimal degrees
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Resolution:
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0.0000001
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Country
The country or countries containing the geographic feature.
This dataset contains features in the United States and territories,
features in Canada or Mexico that extend into the United States,
and features in the following associated areas of the United
States: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau. The dataset also contains
features in Antarctica, which for data purposes is treated as
a country. This is relational data, not spatial data. The data
owner specifies the value(s) associated with each geographic
feature. Values are represented by country name and country alpha
code. These data applies particularly to features for which there
is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
(Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center,
Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Value
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Definition
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United States (US).
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United States
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Canada (CA)
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Canada
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Mexico (MX)
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Mexico
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Micronesia (FM)
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Federated States of Micronesia
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Marshall Islands (RM)
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Republic of the Marshall Islands
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Palau (PS)
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Republic of Palau.
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Antarctica (AY).
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Antarctica
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State
The State or States or State equivalents containing the geographic
feature. This dataset contains features in States of the United
States, the District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas
of the United States, and associated areas. This is relational
data, not spatial data. The data owner specifies the value(s)
associated with each geographic feature. Values are represented
by state name, state numeric code, and state alpha code. The
primary State is the State containing the primary point and is
assigned sequence number one. Secondary States are those other
than the primary State containing the feature and are sequenced
according to guidelines of the Board on Geographic Names, consistent
with the primary and secondary counties containing the feature.
For linear features (streams, valleys, arroyos) the sequencing
is from mouth toward source. Secondary States are displayed in
the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available
from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files.
Customized data files will be provide upon request. This data
may be particularly helpful for features having no known, recognized,
standard, or available boundary data. (Source: Geographic Names
Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Codes For The Identification Of The States, The District
Of Columbia And The Outlying Areas Of The United States,
And Associated Areas.
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Codeset Source:
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Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 5-2,
Codes For The Identification Of The States, The District
Of Columbia And The Outlying Areas Of The United States,
And Associated Areas.
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County
The county or counties or county equivalents containing the
geographic feature. This dataset contains features in counties
or county equivalents of the States of the United States, the
District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas of the United
States, and associated areas. This is relational data, not spatial
data. The data owner specifies the value(s) associated with each
geographic feature. Values are represented by county name and
county numeric code. The primary county is the county containing
the primary point and is assigned sequence number one. Secondary
counties are those other than the primary county containing the
feature and are sequenced according to guidelines of the Board
on Geographic Names. For linear features (streams, valleys, arroyos)
the sequencing is from mouth toward source. Secondary counties
are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently
are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service,
or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide
upon request. This data applies particularly to features for
which there is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary
data. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center,
Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States,
Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
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Codeset Source:
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Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 6-4,
Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States,
Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
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Feature Class
A feature class is a designation for a group of features in
a broadly defined descriptive category. All features are assigned
to one and only one class. They do not individually classify
all kinds of cultural and natural features. By design, there
are no Federal or industry standards or guidelines for feature
classification. These classifications originally were developed
for mainframe file structure search purposes. Although the terms
are generally consistent with dictionary definitions, they may
not conform exactly and are not always intuitive. (Source: Geographic
Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523
(gnis_manager@usgs.gov).)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Feature class values and definitions for the Geographic
Names Information System (http:\\geonames.usgs.gov).
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Codeset Source:
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Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston,
VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
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Feature Designation
A feature designation is assigned to a feature or group of features
to define further and classify feature functions, purpose, and
attributes. For example, a feature designated historical is one
that no longer exists on the landscape. Other examples include
State Capitol, County Seat, Independent City, and Subdivision.
A feature may have more than one designation. Designations and
their definitions will be added as needed. Designations are displayed
in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available
from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files.
Customized data files will be provide upon request. (Source:
Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston,
VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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Feature designation values and definitions for the Geographic
Names Information System (http:\\geonames.usgs.gov).
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Codeset Source:
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Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston,
VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
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Feature Description
A feature description is amplifying, clarifying, or unusual
characteristics of or information about a feature or the feature
data in the Geographic Names Information System. This is unstructured
textual data entered when available and not present for all entries.
Additional information from any source is welcome. Descriptions
are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently
are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service,
or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide
upon request. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National
Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
Unstructured text data.
Feature History
A feature history is a description of the name origin, and physical
and/or cultural history of a feature. This is unstructured textual
data entered when available and not present for all entries.
Additional information from any source is welcome. History data
are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently
are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service,
or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide
upon request. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National
Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
Unstructured text data.
Elevation
The elevation above sea level of the feature at the primary
point (positive number) or depth of a feature at the lowest point
below sea level (negative number). Elevation figures are not
official and do not represent precisely measured or surveyed
values. The data are extracted from digital elevation models
of the National Elevation Dataset (<http://ned.usgs.gov/>)
for the primary coordinates and may differ from elevations cited
in other sources. The differences will be most evident for features
such as summits where precision is of more concern and where
the local relief (rate of change of elevation) may be more prominent.
However, the elevation figures are within tolerances for the
data for most points and sufficiently accurate for purposes of
general information. Elevation data are displayed in the GNIS
public web query site but currently are not available from the
GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized
data files will be provide upon request. (Source: Geographic
Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.)
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Range of values
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Minimum:
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-13,500
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Maximum:
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20,500
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Units:
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Feet
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USGS Map Name
The name of the standard USGS 7.5x7.5 degree quadrangle map(s)
containing the representation of the feature. Map names are displayed
in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available
from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files.
Customized data files will be provide upon request. (Source:
Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston,
VA 20192-0523.)
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Formal codeset
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Codeset Name:
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The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
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Codeset Source:
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The official database of names assigned to standard USGS
products according to USGS policy and procedures, including
standard 7.5x7.5 degree quadrangle maps and digital products.
Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston,
VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
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FIPS55 Place Code
Originally a five-digit feature record identifier in the Federal
Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 55 database. To be unique,
the Place Code must be preceded by the two-digit State code.
The FIPS55 database has been merged with the Geographic Names
Information System and will cease to exist as a separate entity.
The data is preserved in the GNIS. The GNIS Feature ID has superseded
the FIPS55 Place Code as the Federal standard unique, permanent,
feature identifier and will over time replace the Place Code
in all Federal systems using it. Legacy Place Codes are retained
in the GNIS during the transition and are viewable in the feature
detail report in the GNIS public web site. Additional information
concerning this change and customized datasets with FIPS55 Place
Codes in relation to their respective Feature IDs will be provided
upon request. (Source: Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National
Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523(gnis_manager@usgs.gov).)
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Range of values
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Minimum:
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1
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Maximum:
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99,999
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- Who are the originators of the data
set? (may include formal authors, digital
compilers, and editors)
- Who also contributed to the data
set?
The Geographic Names Information System was developed by the
U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on
Geographic Names.
- To whom should users address questions
about the data?
Roger L. Payne
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Project
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
The Geographic Names Information System contains information
about physical and cultural geographic features of all types
in the United States, associated areas, and Antarctica, current
and historical, but not including roads and highways. The database
holds the Federally recognized name of each feature and defines
the feature location by state, county, USGS topographic map,
and geographic coordinates. Other attributes include names or
spellings other than the official name, feature designations,
feature classification, historical and descriptive information,
and for some categories the geometric boundaries. The database
assigns a unique, permanent feature identifier, the Feature ID,
as a standard Federal key for accessing, integrating, or reconciling
feature data from multiple data sets. The GNIS collects data
from a broad program of partnerships with Federal, State, and
local government agencies and other authorized contributors.
The GNIS provides data to all levels of government and to the
public, as well as to numerous applications through a web query
site, web map and feature services, file download services, and
customized files upon request.
- From what previous works were the
data drawn?
USGS (source 1 of 5)
U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, 1:24,000-scale topographic
maps: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
Source_Contribution: Feature names and attribute data.
USBGN (source 2 of 5)
U.S. Geological Survey, Unpublished material, Records of the
U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
Type_of_Source_Media: card, paper, and electronic files
Source_Contribution: Feature names and attribute information
USFS (source 3 of 5)
U.S. Forest Service, Unknown, U.S. Forest Service 1:24,000-scale
topographic maps and visitor maps.
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
Source_Contribution: Feature names and attribute information
NOAA/NOS (source 4 of 5)
National Ocean Service (NOS), Unknown, National Ocean Service
charts.
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Contribution: Feature names and attribute information
Various (source 5 of 5)
The State Names Authorities, Council of Geographic Names Authorities
(COGNA), U.S. Forest Service, National Ocean Service (NOS), National
Park Service (NPS), Other Federal, state and local agencies,
and Public, Unknown, Unknown.
Other_Citation_Details:
Since the original data compilation was completed from the original
sources, GNIS accepts data or data changes for consideration
from any source, and upon validation by the Board on Geographic
Names or the appropriate Federal or state agency, will enter
the data into the database. The GNIS has an active data gathering
and maintenance program. A web-based data date entry and edit
application allows authorized users to submit transaction data
directly for validation and entry into the database, where it
immediately becomes available to all web services and applications.
A test and demonstration site with no connection to production
data is available for review, training, and familiarization.
Batch files will be accepted in most standard formats. Government
agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other
organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis.
For additional information or to request user accounts for entry
and edit of production data and web seminar training, contact
gnis_manager@usgs.gov.
Type_of_Source_Media: Multiple electronic or text media types.
Source_Contribution: Feature names and attribute information
- How were the data generated, processed,
and modified?
Date: May-1981 (process 1 of 4)
GNIS Phase I data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute
data were collected from the largest-scale USGS topographic maps
available. These data are compared to the records of the U.S.
Board on Geographic Names.
Person who carried out this activity:
Roger L. Payne
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Project
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Data sources used in this process:
Date: Not complete (process 2 of 4)
GNIS Phase II data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute
data are collected from official state and local sources and
other approved sources including historical maps and documents.
Person who carried out this activity:
Roger L. Payne
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Project
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Data sources used in this process:
Date: Not complete (process 3 of 4)
GNIS Maintenance program - Federal and state maintenance cooperators
submit new and corrected data in conjunction with their mapping
and geographical information system data maintenance programs.
The GNIS has an active data gathering and maintenance program.
A web-based data date entry and edit application allows authorized
users to submit transaction data directly for validation and
entry into the database, where it immediately becomes available
to all web services and applications. A test and demonstration
site with no connection to production data is available for review,
training, and familiarization. Batch files will be accepted in
most standard formats. Government agencies at all levels are
encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals
will be considered on a case basis. For additional information
or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production
data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov
or the individual below.
Person who carried out this activity:
Louis A. Yost
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Information Section
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4552 (voice)
lyost@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: 0900-1700 Eastern time
Data sources used in this process:
- USGS
- USBGN
- USFS
- Various
- NOAA/NOS
Date: Not complete (process 4 of 4)
Partnerships - the Geographic Names Project enters into partnerships
with State names authorities and State and local GIS agencies
to integrate name, location, and attribute data in the GNIS with
State and local datasets. These partnerships utilize GIS and
web technology to automate and simplify data maintenance, ensure
data consistency, integrity, and accuracy, and meet the requirements
of the Board on Geographic Names for national names standardization.
Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this
program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered
on a case basis. For additional information contact the individual
below.
Person who carried out this activity:
Roger L. Payne
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Project
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
- What similar or related data should
the user be aware of?
U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, Geodata.gov, Geospatial One-Stop.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
Geodata.gov is a geographic information system (GIS) portal,
also known as the Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) that serves as a
public gateway for improving access to geospatial information
and data under the Geospatial One-Stop E-Government initiative.
Geospatial One-Stop is one of 24 E-Government initiatives sponsored
by the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to enhance
government efficiency and to improve citizen services. See the
Geographic Names community in geodata.gov.
U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, The National Map.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
The National Map, is a seamless, continuously maintained set
of public domain geographic base information that serves as a
foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other data easily
and consistently. The National Map viewer is a Web-enabled portal
to all of the geospatial information contained in The National
Map. This portal not only supports on-line access to the geospatial
information, but also allows the download of digital data and
creation of cartographic products. The GNIS supports The National
Map as the source for the gazetteer search in Find Place function
of The National Map viewer and as active names layers.
U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, The National Atlas.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
The National Atlas summarizes national-scale geographical information
and delivers easy to use, map-like views of America's natural
and sociocultural landscapes. This digital version revises a
large bound collection of paper maps that was published in 1970.
The Atlas serves a diverse populace as an essential reference,
a framework for information discovery, an instrument of education,
an aid in research, and a reliable source of government information.
It includes stimulating products and services for children and
adults to understand complex relationships among environments,
places, and people. It contributes to our knowledge of the environmental,
resource, demographic, economic, social, political, and historical
dimensions of American life. Though it cannot display detailed
map information, the Atlas directs users to other sources for
this information. The GNIS provides geographic feature, location,
and attribute data to the National Atlas.
U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, The National Hydrography Dataset.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a comprehensive set
of digital spatial data that contains information about surface
water features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, springs
and wells. Within the NHD, surface water features are combined
to form "reaches," which provide the framework for
linking water-related data to the NHD surface water drainage
network. These linkages enable the analysis and display of these
water-related data in upstream and downstream order. The GNIS
provides geographic feature name data to the National Hydrography
Dataset.
National Geospatial Agency (NGA), Unknown, GEOnet Names Server.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) provides access to the National
Geospatial Agency (NGA) database of foreign geographic feature
names. The database is the official repository of foreign place-name
decisions approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (US
BGN). Approximately 20,000 of the database's features are updated
monthly.
U.S. Census Bureau, Unknown, LandView.
Online Links:
Other_Citation_Details:
LandView is a desktop mapping system that searches and maps
selected information from the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Census Bureau, and the U.S. Geological Survey. LandView contains
a large subset of GNIS feature, location, and attribute data
for the United States. It is available on DVD. See the LandView
web site for information concerning the latest edition and ordering.
- How well have the observations
been checked?
During Phase I data compilation, a random sample of 10% of the
entries in the system were visually verified against the compilation
source data (large-scale USGS topographic maps) to ensure an
accuracy rate of at least 95%. Subsequent data compilation and
input processes ensure accuracy with programmed validation checks
for format and content, visual examination, and spot checks of
data.
- How accurate are the geographic
locations?
Accuracy of these digital data is based upon the use of printed
or electronic source graphics which are compiled to meet National
Map Accuracy Standards. Comparison to the graphic source is used
as control to assess digital positional accuracy.
- How accurate are the heights
or depths?
- Where are the gaps in the data?
What is missing?
This dataset contains information about United States physical
and cultural geographic features of all types and classes, with
the exception of most roads and highways. Subsequent to the original
data compilation process, which was taken primarily from Federal
maps, the GNIS has become dependent on input from Federal, State,
county, and local government agencies and other approved sources.
The completeness, currency, and accuracy of the data varies by
area depending on the quality and timeliness of that input. Accordingly,
the Geographic Names Project actively seeks to expand partnerships
with Government agencies at all levels and other interested organizations.
The latest tools and methodologies are being applied, including
web map and feature services, and joint or linked web applications,
to ensure that local data are properly represented in the GNIS
and through the GNIS to all Federal agencies and to the public.
Feature additions or corrections are accepted for consideration
from any source, and when validated by appropriate agencies,
will be entered into the database. Local and State agencies are
encouraged to submit data and to participate in the GNIS partnership
program. Non-government organizations with valuable data are
considered on a case basis. Authorized partners have access to
web based transaction entry and edit forms, which submit data
directly to the GNIS for review and inclusion in the database.
Partners also submit batch files in most standard formats, and
coordinate with the Geographic Names Project to develop joint
services, processes, and applications for greatest efficiency.
Data entered into the GNIS immediately is available to all web
services and applications dependent on it. For additional information
or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production
data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov.
- How consistent are the relationships
among the observations, including topology?
During Phase I data compilation, a random sample of 10% of the
entries in the system were visually verified against the compilation
source data (large-scale USGS topographic maps) to ensure logical
consistency of locative references (geographic coordinates, topographic
map, and county. Subsequent data compilation and input processes
include programmed validation checks for logical consistency,
visual examination, and spot checks of data.
Are there legal restrictions on
access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
None. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be
appreciated in products derived from these data.
- Who distributes the data set? (Distributor
1 of 1)
Geographic Names Project, U.S. Geological Survey
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours_of_Service: Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
- What's the catalog number I
need to order this data set?
None
- What legal disclaimers am I
supposed to read?
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer
system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or
implied is made by the USGS regarding the utility of the data
on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute
any such warranty. The Geological Survey will warrant the delivery
of this product in computer-readable format.
- How can I download or order
the data?
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: None
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: None
- Availability in digital form:
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Data format:
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Primary attributes are available from the names layers
served through an ESRI ArcIMS map service. The following
are instructions for access by ESRI ArcMap. For other tools,
please adjust accordingly. 1) Click Add Data, 2) expand
drop-down to GIS Servers, 3) select Add WMS Server, 4)
enter the following full URL (NOTE: For ArcMap, the ampersand
must be at the end of the URL), 5) click Get Layers, then
OK, (The service is added to the list of available servers),
6) select service if not already highlighted, 7) click
Add, 8) select the service again in pop up box, 9) click
Add. The layers should appear in the ArcMap table of contents.
No data will appear until you zoom in far enough over continental
the US to at least 1:2 million. The layers display at varying
resolutions. See these same layers in The National Map
viewer under the Names category in the layer list on the
right side. The names layers do not include all attributes.
Customized files of large data sets also can be provided
on request in most standard formats including shape files.
The data is presented in format Arc SDE.
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Network links:
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<http://geonamesmap.er.usgs.gov/OGCConnector/servlet/OGCConnector?ServiceName=us_gnis>&
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- Cost to order the data: None
- Availability in digital form:
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Data format:
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Primary attributes are available from the GNIS XML service.
Instructions: Insert desired parameter value(s) in single
quotes following the equals sign. Do not change or delete
unused parameters. Parameter definitions: fname = feature
name. (Exact match. Not case sensitive.) state = state
name. (Exact match. Case sensitive.) cnty = county name.
(Exact match. Not case sensitive.) cell = USGS standard
topographic map name. (Exact match. Not case sensitive.)
ftype = feature type (class). See the GNIS public query
page (<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/>).
The pick list for feature class contains the values. Note
that the value (populated place) in the pick list is abbreviated
(ppl) in the data. This service is evolving and will be
upgraded in early 2006. It can be further customized and
changes may be made or new services added. As currently
implemented, it is for relatively small data set queries
not for mass downloads. It does not include all attributes.
Customized files of large data sets also can be provided
on request in most standard formats. The data is presented
in format XML.
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Network links:
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<http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnis/x?fname=&state=&cnty=&cell=&ftype>=
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- Cost to order the data: None
- Availability in digital form:
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Data format:
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Data extract files for States and territories are available
for download via web browser. Four topical extracts of
the data base are also available: the U.S. Populated Places
File lists information about all communities throughout
the United States that are described in the database; the
U.S. Concise File lists information about major physical
and cultural features throughout the United States that
are described in the database; the Historical Features
File lists information about features which are no longer
in existence; and the Antarctica File contains entries
throughout the continent of Antarctica as approved for
use by the United States Government. The data is presented
in format ASCII.
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Network links:
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<http://geonames.usgs.gov/>
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- Cost to order the data: None
- Is there some other way to get
the data?
Custom data sets may be requested in most standard formats including
ASCII, shape, .xls, and Oracle extract. Contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Dates:
Last modified: 30-Dec-2005
Metadata author:
Roger L. Payne
U.S. Geological Survey
Chief, Geographic Names Project
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
703 648 4544 (voice)
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
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