The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the Federal standard for geographic nomenclature in support of the U.S.
Board on Geographic Names. The Administrative Features layer (ADMIN_FEATURE) in the GNIS Web Map Service contains all features
in the database with Feature Class of Civil, Forest, Park, Reserve. See http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/feature_class.htm
for feature class values and definitions. The ADMIN_FEATURE250 layer contains large features designated by the Geographic
Names Office as ones that should be labeled on maps or displays with a scale of 1:250,000. See http://geonames.usgs.gov for
additional information.
Title Geographic Names Information System, USGS, Reston, VA
Location keywords:
United States
Arkansas
Populated Place
thesaurus name >
Title Geographic Names Information System, USGS, Reston, VA
Temporal keywords:
Current
thesaurus name >
Title None
purpose:
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.
Resource language:
eng; USA
Resource progress code:
underDevelopment
Resource Maintenance Information
maintenance or update frequency:
monthly
Constraints on resource usage:
Constraints
Use limitation statement:
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.
Constraints on resource usage:
Legal Constraints
use constraint:
otherRestrictions
Other constraints
Use Constraints: None. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated in products derived from these data.
Constraints on resource usage:
Legal Constraints
Access Constraints
otherRestrictions
Other constraints
Access Constraints: None
Constraints on resource usage:
Security Constraints
Classification
unclassified
Classification
System
Handling
Description
Spatial representation type code:
vector
Processing environment:
Native Dataset Environment: Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.2.6.1500
Resource extent
Geographic Extent
Geographic Bounding Box
westBoundLongitude
-94.588851
eastBoundLongitude
-89.716753
northBoundLatitude
36.495751
southBoundLatitude
32.972974
Temporal Extent
1974-01-01
Additional information on resource:
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names is a Federal inter-agency body 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 and to promulgate standard
names to the public. 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.
Credits:
The Geographic Names Information System was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on
Geographic Names.
source description
Source Contribution: Feature names and attribute data.Source Type paper
representative resolution scale:
Scale denominator: 24000
source citation
Title 1:24,000-scale topographic maps
publication Date
presentationForm
mapDigital
cited responsible party
-
publisher
organisation Name
U.S. Geological Survey
Contact information
Address
, Reston, VA
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
U.S. Geological Survey
Resource extent
Temporal Extent
source
source description
Source Contribution: Feature names and attribute informationSource Type card, paper, and electronic files
source citation
Title Records of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
publication Date
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
U.S. Geological Survey
Resource extent
Temporal Extent
1890-01-01
source
source description
Source Contribution: Feature names and attribute informationSource Type paper
representative resolution scale:
Scale denominator: 24000
source citation
Title U.S. Forest Service 1:24,000-scale topographic maps and visitor maps
publication Date
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
U.S. Forest Service
Resource extent
Temporal Extent
source
source description
Source Contribution: Feature names and attribute informationSource Type paper
source citation
Title National Ocean Service charts
publication Date
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
National Ocean Service (NOS)
Resource extent
Temporal Extent
source
source description
Source Contribution: Feature names and attribute informationSource Type Multiple electronic or text media types.
source citation
Title Unknown
publication Date
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.
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
The State Names Authorities
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
Council of Geographic Names Authorities (COGNA)
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
U.S. Forest Service
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
National Ocean Service (NOS)
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
National Park Service (NPS)
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
Other Federal, state and local agencies
cited responsible party
-
originator
organisation Name
Public
Resource extent
Temporal Extent
AbsoluteExternalPositionalAccuracy
name Of Measure Horizontal Positional Accuracy Report
evaluation Method Description
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.
Completeness Commission
evaluation Method Description
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.
Completeness Omission
evaluation Method Description
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.
ConceptualConsistency
measure Description
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.
QuantitativeAttributeAccuracy
name Of Measure Quantitative Attribute Accuracy Assessment
measure Description
evaluation Method Description
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.
notes: This metadata was automatically generated from the FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata standard (version
FGDC-STD-001-1998) using the 2012-06-20T17:21:00 version of the FGDC RSE to ISO 19115-2 transform.
Metadata Constraints
Legal Constraints
Access Constraints
otherRestrictions
Other constraints
Metadata Access Constraints: NONE
Metadata Constraints
Legal Constraints
Access Constraints
otherRestrictions
Other constraints
Metadata Use Constraints: NONE
Metadata Constraints
Security Constraints
Classification
unclassified
Classification
System
Metadata contact
-
pointOfContact
individual Name Louis A. Yost
organisation Name
U.S. Geological Survey
position Name Chief, Geographic Names Project
Contact information
Telephone
Voice 703 648 4552
Address
523 National Center, Reston, Virginia, 20192
Metadata scope code
dataset
Metadata language
eng; USA
Metadata character set encoding:
utf8
Metadata standard for this record:
ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data
standard version:
ISO 19115-2:2009(E)
Metadata record identifier:
0106e5b1-2b97-43b9-8627-4767a0a89287
Metadata record format is ISO19139-2 XML (MI_Metadata)