Information Systems
How can I find U.S. Bureau of Mines publications?
Are USGS reports copyrighted?
What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions?
The USGS has developed many tools and techniques for analyzing data and specialized websites for sharing information and products with the public.
What is The National Map Structures Tint? What is The National Map Structures Tint?
The National Map’s Structures Tint dataset represents manmade structures using broad-area tints rather than defining the exact shape of individual buildings. The Structures Tint data was provided by Oak Ridge National Labs and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This dataset was introduced in 2021 and is designed for use at the 1:24,000 scale (the standard scale for USGS topographic maps) or...
How should I cite datasets and services from The National Map? How should I cite datasets and services from The National Map?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing data obtained through The National Map. You should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. The following should help you find the information that you need: Citation for Datasets Author: U.S. Geological Survey Release date: the first four numbers of from dataset metadata for the...
What are the differences between data, a dataset, and a database? What are the differences between data, a dataset, and a database?
Data are observations or measurements (unprocessed or processed) represented as text, numbers, or multimedia. A dataset is a structured collection of data generally associated with a unique body of work. A database is an organized collection of data stored as multiple datasets. Those datasets are generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system that allows the data to be easily...
What does it mean when a publication is peer reviewed? What does it mean when a publication is peer reviewed?
A peer-reviewed publication is also sometimes referred to as a scholarly publication. The peer-review process subjects an author's scholarly work, research, or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field (peers) and is considered necessary to ensure academic scientific quality. Learn more: Fundamental Science Practices: Peer Review
Can I get a USGS scientist to review my book? Can I get a USGS scientist to review my book?
No. Federal employees are prohibited from endorsing commercial products. Also, government employees are required to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties. Learn more: DOI - Department of Ethics Office
How should I cite a USGS website or publication? How should I cite a USGS website or publication?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing our websites. You should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. Unless you're citing a specific USGS publication, the author of a USGS website is almost always "U.S. Geological Survey." Also acceptable: "United States Geological Survey" or "USGS." Most USGS informational websites are...
What are the base map services (or URLs) used in The National Map? What are the base map services (or URLs) used in The National Map?
The National Map Services offers a series of composite base maps that combine layers into tile cache services with the cartographic richness of multiple data sources. The following base maps are available: USGS Topo - combines the most current data (boundaries, geographic names, transportation, elevation, hydrography, land cover, and other themes) that make up The National Map. Contours generated...
How can I download vector data from The National Map in bulk? How can I download vector data from The National Map in bulk?
The USGS only offers vector downloads from The National Map in bulk by special request. For assistance, send an e-mail to tnm_help@usgs.gov and include your contact information, requested product, requested area, and download format.
How can visually impaired individuals use The National Map viewer or download client? How can visually impaired individuals use The National Map viewer or download client?
The USGS is committed to making its websites accessible to all users in accordance with provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended in 1998). Currently, there is no technology capable of producing alternatives to dynamically generated geospatial images in The National Map viewer or download client that are accessible to visually impaired individuals, so compliance with...
What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map? What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?
Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...
Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services? Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?
See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications
Can The National Map data be downloaded via direct links? Can The National Map data be downloaded via direct links?
Direct access to The National Map data is provided via browsable links through: Amazon's Cloud USGS Server Navigate to the appropriate theme folders to access staged products for download. Data can also be downloaded using: The National Map Download Client 3DEP LidarExplorer (lidar only) TopoView (topographic maps only) Download Manager Tool/uGET (for batch downloads). Learn more: The National...