How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data is available for download via the U.S. Board on Geographic Names website. You can also download names using a query in Search Domestic Names. GNIS includes official names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data, which can be displayed, printed, and downloaded (in csv format) up to a maximum of 2,000 records.
GNIS data can also be downloaded via The National Map Downloader. Define an area of interest on the map, then put a checkmark next to the “Names” category on the left and select the subcategory. Click “Search Products” to get a list of downloadable products. GNIS Map Services are also available. This provides direct access to the Names layers and includes display and download capabilities. This data is updated bi-monthly.
Learn More: Download GNIS Data
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What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), which maintains cooperative working relationships with State Names Authorities to standardize geographic names for Federal use. GNIS contains information about the official names for places, features, and areas in the 50 states, the...
How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?
Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System database?
Please report possible errors in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database to the GNIS Manager at tnm_help@usgs.gov. The Names data experts will investigate and validate the data, enter appropriate corrections where needed, and advise you of the results. Learn more: Geographic Names FAQs
Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?
Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...
Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...
Does Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) include manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, parks, schools, shopping centers, trails?
No. GNIS does not include roads, highways, administrative, or cultural features, except for canals, channels, reservoirs, communities, civil divisions, and military features. In 2021 the following geographic features, referred to as “administrative” (cultural or man-made), were removed from GNIS: airport, bridge, building, cemetery, church, dam, forest, harbor, hospital, mine, oilfield, park, post...
Related
What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), which maintains cooperative working relationships with State Names Authorities to standardize geographic names for Federal use. GNIS contains information about the official names for places, features, and areas in the 50 states, the...
How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?
Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System database?
Please report possible errors in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database to the GNIS Manager at tnm_help@usgs.gov. The Names data experts will investigate and validate the data, enter appropriate corrections where needed, and advise you of the results. Learn more: Geographic Names FAQs
Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?
Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...
Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...
Does Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) include manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, parks, schools, shopping centers, trails?
No. GNIS does not include roads, highways, administrative, or cultural features, except for canals, channels, reservoirs, communities, civil divisions, and military features. In 2021 the following geographic features, referred to as “administrative” (cultural or man-made), were removed from GNIS: airport, bridge, building, cemetery, church, dam, forest, harbor, hospital, mine, oilfield, park, post...