How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?
Download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data using the U.S. Board on Geographic Names website. Query the database for official geographic feature names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data. Display, print, and download up to 2,000 records from a query.
GNIS data can also be downloaded via the National Map Viewer. Define an area of interest on the map, then put a checkmark next to the “Names” category on the left. Click “Find 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.
Learn more:
Related Content
What location coordinates (datum) does the Geographic Names Information System use?
Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System Database?
How accurate is the elevation data in the Geographic Names Information System Database? How was it measured?
Does the Geographic Names Information System Database contain entries for obsolete names and historical geographic features that no longer exist?
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System Database?
How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?
What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
The National Map—New data delivery homepage, advanced viewer, lidar visualization
As one of the cornerstones of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Geospatial Program, The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. The National Map is featuring direct links to new and improved GIS data access utilities...
The National Map - geographic names
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), contains information about the official names for places, features, and areas in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the territories and outlying areas of the United States, including...
Yost, Lou; Carswell, William J.
Geographic Names Information System
New names at Newberry drawn from CalVO geologist's mapping
In June 2019, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved twenty-five new formal geographic names at Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. The names were proposed by Julie Donnelly-Nolan, a Research Geologist with the Volcano Science Center of the USGS in Menlo Park, CA.
Mapping Yorktown
If urban legend is correct, the world turned upside down on October 19, 1781. The Patriots defeated the British at the Siege of Yorktown, paving the way for American Independence and starting an enduring trend for town names.
Highest Point East of Rockies Gets New Name
Black Elk Peak replaces Harney Peak in federal records
Old Name Officially Returns to Nation's Highest Peak
The story of America is told by the names on the land. When you hear names like Kentucky and Kennesaw, Klamath and Kodiak, your mind immediately starts to turn over all manner of associated thoughts of what you may have experienced or learned or even what you may imagine about that place.
GIS data layers visualization
Temporal and spatial inputs are necessary to conduct the proposed modeling.Potential model covariates could include land cover, temperature, precipitation, etc. Image Credit Ontario County, NY