What is the USGS policy for release of scientific data? Are any USGS products restricted?
Scientific data obtained through USGS funding are the property of the Federal Government and as such are Federal records. USGS scientific data are made available publicly at no cost and are considered to be in the public domain except where access must be restricted because of security, privacy, confidentiality, or other constraints.
If you can’t find USGS products or data through our website or our Science Data Catalog, please contact USGS Science Information Services for assistance.
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What are the different USGS publication series? What are the different USGS publication series?
The primary USGS publication series include: Fact Sheet (for general audiences) General Information Product (for general audiences) Circular (for general audiences) Professional Paper Scientific Investigations Report Scientific Investigations Map Data Series Techniques and Methods Open-File Report Learn more: USGS Manual: USGS Publication series
What does the USGS (United States Geological Survey) do? What does the USGS (United States Geological Survey) do?
The USGS (United States Geological Survey) is a science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior. The USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Our scientists develop new...
Can I join the USGS? Can I join the USGS?
As a science agency for the United States government, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves all United States citizens. The USGS can only be “joined” by its employees, but citizens can get involved in USGS research through its Citizen Science programs . Some USGS Citizen Science opportunities are also listed at Volunteer.gov. In addition: Keep up with the latest USGS science by subscribing to...
How do I get USGS data? How do I get USGS data?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides data on many different science topics. Most of it can be downloaded for free from our website. Our Science Data Catalog and ScienceBase Catalog are good starting points. Also try using your browser's search engine and including the keyword "usgs.gov." If you are looking for a particular data set and cannot find it through Internet searches or our...
How do I contact the USGS? How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, message us through this website. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in our online Staff Profiles. USGS offices are located in every state. Please note, however, that most of them perform...
What USGS products are already publicly available? What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data, send a message through this website...
Related
What are the different USGS publication series? What are the different USGS publication series?
The primary USGS publication series include: Fact Sheet (for general audiences) General Information Product (for general audiences) Circular (for general audiences) Professional Paper Scientific Investigations Report Scientific Investigations Map Data Series Techniques and Methods Open-File Report Learn more: USGS Manual: USGS Publication series
What does the USGS (United States Geological Survey) do? What does the USGS (United States Geological Survey) do?
The USGS (United States Geological Survey) is a science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior. The USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Our scientists develop new...
Can I join the USGS? Can I join the USGS?
As a science agency for the United States government, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves all United States citizens. The USGS can only be “joined” by its employees, but citizens can get involved in USGS research through its Citizen Science programs . Some USGS Citizen Science opportunities are also listed at Volunteer.gov. In addition: Keep up with the latest USGS science by subscribing to...
How do I get USGS data? How do I get USGS data?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides data on many different science topics. Most of it can be downloaded for free from our website. Our Science Data Catalog and ScienceBase Catalog are good starting points. Also try using your browser's search engine and including the keyword "usgs.gov." If you are looking for a particular data set and cannot find it through Internet searches or our...
How do I contact the USGS? How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, message us through this website. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in our online Staff Profiles. USGS offices are located in every state. Please note, however, that most of them perform...
What USGS products are already publicly available? What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data, send a message through this website...