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.
Why did I receive an error when downloading data from The National Map? Why did I receive an error when downloading data from The National Map?
An error that times out the Web browser can sometimes occur after clicking on a download link. You might be able to open the archive (.zip) file by refreshing your screen. In the case of an incomplete download, first clear your browser history to avoid the cache interfering with subsequent future attempts. Then use the Ctrl+F5 keys to refresh the cache with new content before retrying the download...
Is there an API for accessing The National Map data? Is there an API for accessing The National Map data?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a way for developers to interface with data. The National Map (TNM) has one API (TNMAccess) that provides access to all TNM downloadable products that are available through The National Map Download Client. Developers can use HTTP GET and POST requests to directly access products, or use the light graphical interface on the API page to generate queries...
Are there any costs or restrictions to usage of data downloaded from The National Map? Are there any costs or restrictions to usage of data downloaded from The National Map?
Data from The National Map is free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions on downloaded data; however, we request that the following statement be used when citing, copying, or reprinting data: "Data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program." Learn more: USGS Copyrights and Credits Statement
What download formats are available for boundaries, structures, and transportation data products in The National Map? What download formats are available for boundaries, structures, and transportation data products in The National Map?
Boundaries, structures, and transportation data products are currently available in Esri File Geodatabase 10.1 or Shapefile format. Use The National Map Downloader, The National Map Services, or download files staged at the below sites. USGS National Boundary Dataset USGS National Structures Dataset USGS National Transportation Dataset
What is a geographic information system (GIS)? What is a geographic information system (GIS)?
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location. Most of the information we have about our world contains a location reference: Where are USGS streamgages located? Where was a rock sample collected? Exactly where are all of a city's fire hydrants? If, for example, a rare...
How often is orthoimagery in The National Map updated and what are the acquisition dates? How often is orthoimagery in The National Map updated and what are the acquisition dates?
Orthoimagery (georectified aerial photography) available through The National Map Downloader and The National Map Services is from the USDA Farm Service Agency's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP), which is 1-meter resolution. Generally, NAIP imagery is refreshed on a 3-year cycle with approximately one third of the continental U.S. flown each year. The month and year of imagery...
What are the URLs for imagery services in The National Map, and are they cached or dynamic? What are the URLs for imagery services in The National Map, and are they cached or dynamic?
There are several imagery services for The National Map. Some imagery services are cached and some are dynamic: USGSImageryOnly (under Base Maps), for example, is a tile cache base map service of orthoimagery. It has different imagery data sources depending on view scale. The USGSImageryOnly service uses cache tiles of 256x256 pixels in size and 96 dots per inch (dpi) resolution with 75%...
How can I propose a name change for a natural feature? How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?
Proposals to change the name of a feature within the United States and its territories may be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). However, proposals must include a compelling reason the feature’s name needs to be changed for federal use. Changing an existing name merely to correct or re-establish historical usage should not be a primary reason to change a name. The BGN is...
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System database? 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
How can I name an unnamed natural feature? How can I name an unnamed natural feature?
Proposals to name an unnamed feature within the United States and its territories may be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). However, proposals must include a compelling reason the feature needs to be named for federal use. The BGN is responsible by law ( 43 USC Ch. 11A) for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and has developed policies governing...
What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?" What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"
There are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features. The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) utilizes 43 broad categories of feature classes defined solely to facilitate retrieval of entries with similar characteristics. Go to GNIS Domestic Names Feature Classes to see the full list. These categories generally match dictionary definitions, but not always...
How do I download The National Map data products? How do I download The National Map data products?
Download or access The National Map data products via several applications and websites: The National Map Download Client – The primary site for data downloads. See the training videos (lessons 4a-4d) or click the Help link at the top of the Downloader for detailed instructions. LidarExplorer – Lidar Point Cloud data only. See where lidar is available, get a list of downloadable products, and...