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An official website of the United States government

Who We Are

Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the USGS provides science for a changing world, which reflects and responds to society’s continuously evolving needs. As the science arm of the Department of the Interior, the USGS brings an array of earth, water, biological, and mapping data and expertise to bear in support of decision-making on environmental, resource, and public safety issues.

Our Vision

Artist rendering Landsat 8

Lead the Nation in 21st-century integrated research, assessments, and prediction of natural resources and processes to meet society’s needs.

Our Mission

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The USGS monitors, analyzes, and predicts current and evolving Earth-system interactions and delivers actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers.

What We Do

person in protective gear using a spectrometer on the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater

The USGS is a primary Federal source of science-based information on ecosystems, land use, energy and mineral resources, natural hazards, water use and availability, and updated maps and images of the Earth’s features available to the public.

The U.S. Geological Survey works with many partners to provide objective and impartial science to resource managers, emergency response, and the public.