Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data
Can I add new entries to the Geographic Names Information System for manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, schools, shopping centers, etc.?
Suggested corrections and additions to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data are accepted from any source for review. Upon validation, they will be committed to the database.
For manmade and administrative features, submit the official name of the feature with its precise location in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), the state, and county to the GNIS Manager at BGNEXEC@usgs.gov. You must also include a bibliographic reference, which is a written source such as a map, pamphlet, other document, website, sign, etc. in which the name is published.
GNIS maintains an active and extensive program to add features to the database, primarily through partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and with other organizations having relevant data.
The GNIS Web-based data maintenance application allows authorized users to enter and edit feature data directly. Batch files of data also are accepted in most standard formats. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join the program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that different procedures are required to suggest a name for a feature that has no published name or to propose that an existing name be changed.
U.S. Board on Geographic names: How do I?
U.S. Board on Geographic Names: Principles, Policies, and Procedures
How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?
Proposals to change the name of a natural feature can be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. There must, however, be a compelling reason to change it. The Board is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and discourages name changes unless necessary. Further, changing a name merely to correct or re-establish historical usage is not in...
Does the Geographic Names Information System Database contain entries for obsolete names and historical geographic features that no longer exist?
Yes, The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) actively seeks names of features that no longer exist. The term "historical" as used in the GNIS specifically means that the feature no longer exists on the landscape. An abandoned ghost town, for example, still exists so it is not historical. Historical features have no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any...
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 Downloader. Define an area of interest on the map, then put a...
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System Database?
Please report possible errors to the Geographic Names Information System Manager at BGNEXEC@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: U.S. Board on Geographic Names: Principles, Policies, and Procedures
How can I name an unnamed natural feature?
Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government, and promulgates policies governing issues such as commemorative naming, derogatory names, and names in wilderness areas. Please note that no natural feature (and certain manmade features) can be...
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. GNIS contains information about the official names for places, features, and areas in the 50 states, the District of Columbia...
Mapping traditional place names along the Koyukuk River: Koyukuk, Huslia, and Hughes, Western Interior Alaska
Koyukon Athabascan peoples have settled along the Koyukuk River in Western Interior Alaska for thousands of years using the surrounding landscape for subsistence and cultural resources. However, recent changes in climate, technology, resource availability, and way of life have affected land-use patterns in the region, as well as use of the Denaakk'e (Koyukon) language. The current Koyukon populati
Topographic map symbols
Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the first step in using topographic maps. Features are shown as points, lines, or areas, depending on their size and extent. For example, individual houses may be shown as small black squares. For larger buildings, the actual shapes are mapped. In densely built-up areas, most individual buildings are omitted and an area tint is shown. On
Commemorative naming in the United States
Naming is a basic human tendency; it allows us to perceive the distinct identities of people and places and conveys those characteristics that make them unique. The name of a geographic feature can describe spectacular physical attributes (such as the Grand Canyon or Half Dome in Yosemite National Park), indicate cultural or historical significance (such as Washington Crossing on the Delaware Rive
Making your Mark on a Map: Volunteer map editors contribute more than 300,000 map points
The USGS citizen science project, The National Map Corps, has reached another major milestone.
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...
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)