The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), contains information about physical and cultural geographic features in the United States and associated areas, both current and historical, but not including roads and highways. The database also contains geographic names in Antarctica. The database holds the Federally recognized name of each feature and defines the location of the feature by state, county, USGS topographic map, and geographic coordinates. Other feature attributes include names or spellings other than the official name, feature designations, feature class, historical and descriptive information, and for some categories of features the geometric boundaries. The database assigns a unique feature identifier, a random number, that is a key for accessing, integrating, or reconciling GNIS data with other data sets. The GNIS is our Nation's official repository of domestic geographic feature names information.
The GNIS is the official vehicle for geographic names use by the Federal Government and the source for applying geographic names to Federal maps & other products. The GNIS supports the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), a Federal body created in 1890 and established in its present form by Public Law in 1947. The Board serves the Federal Government, other government agencies, and the public as the central authority to which name inquiries, name issues, and new name proposals can be directed. The GNIS provides the data to government agencies and to the public. The GNIS also supports the U.S. Geological Survey National Map (http://nationalmap.usgs.gov/) as the source for the gazetteer search in The National Map viewer and as an active layer in The National Map for Federal boundaries and geographic features not available from state or local sources.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names Comprised of representatives of Federal agencies, appointed for 2-year terms, the Board is authorized to establish and maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. Sharing its responsibilities with the Secretary of the Interior, the Board has developed principles, policies, and procedures governing the use of both domestic and foreign geographic names as well as undersea and Antarctic feature names.
ground condition
None. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated in products derived from these data.
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The Geographic Names Information System was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
During Phase I data compilation, a random sample of 10% of the entries in the system were visually verified against the compilation source data (large-scale USGS topographic maps) to ensure an accuracy rate of at least 95%. Subsequent data compilation and input processes ensure accuracy with programmed validation checks for format and content, visual examination, and spot checks of data.
During Phase I data compilation, a random sample of 10% of the entries in the system were visually verified against the compilation source data (large-scale USGS topographic maps) to ensure logical consistency of locative references (geographic coordinates, topographic map, and county. Subsequent data compilation and input processes include programmed validation checks for logical consistency, visual examination, and spot checks of data.
This dataset contains information about physical and cultural geographic features identified by a proper name and location, with the exception of most roads and highways.
Accuracy of these digital data is based upon the use of source graphics which are compiled to meet National Map Accuracy Standards. Comparison to the graphic source is used as control to assess digital positional accuracy.
Feature names and attribute data.
Feature names and attribute information
Feature names and attribute information
Feature names and attribute information
Feature names and attribute information
Contains point locations for all Connecticut data downloaded from the Geographic Names Information System GNIS at http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/download_data.htm in a tab delimited text (.txt) file named CTDEC.txt. USGS_Geographic Name is a GeoDatabase Feature Class.
GNIS Phase I data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute data were collected from the largest-scale USGS topographic maps available. These data are compared to the records of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
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GNIS Phase II data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute data are collected from official state and local sources and other approved sources including historical maps and documents.
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GNIS Maintenance program - Federal and state maintenance cooperators submit new and corrected data in conjunction with their mapping and geographical information system data maintenance programs. Data is submitted using web data entry and edit forms and batch file processes. Agencies interested in participating in this program should contact the individual specified below.
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National Map partnerships - As part of The USGS National Map program, the Geographic Names Office enters into partnerships with state names authorities and state and local GIS agencies to integrate vertically name, location, and attribute data in the GNIS with state and local datasets. These partnerships utilize GIS and web technology to automate and simplify data maintenance, ensure data consistency, integrity, and accuracy, and meet the goals of the Board on Geographic Names for national names standardization. Agencies interested in participating in this program should contact the individual specified below.
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Create GeoDatabase Feature Class - Downloaded the Connecticut data extract from the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) at http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/download_data.htm as a tab delimited text (.txt) file named CT_DEC.txt.The downloaded file contain primary feature attributes, but do not contain all attributes. The downloaded file reflects GNIS data last updated by USGS on September 19, 2006. Imported tab delimited data into MS Excel, imported the MS Excel data into an ESRI Personal Geodatabase as a conventional MS Access data table, and using ESRI ArcCatalog software registered the MS Access data table as a Personal GeoDatabase data table. Using ESRI ArcMap software, created a point event layer based on the Primary_lat_dec and Primary_lon_dec attribute values in the data table, projected the point data to the Connecticut State Plane Coordinate System, NAD 83 (map units feet), and exported the data to a point Feature Class named USGS_Geographic_Name in the ESRI Personal Geodatabase. Downloaded metadata for the GNIS data in XML format from http://geonames.usgs.gov/GNIS.html and, using ArcCatalog softwre, imported the metadata document to describe the USGS_Geographic_Name point Feature Class. Modified the metadata to reflect these processing steps and enumerate the Class attribute as described in http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/feature_class.htm.
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Internal feature number.
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Feature Identification- A random unique identifying number for a geographic feature. This number is assigned by the Geographic Names Information System and used as a relational key for uniquely identifying, indexing, and searching geographic features and for integrating or reconciling GNIS data with other data sets. The number has no information content.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Feature Name - A geographic feature name and its written form and application approved or recognized as official by the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. The official name is established either by policy or by decision of the Board on Geographic Names. A geographic feature may have only one official name.
Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names, By Donald J. Orth, Executive Secretary, Domestic Geographic Names (emeritus) and Roger L. Payne, Executive Secretary, United States Board on Geographic Names and Domestic Geographic Names, Third printing (revised) and Preliminary Online Edition, 1997 (http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html).
Feature Class - A feature class is a designation for a group of features in a broadly defined descriptive category. All features are assigned to one and only one class. They do not individually classify all kinds of cultural and natural features. By design, there are no Federal or industry standards or guidelines for feature classification. These classifications originally were developed for mainframe file structure search purposes. Although the terms are generally consistent with dictionary definitions, they may not conform exactly and are not always intuitive. Feature class values and definitions for the Geographic Names Information System from Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
Manmade facility maintained for the use of aircraft (airfield, airstrip, landing field, landing strip).
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Natural arch-like opening in a rock mass (bridge, natural bridge, sea arch).
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Any one of several areally extensive natural features not included in other categories (badlands, barren, delta, fan, garden).
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Watercourse or channel through which water may occasionally flow (coulee, draw, gully, wash).
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Natural accumulation of sand, gravel, or alluvium forming an underwater or exposed embankment (ledge, reef, sandbar, shoal, spit).
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Natural depression or relatively low area enclosed by higher land (amphitheater, cirque, pit, sink).
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Indentation of a coastline or shoreline enclosing a part of a body of water; a body of water partly surrounded by land (arm, bight, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet, sound).
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The sloping shore along a body of water that is washed by waves or tides and is usually covered by sand or gravel (coast, shore, strand).
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Area of relatively level land on the flank of an elevation such as a hill, ridge, or mountain where the slope of the land rises on one side and descends on the opposite side (level).
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Curve in the course of a stream and (or) the land within the curve; a curve in a linear body of water (bottom, loop, meander).
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Manmade structure carrying a trail, road, or other transportation system across a body of water or depression (causeway, overpass, trestle).
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A manmade structure with walls and a roof for protection of people and (or) materials, but not including church, hospital, or school.
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Manmade waterway used by watercraft or for drainage, irrigation, mining, or water power (ditch, lateral).
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Projection of land extending into a body of water (lea, neck, peninsula, point).
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A place or area for burying the dead (burial, burying ground, grave, memorial garden).
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Linear deep part of a body of water through which the main volume of water flows and is frequently used as aroute for watercraft (passage, reach, strait, thoroughfare, throughfare).
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A building used for religious worship (chapel, mosque, synagogue, tabernacle, temple).
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A political division formed for administrative purposes (borough, county, municipio, parish, town, township).
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Circular-shaped depression at the summit of a volcanic cone or one on the surface of the land caused by the impact of a meteorite; a manmade depression caused by an explosion (caldera, lua).
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A place where two or more routes of transportation form a junction or intersection (overpass, underpass).
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Water barrier or embankment built across the course of a stream or into a body of water to control and (or) impound the flow of water (breakwater, dike, jetty)
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Perpendicular or very steep fall of water in the course of a stream (cascade, cataract, waterfall).
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Relative level area within a region of greater relief (clearing, glade, playa).
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Bounded area of woods, forest, or grassland under the administration of a political agency (see "woods") (national forest, national grasslands, State forest).
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Low point or opening between hills or mountains or in a ridge or mountain range (col, notch, pass, saddle, water gap, wind gap).
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Eruptive spring from which hot water and (or) steam and in some cases mud are periodically thrown.
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Body or stream of ice moving outward and downslope from an area of accumulation; an area of relatively permanent snow or ice on the top or side of a mountain or mountainous area (icefield, ice patch, snow patch).
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Relatively small coastal waterway connecting larger bodies of water or other waterways (creek, inlet, slough).
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Sheltered area of water where ships or other watercraft can anchor or dock (hono, port, roads, roadstead).
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Building where the sick or injured may receive medical or surgical attention (infirmary).
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Area of dry or relatively dry land surrounded by water or low wetland (archipelago, atoll, cay, hammock, hummock, isla, isle, key, moku, rock).
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Narrow section of land in a body of water connecting two larger land areas.
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Natural body of inland water (backwater, lac, lagoon, laguna, pond, pool, resaca, waterhole).
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Formations resulting from the consolidation of molten rock on the surface of the Earth (kepula, lava flow).
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Natural or manmade embankment flanking a stream (bank, berm).
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Place at which there is or was human activity; it does not include populated places, mines, and dams (battlefield, crossroad, camp, farm, ghost town, landing, railroad siding, ranch, ruins, site, station, windmill).
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Place or area from which commercial minerals are or were removed from the Earth; not including oilfield (pit, quarry, shaft).
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Place or facility formerly used for various aspects of or relating to military activity.
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Area where petroleum is or was removed from the Earth.
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Category for miscellaneous named entities that cannot readily be placed in the other feature classes listed here.
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Place or area set aside for recreation or preservation of a cultural or natural resource and under some form of government administration; not including National or State forests or Reserves (national historical landmark, national park, State park, wilderness area).
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Vertical, standing, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation (chimney, monument, pinnacle, pohaku, rock tower).
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A region of general uniform slope, comparatively level and of considerable extent (grassland, highland, kula, plateau, upland).
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(Formerly abbreviated as PO) an official facility of the U.S. Postal Service used for processing and distributing mail and other postal material.
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(Formerly abbreviated as ppl) place or area with clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent human population (city, settlement, town, village).
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Chain of hills or mountains; a somewhat linear, complex mountainous or hilly area (cordillera, sierra).
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Fast-flowing section of a stream, often shallow and with exposed rock or boulders (riffle, ripple).
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A tract of land set aside for a specific use (does not include forests, civil divisions, parks).
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Artificially impounded body of water (lake, tank).
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Elevation with a narrow, elongated crest which can be part of a hill or mountain (crest, cuesta, escarpment, hogback, lae, rim, spur).
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Building or group of buildings used as an institution for study, teaching, and learning (academy, college, high school, university).
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Large body of salt water (gulf, ocean).
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Place where underground water flows naturally to the surface of the Earth (seep).
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Linear body of water flowing on the Earth's surface (anabranch, awawa, bayou, branch, brook, creek, distributary, fork, kill, pup, rio, river, run, slough).
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Prominent elevation rising above the surrounding level of the Earth's surface; does not include pillars, ridges, or ranges (ahu, berg, bald, butte, cerro, colina, cone, cumbre, dome, head, hill, horn, knob, knoll, mauna, mesa, mesita, mound, mount, mountain, peak, puu, rock, sugarloaf, table, volcano).
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Poorly drained wetland, fresh or saltwater, wooded or grassy, possibly covered with open water (bog, cienega, marais, marsh, pocosin).
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A manmade structure, higher than its diameter, generally used for observation, storage, or electronic transmission.
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Route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways (jeep trail, path, ski trail).
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Linear underground passageway open at both ends.
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Linear depression in the Earth's surface that generally slopes from one end to the other (barranca, canyon, chasm, cove, draw, glen, gorge, gulch, gulf, hollow, ravine).
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Manmade shaft or hole in the Earth's surface used to obtain fluid or gaseous materials.
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Small area covered with a dense growth of trees; does not include an area of trees under the administration of a political agency (see "forest").
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State - The state or states or state equivalents containing the geographic feature. This dataset contains features in States of the United States, the District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas of the United States, and associated areas. This is relational data, not spatial data. The data owner specifies the value(s) associated with each geographic feature. Values are represented by state name, state numeric code, and state alpha code. This data may be particularly helpful for features having no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
State Number - The state or states or state equivalents containing the geographic feature. This dataset contains features in States of the United States, the District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas of the United States, and associated areas. This is relational data, not spatial data. The data owner specifies the value(s) associated with each geographic feature. Values are represented by state name, state numeric code, and state alpha code. This data may be particularly helpful for features having no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
County - The county or counties or county equivalents containing the geographic feature. This dataset contains features in counties or county equivalents of the states of the United States, the District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas of the United States, and associated areas. This is relational data, not spatial data. The data owner specifies the value(s) associated with each geographic feature. Values are represented by county name and county numeric code. This data applies particularly to features for which there is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
County Number - The county or counties or county equivalents containing the geographic feature. This dataset contains features in counties or county equivalents of the states of the United States, the District of Columbia, territories, outlying areas of the United States, and associated areas. This is relational data, not spatial data. The data owner specifies the value(s) associated with each geographic feature. Values are represented by county name and county numeric code. This data applies particularly to features for which there is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Primary Point Latitude - The latitude of a point locating a geographic feature, also termed the feature application. Along with the feature name, the application is approved or recognized as official either by policy or by decision of the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. A geographic feature may have only one primary point regardless of size or extent. A point feature is defined by this single set of coordinates on the USGS National Base Map series at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000. The primary point of a linear feature depends on the feature class. If feature class equals stream, valley or arroyo, the primary point is the mouth. The primary point of a canal, channel, or trail is the center. The primary point of a ridge is the highest point. The primary point of an areal feature is the approximate geographic center with the following exceptions: The primary point of a populated place is the center of original place such as the city or town hall, main post office, or town square regardless of changes over time. The primary point of a reservoir is the center of the dam. The primary point of a summit, range, ridge, or pillar is the highest point. The primary point has a sequence number of 1. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. An application may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as a point in a geographic information system, and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Primary Point Longitude - The longitude of a point locating a geographic feature, also termed the feature "application." Along with the feature name, the application is approved or recognized as official either by policy or by decision of the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. A geographic feature may have only one primary point regardless of size or extent. A point feature is defined by this single set of coordinates on the USGS National Base Map series at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000. The primary point of a linear feature depends on the feature class. If feature class equals stream, valley or arroyo, the primary point is the mouth. The primary point of a canal, channel, or trail is the center. The primary point of a ridge is the highest point. The primary point of an areal feature is the approximate geographic center with the following exceptions: The primary point of a populated place is the center of original place such as the city or town hall, main post office, or town square regardless of changes over time. The primary point of a reservoir is the center of the dam. The primary point of a summit, range, ridge, or pillar is the highest point. The primary point has a sequence number of 1. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. An application may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as a point in a geographic information system, and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Primary Point Latitude (decimal degrees) - The latitude of a point locating a geographic feature, also termed the feature application. Along with the feature name, the application is approved or recognized as official either by policy or by decision of the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. A geographic feature may have only one primary point regardless of size or extent. A point feature is defined by this single set of coordinates on the USGS National Base Map series at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000. The primary point of a linear feature depends on the feature class. If feature class equals stream, valley or arroyo, the primary point is the mouth. The primary point of a canal, channel, or trail is the center. The primary point of a ridge is the highest point. The primary point of an areal feature is the approximate geographic center with the following exceptions: The primary point of a populated place is the center of original place such as the city or town hall, main post office, or town square regardless of changes over time. The primary point of a reservoir is the center of the dam. The primary point of a summit, range, ridge, or pillar is the highest point. The primary point has a sequence number of 1. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. An application may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as a point in a geographic information system, and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Primary Point Longitude (decimal degrees) - The longitude of a point locating a geographic feature, also termed the feature "application." Along with the feature name, the application is approved or recognized as official either by policy or by decision of the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. A geographic feature may have only one primary point regardless of size or extent. A point feature is defined by this single set of coordinates on the USGS National Base Map series at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000. The primary point of a linear feature depends on the feature class. If feature class equals stream, valley or arroyo, the primary point is the mouth. The primary point of a canal, channel, or trail is the center. The primary point of a ridge is the highest point. The primary point of an areal feature is the approximate geographic center with the following exceptions: The primary point of a populated place is the center of original place such as the city or town hall, main post office, or town square regardless of changes over time. The primary point of a reservoir is the center of the dam. The primary point of a summit, range, ridge, or pillar is the highest point. The primary point has a sequence number of 1. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. An application may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as a point in a geographic information system, and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Secondary Point Latitude - The latitude of a point locating a linear or areal geographic feature on a map of the USGS National Base Map series (at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000) other than the map containing the primary point. With one exception (i.e., the point representing the source of a stream, valley or arroyo may be on the same map as the primary point) a feature is assigned one point per map on which it is located. The points are sequenced. Sequence number one is always the primary point, and the remaining points are secondary points. For a linear feature with feature class equal to valley, stream, or arroyo, the points are sequenced from mouth toward the source and the highest sequence number is the source. For other linear features and for areal features, secondary points are sequenced according to guidelines of the Geographic Names Office. The location of the point on the feature within the map is arbitrary. This method of associating features with maps was conceived prior to geographic information system technology and has been retained as a useful approximation of feature extent and a reference to printed maps. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. Secondary points may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as points in a geographic information system and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Secondary Point Longitude - The longitude of a point locating a linear or areal geographic feature on a map of the USGS National Base Map series (at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000) other than the map containing the primary point. With one exception (i.e., the point representing the source of a stream, valley or arroyo may be on the same map as the primary point) a feature is assigned one point per map on which it is located. The points are sequenced. Sequence number one is always the primary point, and the remaining points are secondary points. For a linear feature with feature class equal to valley, stream, or arroyo, the points are sequenced from mouth toward the source and the highest sequence number is the source. For other linear features and for areal features, secondary points are sequenced according to guidelines of the Geographic Names Office. The location of the point on the feature within the map is arbitrary. This method of associating features with maps was conceived prior to geographic information system technology and has been retained as a useful approximation of feature extent and a reference to printed maps. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. Secondary points may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as points in a geographic information system and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Secondary Point Latitude (decimal degrees) - The latitude of a point locating a linear or areal geographic feature on a map of the USGS National Base Map series (at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000) other than the map containing the primary point. With one exception (i.e., the point representing the source of a stream, valley or arroyo may be on the same map as the primary point) a feature is assigned one point per map on which it is located. The points are sequenced. Sequence number one is always the primary point, and the remaining points are secondary points. For a linear feature with feature class equal to valley, stream, or arroyo, the points are sequenced from mouth toward the source and the highest sequence number is the source. For other linear features and for areal features, secondary points are sequenced according to guidelines of the Geographic Names Office. The location of the point on the feature within the map is arbitrary. This method of associating features with maps was conceived prior to geographic information system technology and has been retained as a useful approximation of feature extent and a reference to printed maps. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. Secondary points may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as points in a geographic information system and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Secondary Point Longitude (decimal degrees) - The longitude of a point locating a linear or areal geographic feature on a map of the USGS National Base Map series (at a scale of 1:24000 or 1:25000) other than the map containing the primary point. With one exception (i.e., the point representing the source of a stream, valley or arroyo may be on the same map as the primary point) a feature is assigned one point per map on which it is located. The points are sequenced. Sequence number one is always the primary point, and the remaining points are secondary points. For a linear feature with feature class equal to valley, stream, or arroyo, the points are sequenced from mouth toward the source and the highest sequence number is the source. For other linear features and for areal features, secondary points are sequenced according to guidelines of the Geographic Names Office. The location of the point on the feature within the map is arbitrary. This method of associating features with maps was conceived prior to geographic information system technology and has been retained as a useful approximation of feature extent and a reference to printed maps. These points do not represent boundaries or geometries and should not be confused with them. Secondary points may be displayed as latitude and longitude data or as points in a geographic information system and may be applied as label points.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Elevation (in meters) - The elevation above sea level of the feature at the primary point (positive number) or depth of a feature at the lowest point below sea level (negative number). Elevations are entered into the Geographic Names Information System primarily from USGS maps and other textual sources. Elevation is for information only and is not to be considered authoritative.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
USGS Product Name - The name of the USGS electronic or printed products containing the representation of the features. Products include standard USGS 7.5x7.5 degree quadrangle maps as well as digital electronic products.
Geographic Names Office, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Feature geometry.
ESRI
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Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the USGS regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The Geological Survey will warrant the delivery of this product in computer-readable format.
Data extract files for States and territories are available for download via web browser. Four topical extracts of the data base are also available: the U.S. Populated Places File lists information about all communities throughout the United States that are described in the data base, the U.S. Concise File lists information about major physical and cultural features throughout the United States that are described in the data base, the Historical Features File lists information about features which are no longer in existence, and the Antarctica File contains entries throughout the continent of Antarctica as approved for use by the United States Government.
Custom data sets may be requested. Contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov
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