GNIS: Geographic Names Information Systems - All features

Metadata from the RGIS Metadata Repository

Identification Information

Citation
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date 2009-03-11
Publication Time 00:00:00
Title GNIS: Geographic Names Information Systems - All features
Geospatial Data Presentation Form vector digital data
Publication Information
Publication Place Reston, VA
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Other Citation Details
Online Linkage https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/gnis_nm_all09.original.zip
Online Linkage https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/metadata/FGDC-STD-001-1998.xml
Online Linkage https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/metadata/FGDC-STD-001-1998.html
Online Linkage https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/metadata/ISO-19115:2003.xml
Online Linkage https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/metadata/ISO-19115:2003.html
Larger Work Citation
Description
Abstract The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) actively seeks data from and partnerships with Government agencies at all levels and other interested organizations. The GNIS is the Federal standard for geographic nomenclature. The U.S. Geological Survey developed the GNIS for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a Federal inter-agency body chartered by public law to maintain uniform feature name usage throughout the Government and to promulgate standard names to the public. The GNIS is the official repository of domestic geographic names data; the official vehicle for geographic names use by all departments of the Federal Government; and the source for applying geographic names to Federal electronic and printed products of all types. See http://geonames.usgs.gov for additional information.
Purpose The Geographic Names Information System contains information about physical and cultural geographic features of all types in the United States, associated areas, and Antarctica, current and historical, but not including roads and highways. The database holds the Federally recognized name of each feature and defines the feature location by state, county, USGS topographic map, and geographic coordinates. Other attributes include names or spellings other than the official name, feature designations, feature classification, historical and descriptive information, and for some categories the geometric boundaries. The database assigns a unique, permanent feature identifier, the Feature ID, as a standard Federal key for accessing, integrating, or reconciling feature data from multiple data sets. The GNIS collects data from a broad program of partnerships with Federal, State, and local government agencies and other authorized contributors. The GNIS provides data to all levels of government and to the public, as well as to numerous applications through a web query site, web map and feature services, file download services, and customized files upon request.
Supplemental Information The U.S. Board on Geographic Names was created in 1890 and established in its present form by Public Law in 1947 to establish and maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. The Board serves all government agencies and the public as the central authority to which name inquiries, name issues, and new name proposals can be directed. It is comprised of representatives of Federal agencies associated with land management and cartography. Sharing its responsibilities with the Secretary of the Interior, the Board develops principles, policies, and procedures governing the use of both domestic and foreign geographic names as well as undersea and Antarctic feature names.
Time Period of Content
Range of Dates/Times
Beginning Date 1974
Ending Date 2008-12-31
Currentness Reference ground condition
Status
Progress In work
Maintenance and Update Frequency As needed
Spatial Domain
Bounding Coordinates
West Bounding Coordinate -109.2517611
East Bounding Coordinate -102.7699397
North Bounding Coordinate 37.2530738
South Bounding Coordinate 31.3326055
Keywords
Theme
Thesaurus None
Keyword location
Keyword environment
Keyword imageryBaseMapsEarthCover
Keyword transportation
Keyword Feature identification
Keyword Geographic feature
Keyword Geographical feature
Keyword Geographic name
Keyword Geographical name
Keyword Feature name
Keyword Official feature name
Keyword Place name
Keyword Variant name
Keyword Feature coordinates
Keyword Feature state
Keyword Feature county
Keyword Feature class
Keyword Feature history
Keyword Feature description
Keyword Feature designation
Keyword building
Theme
Thesaurus ISO 19115 Topic Categories
Keyword location
Place
Thesaurus Geographic Names Information System, USGS, Reston, VA
Keyword United States
Keyword State
Keyword County
Keyword Topographic Map
Keyword Census Area
Keyword Populated Place
Keyword New Mexico
Access Constraints None
Use Constraints None. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated in products derived from these data.
Point of Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person Roger L. Payne
Contact Organization U.S. Geological Survey
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization
Contact Person
Contact Position Chief, Geographic Names Project
Contact Address
Address Type mailing address
Address 523 National Center
City Reston
State or Province Virginia
Postal Code 20192
Country USA
Contact Voice Telephone 703 648 4544
Contact Facsimile Telephone
Contact Electronic Mail Address gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours of Service Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Contact Instructions
Data Set Credit The Geographic Names Information System was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
Native Data Set Environment Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.2 (Build 3790) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.1.1850
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title Geodata.gov, Geospatial One-Stop
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details Geodata.gov is a geographic information system (GIS) portal, also known as the Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) that serves as a public gateway for improving access to geospatial information and data under the Geospatial One-Stop E-Government initiative. Geospatial One-Stop is one of 24 E-Government initiatives sponsored by the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to enhance government efficiency and to improve citizen services. See the Geographic Names community in geodata.gov.
Online Linkage http://gos2.geodata.gov/
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title The National Map
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details The National Map, is a seamless, continuously maintained set of public domain geographic base information that serves as a foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other data easily and consistently. The National Map viewer is a Web-enabled portal to all of the geospatial information contained in The National Map. This portal not only supports on-line access to the geospatial information, but also allows the download of digital data and creation of cartographic products. The GNIS supports The National Map as the source for the gazetteer search in Find Place function of The National Map viewer and as active names layers.
Online Linkage http://nationalmap.usgs.gov/
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title The National Atlas
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details The National Atlas summarizes national-scale geographical information and delivers easy to use, map-like views of America's natural and sociocultural landscapes. This digital version revises a large bound collection of paper maps that was published in 1970. The Atlas serves a diverse populace as an essential reference, a framework for information discovery, an instrument of education, an aid in research, and a reliable source of government information. It includes stimulating products and services for children and adults to understand complex relationships among environments, places, and people. It contributes to our knowledge of the environmental, resource, demographic, economic, social, political, and historical dimensions of American life. Though it cannot display detailed map information, the Atlas directs users to other sources for this information. The GNIS provides geographic feature, location, and attribute data to the National Atlas.
Online Linkage http://nationalatlas.gov/
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title The National Hydrography Dataset
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a comprehensive set of digital spatial data that contains information about surface water features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, springs and wells. Within the NHD, surface water features are combined to form "reaches," which provide the framework for linking water-related data to the NHD surface water drainage network. These linkages enable the analysis and display of these water-related data in upstream and downstream order. The GNIS provides geographic feature name data to the National Hydrography Dataset.
Online Linkage http://nhd.usgs.gov/
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator National Geospatial Agency (NGA)
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title GEOnet Names Server
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) provides access to the National Geospatial Agency (NGA) database of foreign geographic feature names. The database is the official repository of foreign place-name decisions approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (US BGN). Approximately 20,000 of the database's features are updated monthly.
Online Linkage http://gnswww.nga.mil/geonames/GNS/index.jsp
Cross Reference
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Census Bureau
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title LandView
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details LandView is a desktop mapping system that searches and maps selected information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Census Bureau, and the U.S. Geological Survey. LandView contains a large subset of GNIS feature, location, and attribute data for the United States. It is available on DVD. See the LandView web site for information concerning the latest edition and ordering.
Online Linkage http://landview.census.gov/
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Data Quality Information

Attribute Accuracy Report
Report 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.
Quantitative Attribute Accuracy Assessment
Attribute Accuracy Value
Attribute Accuracy Explanation
Horizontal Positional Accuracy Report
Report Accuracy of these digital data is based upon the use of printed or electronic 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.
Quantitative Horizontal Positional Accuracy Assessment
Horizontal Positional Accuracy Value
Horizontal Positional Accuracy Explanation
Logical Consistency Report 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.
Completeness Report This dataset contains information about United States physical and cultural geographic features of all types and classes, with the exception of most roads and highways. Subsequent to the original data compilation process, which was taken primarily from Federal maps, the GNIS has become dependent on input from Federal, State, county, and local government agencies and other approved sources. The completeness, currency, and accuracy of the data varies by area depending on the quality and timeliness of that input. Accordingly, the Geographic Names Project actively seeks to expand partnerships with Government agencies at all levels and other interested organizations. The latest tools and methodologies are being applied, including web map and feature services, and joint or linked web applications, to ensure that local data are properly represented in the GNIS and through the GNIS to all Federal agencies and to the public. Feature additions or corrections are accepted for consideration from any source, and when validated by appropriate agencies, will be entered into the database. Local and State agencies are encouraged to submit data and to participate in the GNIS partnership program. Non-government organizations with valuable data are considered on a case basis. Authorized partners have access to web based transaction entry and edit forms, which submit data directly to the GNIS for review and inclusion in the database. Partners also submit batch files in most standard formats, and coordinate with the Geographic Names Project to develop joint services, processes, and applications for greatest efficiency. Data entered into the GNIS immediately is available to all web services and applications dependent on it. For additional information or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov.
Lineage
Source Information
Source Citation
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title 1:24,000-scale topographic maps
Geospatial Data Presentation Form Map
Publication Information
Publication Place Reston, VA
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Other Citation Details
Source Scale Denominator 24000
Type of Source Media paper
Source Time Period of Content
Source Currentness Reference publication date
Source Citation Abbreviation USGS
Source Contribution Feature names and attribute data.
Source Information
Source Citation
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Geological Survey
Publication Date Unpublished
Publication Time
Title Records of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details
Source Scale Denominator
Type of Source Media card, paper, and electronic files
Source Time Period of Content
Source Currentness Reference Creation date
Source Citation Abbreviation USBGN
Source Contribution Feature names and attribute information
Source Information
Source Citation
Citation Information
Originator U.S. Forest Service
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title U.S. Forest Service 1:24,000-scale topographic maps and visitor maps
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details
Source Scale Denominator 24000
Type of Source Media paper
Source Time Period of Content
Source Currentness Reference Publication date
Source Citation Abbreviation USFS
Source Contribution Feature names and attribute information
Source Information
Source Citation
Citation Information
Originator National Ocean Service (NOS)
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title National Ocean Service charts
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details
Source Scale Denominator
Type of Source Media paper
Source Time Period of Content
Source Currentness Reference Publication date
Source Citation Abbreviation NOAA/NOS
Source Contribution Feature names and attribute information
Source Information
Source Citation
Citation Information
Originator The State Names Authorities Council of Geographic Names Authorities (COGNA) U.S. Forest Service National Ocean Service (NOS) National Park Service (NPS) Other Federal, state and local agencies Public
Publication Date Unknown
Publication Time
Title Unknown
Geospatial Data Presentation Form
Publication Information
Publication Place
Publisher
Other Citation Details Since the original data compilation was completed from the original sources, GNIS accepts data or data changes for consideration from any source, and upon validation by the Board on Geographic Names or the appropriate Federal or state agency, will enter the data into the database. The GNIS has an active data gathering and maintenance program. A web-based data date entry and edit application allows authorized users to submit transaction data directly for validation and entry into the database, where it immediately becomes available to all web services and applications. A test and demonstration site with no connection to production data is available for review, training, and familiarization. Batch files will be accepted in most standard formats. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis. For additional information or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov.
Source Scale Denominator
Type of Source Media Multiple electronic or text media types.
Source Time Period of Content
Source Currentness Reference Unknown
Source Citation Abbreviation Various
Source Contribution Feature names and attribute information
Process Step
Process Description 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.
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USGS
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USBGN
Process Date 1981-05
Process Time
Process Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person Roger L. Payne
Contact Organization U.S. Geological Survey
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization
Contact Person
Contact Position Chief, Geographic Names Project
Contact Address
Address Type mailing address
Address 523 National Center
City Reston
State or Province Virginia
Postal Code 20192
Country USA
Contact Voice Telephone 703 648 4544
Contact Facsimile Telephone
Contact Electronic Mail Address gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours of Service Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Contact Instructions
Process Step
Process Description 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.
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USGS
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USBGN
Process Date Not complete
Process Time
Process Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person Roger L. Payne
Contact Organization U.S. Geological Survey
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization
Contact Person
Contact Position Chief, Geographic Names Project
Contact Address
Address Type mailing address
Address 523 National Center
City Reston
State or Province Virginia
Postal Code 20192
Country USA
Contact Voice Telephone 703 648 4544
Contact Facsimile Telephone
Contact Electronic Mail Address gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours of Service Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Contact Instructions
Process Step
Process Description 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. The GNIS has an active data gathering and maintenance program. A web-based data date entry and edit application allows authorized users to submit transaction data directly for validation and entry into the database, where it immediately becomes available to all web services and applications. A test and demonstration site with no connection to production data is available for review, training, and familiarization. Batch files will be accepted in most standard formats. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis. For additional information or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov or the individual below.
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USGS
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USBGN
Source Used Citation Abbreviation USFS
Source Used Citation Abbreviation Various
Source Used Citation Abbreviation NOAA/NOS
Process Date Not complete
Process Time
Process Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person Louis A. Yost
Contact Organization U.S. Geological Survey
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization
Contact Person
Contact Position Chief, Geographic Names Information Section
Contact Address
Address Type Mailing address
Address 523 National Center
City Reston
State or Province Virginia
Postal Code 20192
Country
Contact Voice Telephone 703 648 4552
Contact Facsimile Telephone
Contact Electronic Mail Address lyost@usgs.gov
Hours of Service 0900-1700 Eastern time
Contact Instructions
Process Step
Process Description Partnerships - the Geographic Names Project enters into partnerships with State names authorities and State and local GIS agencies to integrate 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 requirements of the Board on Geographic Names for national names standardization. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis. For additional information contact the individual below.
Process Date Not complete
Process Time
Process Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person Roger L. Payne
Contact Organization U.S. Geological Survey
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization
Contact Person
Contact Position Chief, Geographic Names Project
Contact Address
Address Type mailing address
Address 523 National Center
City Reston
State or Province Virginia
Postal Code 20192
Country USA
Contact Voice Telephone 703 648 4544
Contact Facsimile Telephone
Contact Electronic Mail Address gnis_manager@usgs.gov
Hours of Service Monday through Friday 0730-1700 Eastern Time
Contact Instructions
Process Step
Process Description The New Mexico data was downloaded from the GNIS website, and was created into a shapefile. Points that had no geographic information were deleted from the file.
Process Date 2008-12-10
Process Time
Process Contact
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Spatial Data Organization Information

Indirect Spatial Reference Method Rio Arriba County (35039)
Direct Spatial Reference Method Vector
Point and Vector Object Information
SDTS Terms Description
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type Entity point
Point and Vector Object Count 53221
SDTS Terms Description
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type Area point
Point and Vector Object Count Unknown
SDTS Terms Description
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type Node, planar graph
Point and Vector Object Count Unknown
SDTS Terms Description
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type Complete chain
Point and Vector Object Count Unknown
SDTS Terms Description
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type GT-polygon composed of chains
Point and Vector Object Count Unknown
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Spatial Reference Information

Spatial Reference
Name North American Datum of 1983
Code EPSG:4269
URL http://www.epsg-registry.org/export.htm?gml=urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4269
Spatial Reference
Name Geodetic Reference System 80
Code EPSG:7019
URL http://www.epsg-registry.org/export.htm?gml=urn:ogc:def:ellipsoid:EPSG::7019
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Entity and Attribute Information

Detailed Description
Entity Type
Entity Type Labelgnis_nm_all
Entity Type Definition A geographic feature is any relatively permanent part of the natural or manmade landscape or seascape that has recognizable identity within a particular cultural context. The primary attributes of a geographic feature are name and location.
Entity Type Definition Source 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).
Attribute
Attribute Label FID
Attribute Definition Internal feature number.
Attribute Definition Source ESRI
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute
Attribute Label Shape
Attribute Definition Feature geometry.
Attribute Definition Source ESRI
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute
Attribute Label FEATURE_ID
Attribute Definition A permanent, unique identifying number for a geographic feature record. 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. The GNIS Feature ID supersedes the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 55 Place Code as the Federal standard unique feature identifier and is under consideration as an ANSI standard.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 885549
Range Domain Maximum 2413665
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label FEATURE_NA
Attribute Definition 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, which must be the name applied to the feature on all Federal products, electronic or printed.
Attribute Definition Source 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).
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names
Codeset Source 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).
Attribute
Attribute Label LATITUDE
Attribute Definition Latitude
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 30.0
Range Domain Maximum 38.0
Attribute Units of Measure Decimal degrees
Attribute
Attribute Label LONGITUDE
Attribute Definition Longitude
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum -110.0
Range Domain Maximum -102.0
Attribute Units of Measure Decimal degrees
Attribute
Attribute Label OID_
Attribute Definition Unique Identifier
Attribute Definition Source ESRI
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain Positive real numbers
Attribute
Attribute Label FEATURE__1
Attribute Definition Same as Feature ID
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 885549
Range Domain Maximum 2413665
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label FEATURE__2
Attribute Definition Same as Feature Name
Attribute Definition Source 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).
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Principles, Policies, and Procedures: Domestic Geographic Names
Codeset Source 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).
Attribute
Attribute Label FEATURE_CL
Attribute Definition 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.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Feature class values and definitions for the Geographic Names Information System (http:\\geonames.usgs.gov).
Codeset Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523 (gnis_manager@usgs.gov).
Attribute
Attribute Label STATE_ALPH
Attribute Definition State Abbreviation
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain Two letter designation for State
Attribute
Attribute Label STATE_NUME
Attribute Definition 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. The primary State is the State containing the primary point and is assigned sequence number one. Secondary States are those other than the primary State containing the feature and are sequenced according to guidelines of the Board on Geographic Names, consistent with the primary and secondary counties containing the feature. For linear features (streams, valleys, arroyos) the sequencing is from mouth toward source. Secondary States are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide upon request. This data may be particularly helpful for features having no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Codes For The Identification Of The States, The District Of Columbia And The Outlying Areas Of The United States, And Associated Areas.
Codeset Source Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 5-2, Codes For The Identification Of The States, The District Of Columbia And The Outlying Areas Of The United States, And Associated Areas.
Attribute
Attribute Label COUNTY_NAM
Attribute Definition 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. The primary county is the county containing the primary point and is assigned sequence number one. Secondary counties are those other than the primary county containing the feature and are sequenced according to guidelines of the Board on Geographic Names. For linear features (streams, valleys, arroyos) the sequencing is from mouth toward source. Secondary counties are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide upon request. This data applies particularly to features for which there is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States, Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
Codeset Source Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 6-4, Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States, Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
Attribute
Attribute Label COUNTY_NUM
Attribute Definition 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. The primary county is the county containing the primary point and is assigned sequence number one. Secondary counties are those other than the primary county containing the feature and are sequenced according to guidelines of the Board on Geographic Names. For linear features (streams, valleys, arroyos) the sequencing is from mouth toward source. Secondary counties are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide upon request. This data applies particularly to features for which there is no known, recognized, standard, or available boundary data.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Codeset Domain
Codeset Name Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States, Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
Codeset Source Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 6-4, Counties And Equivalent Entities Of The United States, Its Possessions, And Associated Areas.
Attribute
Attribute Label PRIMARY_LA
Attribute Definition Primary Latitude (DMS)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 310000N
Range Domain Maximum 370000N
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label PRIMARY_LO
Attribute Definition Primary Longitude (DMS)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 1030000W
Range Domain Maximum 1092500W
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label PRIMARY__1
Attribute Definition Primary Latitude (Degree)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum 31
Range Domain Maximum 37
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label PRIMARY__2
Attribute Definition Primary Longitude (Degree)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum -109
Range Domain Maximum -103
Attribute Units of Measure
Attribute
Attribute Label SOURCE_LAT
Attribute Definition Source Latitude
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain No Values
Attribute
Attribute Label SOURCE_LON
Attribute Definition Source Longitude
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain No Values
Attribute
Attribute Label SOURCE_L_1
Attribute Definition Source Latitude (1)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain No Values
Attribute
Attribute Label SOURCE_L_2
Attribute Definition Source Longitude (1)
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain No Values
Attribute
Attribute Label Elevation
Attribute Definition 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). Elevation figures are not official and do not represent precisely measured or surveyed values. The data are extracted from digital elevation models of the National Elevation Dataset (http://ned.usgs.gov/) for the primary coordinates and may differ from elevations cited in other sources. The differences will be most evident for features such as summits where precision is of more concern and where the local relief (rate of change of elevation) may be more prominent. However, the elevation figures are within tolerances for the data for most points and sufficiently accurate for purposes of general information. Elevation data are displayed in the GNIS public web query site but currently are not available from the GNIS web map service, XML service, or downloadable files. Customized data files will be provide upon request.
Attribute Definition Source Geographic Names Project, USGS, 523 National Center, Reston, VA 20192-0523.
Attribute Domain Values
Range Domain
Range Domain Minimum -13,500
Range Domain Maximum 20,500
Attribute Units of Measure Feet
Attribute
Attribute Label MAP_NAME
Attribute Definition USGS Topo Quad
Attribute Definition Source USGS
Attribute Domain Values
Unrepresentable Domain Map Reference
Overview Description
Entity and Attribute Overview See definitions in attribute section.
Entity and Attribute Detail Citation none
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Distribution Information

Distributor
Resource Description Downloadable Data
Distribution Liability The material on this site is made available as a public service. Maps and data are to be used for reference purposes only and the Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC), Resource Geographic Information System (RGIS) and The University of New Mexico are not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. No responsibility is assumed for damages or other liabilities due to the accuracy, availability, use or misuse of the information herein provided. Unless otherwise indicated in the documentation (metadata) for individual data sets, information on this site is public domain and may be copied without permission; citation of the source is appreciated.
Standard Order Process
Digital Form
Digital Transfer Information
Format Name ZIP
Transfer Size 4
Digital Transfer Option
Online Option
Computer Contact Information
Network Address
Network Resource Name https://gstore.unm.edu/apps/rgisarchive/datasets/a171f60f-dc8f-48f2-893a-8a13d63cc56b/gnis_nm_all09.original.zip
Access Instructions Download from Resource Geographic Information System (RGIS) at http://rgis.unm.edu.
Fees None. The files are available to download from Resource Geographic Information System (RGIS) (http://rgis.unm.edu).
Ordering Instructions Contact Earth Data Analysis Center at clearinghouse@edac.unm.edu
Custom Order Process Contact Earth Data Analysis Center at clearinghouse@edac.unm.edu
Technical Prerequisites Adequate computer capability is the only technical prerequisite for viewing data in digital form.
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Metadata Reference Information

Metadata Date 2024-12-21
Metadata Review Date
Metadata Future Review Date
Metadata Contact
Contact Information
Contact Person Primary
Contact Person
Contact Organization
Contact Organization Primary
Contact Organization Earth Data Analysis Center
Contact Person
Contact Position Clearinghouse Manager
Contact Address
Address Type mailing and physical address
Address MSC01 1110
Address 1 University of New Mexico
City Albuquerque
State or Province NM
Postal Code 87131-0001
Country USA
Contact Voice Telephone 505-277-3622 ext. 230
Contact Facsimile Telephone 505-277-3614
Contact Electronic Mail Address clearinghouse@edac.unm.edu
Hours of Service 0800 - 1700 MT, M-F -7 hours GMT
Contact Instructions
Metadata Standard Name FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata Standard Version FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata Time Convention
Metadata Access Constraints
Metadata Use Constraints
Metadata Security Information
Security Classification System
Security Classification
Security Handling Description
Metadata Extensions
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