What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is a comprehensive database maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It contains information on the names and locations of over two million physical and cultural features across the United States, its territories, the associated states of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Antarctica. Essentially, it functions as a gazetteer, which is a geographical dictionary or index.

Who developed the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This development was undertaken in collaboration with the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) with the primary objective of standardizing feature names.

What was the main goal behind the creation of the GNIS?

The primary goal behind the creation of the GNIS was to promote the standardization of feature names across the United States and its associated territories. This standardization helps ensure consistency and clarity in geographical references.

What geographical areas does the GNIS database cover?

The GNIS database covers a wide range of geographical areas. This includes the entire United States and its territories, the associated states of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau, as well as Antarctica.

How was the data for the GNIS collected?

The data for the GNIS was collected in two distinct phases. Although a third phase was considered to address discrepancies between local usages and map names, it was never initiated.

What types of information are included in the GNIS database beyond just names and locations?

Beyond names and locations, the GNIS database includes bibliographic references that cite books and historic maps confirming the feature or place name. It also records variant names, which are alternative names for a feature that differ from the official federal names. Each feature is assigned a unique, permanent identifier known as the GNIS identifier.

Under what circumstances are entries removed from the GNIS database?

According to the provided text, entries are never removed from the GNIS database, except in cases where there is an obvious duplication of an existing entry. This ensures the database's completeness and historical record.

What were the four original purposes for which the GNIS was designed?

The GNIS was originally designed for four main purposes: 1) to prevent duplication of effort among various government levels already compiling geographic data, 2) to provide standardized datasets of geographic data for government use and others, 3) to index all names appearing on official U.S. government federal and state maps, and 4) to ensure uniform geographic names for the federal government.

When did Phase 1 of the GNIS data collection take place, and what was its scope?

Phase 1 of the GNIS data collection occurred from 1978 to 1981, following a pilot project in Kansas and Colorado in 1976. This phase produced five databases but excluded several types of features, such as airports, broadcasting masts, civil divisions, regional and historic names, individual buildings, roads, and triangulation depot names, as these were considered better documented elsewhere.

In what formats was the data from Phase 1 of GNIS initially available?

The data from Phase 1 of GNIS was initially available in multiple formats: on paper (in spiral-bound volumes), on microfiche, and on magnetic tape. The magnetic tape data was typically encoded in EBCDIC with fixed-length records within blocks, unless another format was requested.

Can you provide examples of feature classes used in Phase 1 of GNIS?

Yes, Phase 1 included various feature classes. Examples provided are 'locale' (for places with human activity not fitting other categories), 'populated place' (for areas with clustered or scattered buildings), 'spring', 'lava' (including lava flows or 'kepula'), and 'well'. Mountainous features were categorized under 'ridge', 'range', or 'summit'.

What was the issue with the 'tank' feature class in Phase 1?

The 'tank' feature class was problematic because it was undocumented and used for lakes, leading to misclassifications. For instance, a large body of water like Cayuga Lake was labeled a 'tank'. Reports suggested this term was likely misinterpreted to mean 'reservoir', and coordinates for these 'tanks' were sometimes found outside their actual boundaries, possibly near dam locations.

What constituted the National Geographic Names database (NGNDB) in Phase 1?

In Phase 1, the National Geographic Names database (NGNDB) consisted of 57 computer files, with one file for each state and territory of the United States (Alaska had two files), plus one for the District of Columbia. An earlier database for Alaska's place names, compiled in 1967, was used for one of its files. Two additional files were later added, containing abridged versions of the data for the entire U.S.

How were elevations recorded in Phase 1 of the GNIS, and how did this change in Phase 2?

During Phase 1, elevations were recorded solely in feet, and only if an actual elevation was noted on the map feature. These recorded elevations represented either the lowest or highest point of the feature, as appropriate. Phase 2 introduced the inclusion of interpolated elevations, calculated from contour lines.

How were geographic coordinates determined for features in Phase 1?

For features occupying an area, the primary geographic coordinates in Phase 1 were typically the location of the feature's mouth or the approximate center of the feature's area. For cities and other large populated places, coordinates were assigned to a primary civic feature like a city hall, post office, or central business district. These are referred to as the 'primary point'. Secondary coordinates were also recorded as an aid to locating the feature on topographic maps.

What was the USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB)?

The USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB) consisted of 57 computer files that contained the names of maps. It included data from 1:24,000 scale USGS maps, and for the 57th file, data from 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale maps. Map names were recorded exactly as they appeared on the maps, with exceptions for diacritics that couldn't be handled by the computer encodings of the time. Later, this database was renamed the Geographic Cell Names database (GCNDB).

How were locations recorded for maps in the TMNDB?

In the TMNDB, locations were recorded as the geographic coordinates of the south-east corner of the map. However, for maps of American Samoa and Guam, the coordinates represented the north-east corner.

What was the purpose of the Generic database within the GNIS system?

The Generic database served as a machine-readable glossary. It contained terms and abbreviations extracted from map sources, along with their definitions, organized into collections of related terms.

What information did the National Atlas database contain?

The National Atlas database was an abridged version of the National Geographic Names database (NGNDB). It specifically included only those entries that were present in the index of the USGS National Atlas of the United States, and it used the coordinates published in the National Atlas instead of those from the NGNDB.

What was the content of the Board on Geographic Names database?

The Board on Geographic Names database recorded the investigative work of the USGS Board on Geographic Names' Domestic Names Committee. It included decisions made by the committee from 1890 onwards, as well as names officially established by Acts of Congress. Elevation and location data, as well as handling of diacritic characters, followed the same rules as the NGNDB.

How did Phase 2 of the GNIS project differ from Phase 1?

Phase 2 of the GNIS project was significantly broader in scope than Phase 1. It expanded to include a much larger array of data sources and incorporated many more feature classes. By 2003, it had processed data from 42 states, with four more underway and four states awaiting initial compilation.

What new feature classes were included in Phase 2 of GNIS?

Phase 2 included a wider variety of feature classes, such as abandoned Native American settlements, ghost towns, railway stations on defunct lines, housing developments, shopping centers, and highway rest areas.

How was the data compilation handled during Phase 2?

During Phase 2, the U.S. government outsourced the actual data compilation process, state by state, to private entities, including university researchers.

What is the Antarctica Geographic Names database (AGNDB)?

The Antarctica Geographic Names database (AGNDB), added in the 1990s, contains records for names in Antarctica and its surrounding islands that have been approved by the BGN. These islands include the South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Balleny Islands, Heard Island, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands. Importantly, it only includes natural features, not scientific outposts.

What new media formats became available for GNIS data in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, the media formats for obtaining GNIS databases expanded beyond tape and paper to include floppy disk, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) access, and CD-ROM. The CD-ROM version typically included the NGNDB, AGNDB, GCNDB, and a bibliographic reference database, often bundled with search software.

Does the GNIS database differentiate between various types of populated places?

No, the GNIS database does not differentiate between different types of populated places. According to a 1986 report, a small subdivision with just one inhabitant is treated with the same significance as a major metropolitan center like New York City within the database.

What issues have been observed regarding populated place records in GNIS, particularly those with 'Corner' in their name?

Research in 2001 found that a significant number of populated places in Connecticut listed in GNIS had no identifiable human settlement in land use data and were often located at road intersections. Many of these places had 'Corner' in their name, leading researchers to hypothesize they might be historical records or cartographic locators, rather than actual settlements.

What does the term 'Corner' refer to in the context of U.S. surveying?

In U.S. surveying, a 'Corner' refers to a corner of a surveyed polygon that defines a land area. These corners were historically marked using methods like bearing trees (also called witness trees) or corner monuments. Some corners can become 'lost' or 'obliterated' over time.

What problems have been identified with certain GNIS entries, particularly concerning Native American names?

When analyzing Native American names for a dictionary, a UCLA professor noted in 2004 that some GNIS entries were erroneous or referred to long-vanished railroad sidings where no one ever lived. These inaccuracies have sometimes propagated to other geographic information sources, like Google Maps, where train stations might incorrectly appear as towns.

How can new or changed names for U.S. geographical features be proposed to the GNIS?

Proposals for new or changed names can be submitted through The National Map Corps. The general public can also make proposals via the GNIS website, where they can review the justifications and supporters of these proposals. Typically, name change requests originate from a state's board on geographic names or a county board of governors.

Are all submitted name change proposals incorporated into the GNIS database?

Not necessarily. The text mentions that the State Library of Montana submitted three large sets of name changes that have not yet been incorporated into the GNIS database, indicating that the process is not always straightforward.

Can the President of the United States influence name changes in the GNIS?

Yes, the President can initiate name changes via an executive order. An example cited is Executive Order 14172, which renamed the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America' in 2025.

Provide an example of how a group successfully advocated for a name change in the GNIS.

A group of middle school students in Alaska, with support from teachers and experts, successfully changed racist place names. For instance, 'Negrohead Creek' was renamed Lochenyatth Creek and 'Negrohead Mountain' became Tl'oo Khanishyah Mountain, both having translations related to 'grassy tussocks' in local Athabascan languages.

How was the name 'Niger Hill' changed?

Mark Monmonier, researching ethnic slurs in placenames, discovered 'Niger Hill' in Pennsylvania. He identified it as an erroneous transcription of 'Nigger Hill' from a 1938 map and successfully persuaded the USBGN to change it to 'Negro Hill'.

What action did the U.S. Secretary of the Interior take regarding the term 'Squaw' in 2021?

In November 2021, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior issued an order directing the removal of the term 'Squaw' from usage by the U.S. federal government. This was part of broader efforts to eliminate offensive terms from geographic names.

What were some earlier efforts to replace racial pejoratives in place names?

Prior efforts included replacing the racial pejorative 'Nigger' for African Americans with 'Negro' in 1962, and replacing the pejorative 'Jap' for Japanese Americans with 'Japanese' in 1974. These changes aimed to remove offensive language from official records.

How many racial slur placenames were identified in the GNIS database in 2015?

In 2015, a cross-reference between the GNIS database and the Racial Slur Database identified 1,441 placenames containing racial slurs. These were found in every state, with California having 159 and Arizona having the highest number.

Despite efforts to remove offensive names, what slurs remained in GNIS names in 2015?

Even after 'Nigger' was removed from federal use, its replacement 'Negro' still appeared in GNIS names in 2015. Other slurs like 'Pickaninny', 'Uncle Tom', and 'Jim Crow' were also present, along with 33 places named 'Niggerhead'. Additionally, there were 828 names containing 'squaw', including variations like 'Squaw Tit' and 'Squaw Teat'.

How does the U.S. Census Bureau utilize GNIS data?

The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) defines 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs) as a subset of locations found within the National Geographic Names Database. CDPs are statistical entities used by the Census Bureau to represent communities.

What role does the United States Postal Service (USPS) play in relation to geographic names?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) Publication 28 provides standards for addressing mail. While it defines abbreviations for states, streets, and secondary identifiers, it does not directly manage geographic names in the same way as GNIS, but its standards interact with the use of place names for mail delivery.

What is the GEOnet Names Server (GNS)?

The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) is a database similar to GNIS, but it specifically focuses on geographical locations outside of the United States. It serves as a resource for foreign geographic names.

What is the relationship between GNIS and the Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB)?

The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB) is a similar database to GNIS, but it is specific to locations within Canada. Unlike GNIS, the CGNDB is not in the public domain.

How are primary points determined for flowing bodies of water or linear features in the GNIS database?

For flowing bodies of water (like streams and rivers) or trending linear features (like valleys and gulches), the official feature location, or primary point, is determined to be at the mouth of the feature. This is a specific policy exception to the general rule of using the geographic center.

What is the significance of the 'primary point' in the GNIS database?

The 'primary point' represents the official feature location associated with a feature's name. Its purpose is to ensure positive and unique identification. This point is determined by authoritative sources and approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, generally placed near the geographic center, though exceptions exist for certain feature types.

How are locations stored in the GNIS database?

Locations within the GNIS database are stored using latitude and longitude coordinates, expressed in decimal degrees, with a precision of seven decimal places.

What was the role of the 'National Map Corps' in relation to GNIS?

The National Map Corps serves as a channel through which proposals for new or changed names for U.S. geographical features can be submitted to the GNIS. It facilitates public participation in the naming process.

What is the 'Gazetteer' mentioned in relation to GNIS?

A gazetteer is a geographical dictionary or index that lists place names and their locations. The GNIS functions as a type of gazetteer for the United States and its associated areas.

What is the stated policy regarding the removal of entries from the GNIS database?

The GNIS policy states that entries are never removed, except in instances of obvious duplication. This ensures that the database maintains a comprehensive historical record of geographic names.

How does the GNIS handle names containing diacritic characters?

In Phase 1, names with diacritic characters that could not be handled by the computer file encodings of the time were marked with an asterisk for later update. The text implies that later phases and systems would handle these characters more effectively, but the initial process involved marking them.

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Overview

The GNIS Database

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is a comprehensive database containing information on names and locations for over two million physical and cultural features. Its scope encompasses the United States, its territories, the associated states of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Antarctica. Essentially, it functions as a detailed gazetteer, providing standardized names and locational data for geographical entities.

Official Collaboration

Developed through a cooperative effort between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN), the GNIS was established with the primary objective of promoting the standardization of feature names across various governmental and public domains. This ensures consistency and accuracy in geographic referencing.

Geographic Scope

The database meticulously documents features within the United States and its associated territories. This includes states, commonwealths, and territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Furthermore, it extends to the Freely Associated States (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau) and the continent of Antarctica, making it a vast repository of global geographic information relevant to U.S. interests and operations.

Origins and Purpose

Core Objectives

The GNIS was conceived with four principal objectives:

Eliminate Duplication: To prevent redundant efforts in compiling geographic data across different government agencies.
Standardized Datasets: To provide consistent and reliable geographic data for governmental use and public dissemination.
Map Indexing: To catalog all names appearing on official federal and state topographic maps.
Uniformity: To ensure that geographic names used by the federal government are standardized and unambiguous.

Foundational Work

The initial data collection was structured into distinct phases. Phase 1, conducted from 1978 to 1981, built upon a precursor pilot project in Kansas and Colorado (1976). This phase established the foundational databases for many states, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive system that exists today. A proposed third phase, intended to address name changes based on local usage, was considered but never initiated.

Development Phases

Phase 1: Foundation Building

Running from 1978 to 1981, Phase 1 produced five initial databases. This phase focused on core geographic features, excluding certain categories like airports, broadcasting masts, and individual buildings, which were considered better documented elsewhere. The data was made available in various formats, including paper volumes, microfiche, and magnetic tape.

Phase 2: Expansion and Refinement

Following Phase 1, Phase 2 significantly broadened the scope of data collection. It incorporated a much wider array of sources and included numerous additional feature classes, such as abandoned Native American settlements, ghost towns, and highway rest areas. The compilation process was often outsourced to private entities, including university researchers, state by state.

Antarctica Integration

In the 1990s, the Antarctica Geographic Names database (AGNDB) was added. This distinct dataset comprises records for names in Antarctica and its surrounding islands that have been approved by the BGN. Notably, it focuses exclusively on natural features, excluding scientific outposts or human settlements.

Data Structure and Elements

Database Components

The GNIS system comprises several interconnected databases:

National Geographic Names Database (NGNDB): Contains names and locations for millions of features across the U.S. and territories.
USGS Topographic Map Names Database (TMNDB) / Geographic Cell Names Database (GCNDB): Stores names of USGS topographic maps.
Generic Database: A glossary of terms and abbreviations used in geographic naming.
National Atlas Database: An abridged version of the NGNDB aligned with the USGS National Atlas.
Board on Geographic Names Database: Records BGN decisions and historical name changes.
Antarctica Geographic Names Database (AGNDB): Specific data for Antarctic features.

Feature Details

Each feature record in the GNIS includes a unique, permanent identifier (GNIS ID). Data points collected include:

Names: Official names, variant names, and historical names.
Elevations: Recorded in feet, with Phase 2 including interpolated elevations.
Coordinates: Primary coordinates are established based on feature type (e.g., mouth for rivers, center for populated places). Secondary coordinates assist in map location.
Feature Classes: Categorizations like 'populated place', 'spring', 'lava flow', 'ridge', 'range', 'summit', and more specific classes added in Phase 2.

Challenges and Evolution

Classification Ambiguities

The GNIS database has faced scrutiny regarding the classification of populated places. Historically, there was no differentiation between various types of populated areas; a single inhabitant in a subdivision was treated similarly to a major metropolitan center. This has led to instances where entries in GNIS might represent historical sites, cartographic locators (like "Corner" names), or even non-existent settlements, with such inaccuracies sometimes propagating to other widely used geographic information systems.

Name Changes and Controversies

The system accommodates proposals for new or changed names, often initiated by state or county boards, or even presidential executive orders. A significant aspect of name evolution involves the removal of racial and ethnic slurs from place names. Efforts since the mid-20th century have led to the replacement of derogatory terms. For example, an order in November 2021 mandated the removal of "Squaw" from federal usage. Research has identified numerous placenames containing slurs, prompting ongoing efforts towards revision and standardization.

Data Formats and Access

Media Evolution

Initially, GNIS data was distributed via paper volumes, microfiche, and magnetic tape. Over time, the available media expanded significantly. In the 1990s, data became accessible on floppy disks, via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and on CD-ROM. The CD-ROM edition typically included the core databases and search software, while FTP sites offered additional topical datasets like populated places and historical features.

Interoperability

The GNIS database serves as a foundational element for other systems. The United States Census Bureau (USCB) utilizes a subset of GNIS locations to define Census Designated Places (CDPs). Additionally, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Publication 28 references GNIS standards for addressing mail, including state abbreviations and street identifiers.

Related Systems

Canadian GNBC

The Geographical Names Board of Canada (GNBC) maintains a similar, though not publicly domain, database for locations exclusively within Canada. This serves as a national counterpart to the GNIS for Canadian geographic nomenclature.

GEOnet Names Server

For geographic locations outside the United States, the GEOnet Names Server (GNS) provides a comparable database. It is managed by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and serves as a primary source for foreign geographic names.

International Standardization

The United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names (UNCSGN) plays a crucial role in promoting global efforts to standardize geographical names. This international body facilitates cooperation and the development of best practices among nations for managing and standardizing place names worldwide.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Geographic Names Information System Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While efforts have been made to adhere strictly to the provided source material, nuances or specific details might be subject to interpretation or require further verification.

This is not professional geographic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographic consultation, data analysis, cartographic services, or official documentation from the USGS or BGN. Always consult official resources for definitive geographic data and consult with qualified professionals for specific project needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of information found on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Navigating Names

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Overview ℹ️

📍 The GNIS Database

🏛️ Official Collaboration

🌍 Geographic Scope

Origins and Purpose 🤝

🎯 Core Objectives

📜 Foundational Work

Development Phases ⏳

1️⃣ Phase 1: Foundation Building

2️⃣ Phase 2: Expansion and Refinement

🇦🇶 Antarctica Integration

Data Structure and Elements 📊

🗄️ Database Components

📏 Feature Details

Challenges and Evolution ⚠️

❓ Classification Ambiguities

🔄 Name Changes and Controversies

Data Formats and Access 💾

💻 Media Evolution

🔗 Interoperability

Related Systems 🌐

🇨🇦 Canadian GNBC

🗺️ GEOnet Names Server

🇺🇳 International Standardization

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The GNIS Database

Official Collaboration

Geographic Scope

Origins and Purpose

Core Objectives

Foundational Work

Development Phases

Phase 1: Foundation Building

Phase 2: Expansion and Refinement

Antarctica Integration

Data Structure and Elements

Database Components

Feature Details

Challenges and Evolution

Classification Ambiguities

Name Changes and Controversies

Data Formats and Access

Media Evolution

Interoperability

Related Systems

Canadian GNBC

GEOnet Names Server

International Standardization

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice