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Total Categories: 6
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is primarily a tool for cataloging historical land ownership records in the United States.
Answer: False
The GNIS is fundamentally a database for geographical features, not historical land ownership records. Its primary function is to document names and locations of physical and cultural features.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) developed the GNIS independently without any collaboration.
Answer: False
The development of the GNIS by the USGS was conducted in collaboration with the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN).
The primary objective for creating the GNIS was to standardize feature names across the United States.
Answer: True
A principal objective in the establishment of the GNIS was to ensure the standardization of geographical feature names throughout the United States.
GNIS data exclusively covers the continental United States and its immediate territories.
Answer: False
The GNIS database encompasses geographical features not only within the United States and its territories but also in associated states like the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Antarctica.
One of the original purposes of GNIS was to prevent duplication of effort among government agencies compiling geographic data.
Answer: True
Preventing redundant efforts in the compilation of geographic data among various governmental bodies was indeed one of the foundational objectives for the creation of the GNIS.
The GNIS functions as a gazetteer, providing a geographical dictionary or index of names and locations.
Answer: True
The GNIS indeed functions as a gazetteer, serving as a comprehensive geographical dictionary or index that lists names and their corresponding locations.
What is the primary function of the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
Answer: To serve as a comprehensive database of names and locations for geographical features in the US and its territories.
The GNIS functions as a comprehensive repository for the names and locations of geographical features within the United States and its associated territories, essentially acting as a gazetteer.
Who developed the GNIS in collaboration with the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN)?
Answer: The United States Geological Survey (USGS)
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) was responsible for the development of the GNIS, undertaking this initiative in conjunction with the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN).
Which of the following geographical areas is NOT covered by the GNIS database according to the source?
Answer: Greenland
The GNIS database covers the United States, its territories, associated states like the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau, as well as Antarctica. Greenland is not listed as being covered.
Which of these was NOT one of the original four purposes for which the GNIS was designed?
Answer: To create a database of all geological survey reports.
Creating a database of geological survey reports was not among the original four stated purposes for the GNIS. The other options were indeed foundational objectives.
Which of the following best describes the function of a gazetteer, as mentioned in the context of GNIS?
Answer: A geographical dictionary or index listing place names and locations.
A gazetteer is defined as a geographical dictionary or index that provides listings of place names along with their associated locations, a function fulfilled by the GNIS.
Phase 1 of GNIS data collection, from 1978 to 1981, included comprehensive data on all types of features, including roads and airports.
Answer: False
Phase 1 of GNIS data collection (1978-1981) explicitly excluded certain feature types, such as roads, airports, and civil divisions, due to their perceived better documentation elsewhere.
Initially, GNIS Phase 1 data was only available on magnetic tape.
Answer: False
Phase 1 data from GNIS was initially available in multiple formats, including paper volumes, microfiche, and magnetic tape, not exclusively magnetic tape.
In Phase 1 of GNIS, elevations were recorded in meters if available on the map feature.
Answer: False
During Phase 1, elevations were recorded exclusively in feet, and only when explicitly noted on the map feature. The use of meters or interpolation was not part of this initial phase.
The National Geographic Names database (NGNDB) in Phase 1 contained one file for each U.S. state and territory.
Answer: True
In Phase 1, the NGNDB was structured with one computer file dedicated to each U.S. state and territory, with Alaska having two files.
Phase 2 of the GNIS project significantly reduced the number of feature classes compared to Phase 1.
Answer: False
Phase 2 of the GNIS project expanded the scope and included a wider array of feature classes, rather than reducing them compared to Phase 1.
In the 1990s, GNIS data became available on CD-ROM, often bundled with search software.
Answer: True
During the 1990s, GNIS databases were indeed made available on CD-ROM, frequently accompanied by software designed for searching and accessing the data.
In Phase 1, coordinates for populated places were typically assigned to the geographic center of the populated area.
Answer: False
In Phase 1, coordinates for populated places were generally assigned to a primary civic feature (like a city hall or post office) or the approximate center of the area, not necessarily the exact geographic center.
The USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB) was later renamed the Geographic Cell Names database (GCNDB).
Answer: True
The database known as the USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB) was indeed subsequently renamed the Geographic Cell Names database (GCNDB).
Phase 1 of GNIS data collection began in 1976 with a pilot project in Kansas and Colorado.
Answer: True
Phase 1 of the GNIS data collection commenced in 1978, following an initial pilot project conducted in Kansas and Colorado in 1976.
What limitation characterized the feature data collected during Phase 1 of GNIS?
Answer: It excluded features like airports, roads, and civil divisions.
Phase 1 data collection was limited in scope, notably excluding features such as airports, roads, and civil divisions, which were considered to be documented elsewhere.
How were elevations primarily recorded during Phase 1 of GNIS data collection?
Answer: In feet, only if explicitly noted on the map feature.
During Phase 1, elevations were recorded exclusively in feet, and only when explicitly indicated on the map feature itself.
Which database contained map names exactly as they appeared on official USGS maps during Phase 1?
Answer: The USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB)
The USGS Topographic Map Names database (TMNDB) specifically contained map names as they were officially presented on USGS topographic maps during Phase 1.
How did the data compilation process change significantly in Phase 2 of the GNIS project?
Answer: It was outsourced to private entities and university researchers.
Phase 2 marked a significant shift as the U.S. government outsourced the data compilation tasks, state by state, to external entities, including private organizations and university researchers.
In Phase 1, how were coordinates typically determined for features that occupied an area, like lakes or cities?
Answer: The location of the feature's mouth or the approximate center of its area.
For area-occupying features in Phase 1, coordinates were typically assigned to the feature's mouth or its approximate central area.
What was the purpose of the National Atlas database within the GNIS system?
Answer: To include only entries indexed in the USGS National Atlas, using its coordinates.
The National Atlas database was an abridged version of the NGNDB, containing only entries indexed in the USGS National Atlas and utilizing the coordinates published therein.
Which of the following is an example of a feature class added during Phase 2 of GNIS, which was not typically included in Phase 1?
Answer: Housing developments and ghost towns
Phase 2 expanded the scope to include feature classes such as housing developments and ghost towns, which were not typically part of the Phase 1 data collection.
How were names with diacritic characters handled in Phase 1 of GNIS if the computer encoding system couldn't support them?
Answer: They were marked with an asterisk for later update.
In Phase 1, names containing diacritic characters that could not be processed by the available computer encoding systems were marked with an asterisk for subsequent revision.
How were coordinates recorded for maps in the TMNDB?
Answer: The south-east corner of the map (except for American Samoa and Guam).
In the TMNDB, coordinates were recorded based on the south-east corner of the map, with an exception for American Samoa and Guam, where the north-east corner was used.
The 'tank' feature class in Phase 1 was problematic because it was consistently used for reservoirs.
Answer: False
The 'tank' feature class in Phase 1 was problematic due to its undocumented nature and inconsistent application, often being misapplied to lakes rather than exclusively reservoirs, leading to classification issues.
The GNIS database differentiates significantly between large metropolitan centers and very small subdivisions based on population.
Answer: False
The GNIS database assigns the same level of significance to populated places regardless of their size, treating small subdivisions and major metropolitan centers equivalently in terms of classification.
For flowing bodies of water, the primary point in GNIS is typically determined to be at the source or headwaters.
Answer: False
For flowing bodies of water and linear features, the primary point designated in the GNIS database is typically at the mouth of the feature, not the source.
Locations in the GNIS database are stored using latitude and longitude coordinates with a precision of three decimal places.
Answer: False
Locations within the GNIS database are stored with a higher precision, utilizing seven decimal places for latitude and longitude coordinates.
The Generic database within GNIS is a collection of official geographic names approved by the BGN.
Answer: False
The Generic database serves as a glossary of map terms and abbreviations, not a collection of official names approved by the BGN.
The GNIS database contains over 10 million physical and cultural features.
Answer: False
The GNIS database contains information on over two million physical and cultural features, not ten million.
Beyond names and locations, what other key information does the GNIS database include for each feature?
Answer: Bibliographic references, variant names, and a unique GNIS identifier.
In addition to names and locations, the GNIS database provides bibliographic references, lists variant names, and assigns a unique GNIS identifier to each feature.
What was the specific problem identified with the 'tank' feature class in Phase 1?
Answer: It was undocumented and often used incorrectly for lakes, not just reservoirs.
The 'tank' feature class was problematic because it was undocumented and frequently misapplied to bodies of water like lakes, not solely reservoirs, leading to classification inaccuracies.
According to a 1986 report mentioned in the text, how does GNIS treat populated places of vastly different sizes?
Answer: It assigns the same level of significance to a small subdivision and a major metropolitan center.
A 1986 report indicated that the GNIS database treats populated places, irrespective of their size or population, with an equivalent level of significance.
For which type of feature is the 'mouth' typically considered the primary point in the GNIS database?
Answer: Flowing bodies of water or linear features
The 'mouth' of a feature is designated as the primary point for flowing bodies of water and linear geographical features within the GNIS.
What is the precision of the latitude and longitude coordinates stored for locations in the GNIS database?
Answer: Seven decimal places
Latitude and longitude coordinates in the GNIS database are recorded with a high degree of precision, specified to seven decimal places.
What does the 'primary point' in the GNIS database signify?
Answer: The official feature location used for unique identification.
The 'primary point' represents the authoritative location designated for a feature, ensuring its positive and unique identification within the database.
What was the primary purpose of the 'Generic database' within the GNIS system?
Answer: To serve as a machine-readable glossary of map terms and abbreviations.
The 'Generic database' functioned as a machine-readable glossary, containing definitions for map terms and abbreviations extracted from various sources.
Entries are routinely removed from the GNIS database if they are found to be inaccurate or outdated.
Answer: False
The established policy of the GNIS is that entries are generally not removed, with the sole exception being cases of clear duplication. This ensures the preservation of a comprehensive historical record.
Proposals for new or changed geographic names can only be submitted by official government bodies.
Answer: False
While official bodies can submit proposals, the general public can also submit proposals for new or changed geographic names through channels like The National Map Corps and the GNIS website.
The President of the United States cannot directly influence geographic name changes recorded in the GNIS.
Answer: False
The President of the United States can indeed influence geographic name changes, for example, through executive orders that mandate specific alterations to federal place names.
What is the policy of the GNIS regarding the removal of entries from its database?
Answer: Entries are never removed, except in cases of obvious duplication.
The GNIS policy explicitly states that entries are not removed from the database unless they represent an obvious duplication of an existing record.
How can new or changed names for U.S. geographical features be proposed to the GNIS system?
Answer: Via the GNIS website, reviewing justifications and supporters.
Proposals for name changes can be submitted through The National Map Corps or via the GNIS website, which allows for the review of justifications and supporting documentation.
What role does The National Map Corps play in relation to the GNIS?
Answer: It serves as a channel for submitting proposals for new or changed geographical names.
The National Map Corps functions as a conduit for the submission of proposals concerning new or altered geographical names to the GNIS system.
The Antarctica Geographic Names database (AGNDB) includes names of scientific outposts in Antarctica.
Answer: False
The AGNDB specifically includes names of natural features in Antarctica and its surrounding islands, but it does not include scientific outposts or research stations.
The U.S. Census Bureau uses GNIS data to define 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs).
Answer: True
The U.S. Census Bureau utilizes data from the GNIS as a foundational source for defining and delineating 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs).
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) is the primary database for U.S. geographical names, similar to GNIS.
Answer: False
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) focuses on geographical locations outside the United States, whereas GNIS is the primary database for U.S. geographical names.
The United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names aims to standardize names only within Europe.
Answer: False
The United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names works towards global standardization of geographical names, not exclusively within Europe.
The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB) is publicly accessible, unlike the GNIS.
Answer: False
The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB) is specific to Canada and is not in the public domain, contrasting with the public accessibility of GNIS.
What type of feature is NOT included in the Antarctica Geographic Names database (AGNDB)?
Answer: Scientific outposts and research stations.
The AGNDB focuses on natural geographical features and approved names within Antarctica and its surrounding islands; it does not encompass scientific outposts or research stations.
How does the U.S. Census Bureau utilize GNIS data?
Answer: As a source for defining 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs).
The U.S. Census Bureau employs GNIS data as a foundational resource for defining 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs), which are statistical entities representing communities.
What is the primary focus of the GEOnet Names Server (GNS)?
Answer: Geographical locations outside of the United States.
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) is specifically designed to provide information on geographical locations situated outside the territorial boundaries of the United States.
Which of the following is a key difference between GNIS and the Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB)?
Answer: CGNDB is specific to Canada and is not in the public domain.
The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB) pertains exclusively to Canada and is not publicly accessible, distinguishing it from the publicly available GNIS.
Which entity defines 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs) using GNIS data?
Answer: The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB)
The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) is the entity responsible for defining 'Census Designated Places' (CDPs), utilizing GNIS data in this process.
What is the main difference between GNIS and the GEOnet Names Server (GNS)?
Answer: GNS covers locations outside the U.S., while GNIS covers U.S. locations.
The fundamental distinction is that GNIS pertains to geographical locations within the United States, whereas GNS focuses on locations situated internationally.
Research in 2001 indicated that many populated places in Connecticut with 'Corner' in their name actually corresponded to significant settlements.
Answer: False
Research in 2001 suggested that many populated places in Connecticut with 'Corner' in their name might represent historical settlements or cartographic locators rather than currently inhabited significant settlements.
A group of middle school students in Alaska successfully advocated for the renaming of racist place names.
Answer: True
Indeed, a group of middle school students in Alaska, with community support, successfully campaigned for the renaming of geographically offensive place names.
The term 'Squaw' was officially removed from all geographic names in the U.S. by federal order in 2021.
Answer: False
In November 2021, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior issued an order to remove the term 'Squaw' from federal government usage, but this did not constitute a universal removal from all geographic names nationwide.
Earlier efforts to replace racial pejoratives included changing 'Jap' to 'Japanese' in 1962.
Answer: False
While earlier efforts to replace racial pejoratives are documented, the change from 'Jap' to 'Japanese' occurred in 1974, not 1962.
In 2015, California had the highest number of placenames containing racial slurs according to a cross-reference with the GNIS database.
Answer: False
A 2015 cross-reference indicated that while California had a significant number of placenames with racial slurs, Arizona actually had the highest count.
Mark Monmonier successfully petitioned to change 'Niger Hill' to 'Nigger Hill'.
Answer: False
Mark Monmonier's research identified 'Niger Hill' as an erroneous transcription of 'Nigger Hill' and he successfully petitioned for its change to 'Negro Hill', not the other way around.
What did research in 2001 suggest about many populated places in Connecticut with 'Corner' in their name?
Answer: They represented historical settlements or cartographic locators rather than current settlements.
Research from 2001 proposed that many Connecticut placenames containing 'Corner' might function as historical markers or cartographic references rather than denoting active settlements.
What action did the U.S. Secretary of the Interior take in November 2021 concerning offensive geographic terms?
Answer: Issued an order to remove the term 'Squaw' from federal government usage.
In November 2021, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior issued a directive to eliminate the use of the term 'Squaw' within federal government contexts.
What was the result of a 2015 cross-reference between the GNIS database and the Racial Slur Database?
Answer: It identified 1,441 placenames containing racial slurs across all states.
A 2015 analysis cross-referencing the GNIS database with a Racial Slur Database identified 1,441 placenames containing such terms across the United States.
How did Mark Monmonier contribute to changing the name 'Niger Hill' in Pennsylvania?
Answer: He successfully argued it was a misspelling of 'Nigger Hill' and petitioned for it to be changed to 'Negro Hill'.
Mark Monmonier identified 'Niger Hill' as an error for 'Nigger Hill' and successfully advocated for its official change to 'Negro Hill'.