Geographic Names Information System

USGS Circular 895-A:

Questions regarding availability and ordering of US GeoData types of distributed by the u.s. Geological Survey) should be addressed to:

Technical questions and comments should be addressed to:

Any use of trade names and trademarks in this publication is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the u.s. Geological Survey. USGS DIGITAL CARTOGRAPHIC DATA STANDARDS

User Services Section National Cartographic Information Center

507 National Center Reston, Virginia

Chief, National Mapping Division

516 National Center Reston, Virginia Overview and USGS Activities B:

Digital Elevation Models C:

Digital Line Graphs from 1:24,000-Scale Maps D· Digital Line Graphs from 1:2,000,000-Scale Maps E:

Land Use and Land Cover Digital Data F:

Geographic Names Information System G:

Digital Line Graph Attribute Coding Standards

(all cartographic and geographic data produced and

22092 GEOGRAPHIC NAMES INFORMATION SYSTEM

By Roger L. Payne

USGS Digital Cartographic Data Standards

Edited by Robert B. McEwen, Richard E. Witmer, and Benjamin s. Ramey

Geological Survey Circular 895-F

Dallas L. Peck, Director

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Payne, Roger L., 1946- USGS digital cartographic data standards. The Geographic Names Information System.

1. Names, Geographical--United States--Data processing.

2. Digital mapping--Standards. I. Title. II. Title: U.S.G.S. digital cartographic data standards. The Geographic Names Information System. III. Series. El55.P39 1983 025'.0691 83-600187 raphy have undergone a rapid and striking reorientation as the techniques for digital collection and manipulation of data have evolved from fledgling laboratory procedures into dominant and driving forces that now pervade the disciplines. ~-have provided a variety of new and powerful capabilities to collect, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial data. However, this evolution also has introduced a number of new and complex problems. which is receiving particular attention at present, is the issue of digital cartographic data standards.

developing digital cartographic and geographic techniques for over a decade and has taken significant steps to develop and define in-house standards governing the various types of digital cartographic data that are being collected and archived in a national digital cartographic data base. standards are expressed in the form of specifications documents that were prepared to govern collection of the data and in the form of user guides that were prepared for distribution with the data.

promulgation of Federal standards in the earth sciences, the documents have been assembled with explanatory text into this USGS Circular consisting of separately bound chapters. Circular describes some of the pertinent issues relating to digital cartographic data standards, documents the digital cartographic data standards currently in use within the USGS National Mapping Division, and details USGS efforts to define national digital cartographic data standards.

in developing digital cartographic data standards are discussed and the activities of the USGS related to digital cartographic data production and standards development are described in detail. that establish USGS in-house standards for the various types of digital cartographic data currently produced by the National Mapping Division--that is, digital elevation data, digital planimetric data, digital land use and land cover data, and digital geographic names data.

as a benchmark and to assist ongoing efforts to establish acceptable standards and conventions for both Federal agencies and the public.

The u.s. Geological Survey

R. B. Southard Chief, National Mapping Division PREFACE

This Circular is the result of the efforts of numerous individuals who have contributed to the research, development, and preparation of various digital cartographic and geographic standards for the National Mapping Division of the u.s. Geological Survey. The individuals named as chapter authors represent both the originators of the various concepts as well as the writers who expanded and clarified these ideas. Their contributions, either to the concepts or the writing, are of such magnitude as to warrant crediting as authors. Atef A. Elassal was largely responsible for the original data structures and computer file formats that are used for the digital line graphs and digital elevation models. The attribute coding scheme was first developed by members of the Digital Applications Team under the direction of Robert B. McEwen. The Geographic Names Information System was conceived and developed by Sam Stulberg and Roger L. Payne. The Geographic Information Retrieval and Analysis System was developed by Robin G. Fegeas, Eric Anderson, Stephen c. Guptill, Cheryl A. Hallam, and William B. Mitchell. The small-scale digital line graph data structure and attribute coding scheme was developed by Warren E. Schmidt and Michael A. Domaratz. The Circular was compiled in part from various user guides and technical instructions of the National Mapping Division. These documents were originally prepared by several individuals; credit is acknowledged to G. Michael Callahan, A. Joan Szeide, William R. Allder, Vincent M. Caruso, Hugh w. Calkins, Donna Cedar-Southworth, and Cheryl A. Hallam. The compilation of the various guides, instructions, and other material into the Circular format was performed with major assistance by Clark H. Cramer, Eloise R. Byrd, and Cynthia L. Cunningham. We acknowledge these substantial contributions that have led to this publication.

iv

Introduction System development •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Description of the Record content Data elements

Appendix A. categories of named features not yet included

Appendix B. Geographic Names Information System feature

Appendix c. Appendix D.

Table 1.

s.

National Geographic Names Data Base ••••••••••••••• USGS Topographic Map Names Data Base •••••••••••••• Generic Data Base ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• National Atlas Data Base •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Board on Geographic Names Data Base •••••••••••••••

Labels and data elements from the National

Labels and data elements from the USGS

Labels and data elements from the Generic

Labels and data elements from the National Atlas

Labels and data elements from the Board on CONTENTS

in the Geographic Names Information System ••••

class definitions ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Parenthetical descriptors used with names ••••• Sample records from the National Geographic Names Data Base •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Geographic Names Data Base •••••••••••••••••••••

Topographic Map Names Data Base ••••••••••••••••

Geographic Names Data Base ••••••••••••••••••••• Page

The discipline of undergoing a number of profound changes that center on the emerging influence of digital manipulation and data for the preparation of cartographic materials and for use in geographic information systems. ments have led to the development by the USGS National Mapping Division of several documents that establish in-house digital cartographic standards. In an effort to fulfill lead agency requirements for promulgation of Federal standards in the earth sciences, the documents have been edited and assembled with explanatory Circular. of the pertinent digital documents the digital cartographic data standards currently in use within the USGS, and details the efforts of the USGS related to the definition of national digital cartographic data standards. consists of several chapters; the first is a general overview, and each succeeding chapter is made up from documents that establish in-house standards for one of the various types of digital cartographic data currently produced. chapter 895-F, describes the Geographic Names Information System used to manage names and related information that have been digitized from maps and records of the USGS and from other sources.

Operational require-

text This Circular describes some issues cartographic

Geographic GEOGRAPHIC NAMES INFORMATION SYSTEM

data

Names By Roger L. Payne

cartography

analysis

into a

relative standards,

Information is

of

USGS

to

It

This Geological Survey (USGS) to meet major national needs regarding geographic names and their standardization and dissemination. Information in the system can be retrieved, analyzed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users for either research or application. designed to:

Assist in establishing uniform geo-

graphic name usage throughout the Federal with the u.s. Board on Geographic Names; Provide an index of names found on

Government

similar

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT Primarily,

and arranged,

in

institutions data

public GNIS

cooperation

files

information and

was

to for Research and initial compilation of data for the GNIS was begun in 1968, and test data were collected and completed for Massachusetts. names data for Kansas and Colorado were collected as a pilot project to determine the feasibility of compilation on a national scale. vorable evaluation of this pilot project, geographic names data for the remaining States and territories were compiled from 1978 through 1981. The initial compilation, or Phase I, is now complete, and the system includes most named features on all of the maps in the USGS topographic map series except roads and highways, communication towers, and triangulation stations. largest scale available were used during the initial compilation, the majority of the names were compiled from 1:24,000- scale, 7.5-minute topographic maps. When there were no published 7. 5-minute maps or advance copies with names available, 15-minute maps were used; when there was no coverage by either series of maps, 1:250,000-scale maps were used. After the initial compilatio~ the

edited• by comparing the, computer file with the accumulated records of the u.s. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). edit was a comparison of names on a one-to-one basis, which is a precise method of finding and correcting errors. When the initial edit of the geographic names in a State was completed, the corrections were made, and other information such as variant names and BGN data were added. Optimum use and effectiveness of the automated names system requires that the names of features not recorded on topographic maps be added, together with specific types of features excluded from compilation during Phase I (see Appendix A) and other names of importance to researchers and users, such as historical and variant collection of names from other sources, including maps, charts, and texts, as well as historical sources, is termed Phase II. After analysis and fa-

names

names. In 1976, geographic

As maps with the

in each State were

This

The systematic A standard format product is available with each name listed as a 132- character line of information designed to provide at least some information from most of the locative data elements. This format is also an alphabetized listing of all of the names in a particular State or territory and is available in the form of spiral-bound alphabetical listings, microfiche, and magnetic tapes. Specialized searches may be tailored to the individual needs of the user. Results of specialized searches are usually provided as computer printouts or magnetic tapes but may also be obtained as spiral-bound books or microfiche. online version to manipulate, and analyze information is available for Survey headquarters and mapping centers. A special, more formal publication is The National Gazetteer of the United States of America, published as u.s. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1200. The geographic names in each State and territory will be published as separate volumes in the gazetteer series when Phase I I compilation and edit have been completed.

The GNIS is maintained by the USGS National Mapping Division. Each regional mapping center compiles and formats new name data and minor corrections, which are electronically transmitted to the GNIS staff for a final check before the data are entered. Geographic Names transmits information directly to the system concerning the resolution of geographic names found to be in conflict on Federal sources. series of checks and balances assures integrity and security so that all users can retrieve confidence. The maintenance schedule is on a continual basis, built into the system for any needed PRODUCTS

use at the Geological

MAINTENANCE

and

and An interactive or retrieve,

The u.s. Board on

use

flexibility arrange,

its regional

data A

with

is maintenance adjustment. retrieval capability, but only the GNIS staff has the capability to alter, add, or remove information. tained at the USGS National Center by the Branch of Geographic Names, and the system resides and operates on an Amdahl V7 computer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DATA BASES

A record consists of a name and its associated data, but, because names may be duplicated, each record is given a unique eight-digit number. two digits of this number identify the data base, and the rernaJ.nJ.ng six digits identify the specific record within the data base.

RECORD CONTENT

One of the most important concepts in GNIS is the nature of the data or what kind of data are present. tables list an abbreviated form (label) of the data elements in each of the five data bases and their meaning, followed by a detailed explanation of each data element. Sample records from one of the data bases, the National Geographic Names Data Base, are given in Appendix D. properly search and retrieve information, the user must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the system, as well as the commands.

National Geographic Names Data Base

The National Geographic Names Data Base is the primary and largest data base in GNIS and contains 57 files representing each State, District of Columbia. contains, as a minimum, the names cornpiled from series, but many State files contain information from other source materials. Eventually, files will other sources. DATA ELEMENTS

the USGS topographic map

all contain Each file name consists territory,

Ea~h State

and The first

and

territory To

the file

from of seven letters using the first four letters of the State or territory name followed by the letters GAZ. territories having two or more words use the first letter of the first word, followed by the first three letters of the last word. For example, the file name for New York is NYORGAZ. is the file name for Missouri, which is MOSSGAZ, to avoid conflict with the file name for Mississippi (MISSGAZ). are presently two files for the State of Alaska--ALASDIC and ALASGAZ. the automated version of the Dictionary of Alaska Place Names, published as u.s. Geological Survey Professional Paper 567 in 1967, and includes descriptions and historical notes. version digitized from the latest maps. Eventually, these two versions will be combined into one Alaska file. The following data element descriptions are designed to provide the necessary information for understanding and retrieving data. data element and the appropriate abbreviation used when retrieving data. BIBLIO - A variable length alphanumeric coded entry that references the exact source for each name in the State or territory that was not compiled from the USGS topographic map series in the initial compilation. The first two characters of the code are the alphabetical State Federal Standards (FIPS) code, followed by a hyphen and an M or a T corresponding to Map or Text respectively. The M or T is followed by one or more digits that are a specific reference to a fully documented and annotated bibliographic entry describing the source material and relative worth of the source from which that name was obtained. atlas or text, the code will be followed by a slash (/) and a specific reference to a map or page in the source. complete bibliographic entry is located in the Generic Data Base. The absence of a code indicates that the name waP cornpiled during Phase I (1978-1981) from the most current largest scale USGS topographic map. will be added as each volume of the gazetteer series (Professional Paper 1200) is published. ALASGAZ is the newer

The

Table 1.--Labels and data elements from ~he National Geographic Names Data Base

BGN - A variable length alphanumeric field that represents, if present, the year a decision was rendered by the u.s. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) because the name was found to have conflicting usage on Federal sources and required special research. A special entry is the word •statutory• followed by a space and the year, which represents a name approved by an act of Congress. There may be multiple dates for the same name, with each entry separated by a blank. Multiple dates mean that the BGN had to revise a former ruling because the name changed or the application of the name to the feature changed.

COUNTY - The variable length upperand lower-case name that represents the primary civil division (county level) in which the primary coordinate of the feature is located. Unlike the data element LOC, which a feature is located, this element contains only the county in which ·the primary coordinate (center or mouth) is located.

DATE - The year or approximate year (if known) that the feature name came into being. tain some text describing the circumstances of the naming. not actively used in any file at this time.

DESCR - Upper- and lower-case text that defines the situation, or relative position, to nearby features and to at least usually a major town or city. are provided, as well as the name of all major and minor civil divisions associated element is active only in ALASDIC and MASSGAZ at this time.

DESIG lower-case alphabetical element that is designed to group similar features into broadly designated categories to facilitate search and retrieval. contains a list of categories and their definitions. altered only by approval from the GNIS data base manager. contains generic compilation of the National Geographic Names Data Base.

DRAIN - An entry that represents the drainage basins of fluvial systems as coded Division. in MASSGAZ and are outdated. been superseded by a new coding system which will be added to all files at a later date.

ELEV - A variable length field containing up to five characters that give the height above or depth below sea level, in feet, of the highest point or lowest point respectively. present only if a published elevation was directly associated with Generally no interpolation was made, and metric conversion will be accomplished at a later date. tains some ranges of elevations separated by a hyphen, in addition to the single elevation entry. that have been completed through Phase II which indicates all counties

by the These codes are available only This data element may con-

A variable length totally

These categories can be

The Generic Data Base cross-reference far

The ALASDIC file con-

States and territories well-known

feature.

encountered The element is

the feature.

contain interpolated elevations for populated places, locales, and summits; some other features compiled during Phase II may have interpolated elevations. in this field are left justified and therefore must be treated as decimal data when sorting. GENRE - Refers to the generic portion of a name that usually identifies the kind of feature and usually follows the substantive part of the name. cases, the generic may be in the first position, followed by the specific or substantive part of the name. Some names contain false generics, as in the case of Big River, which is a populated place and not a river. very subtle differences in feature types, but care should be taken because the naming process includes a great deal of subjectivity, direct misnaming. element is active only in MASSGAZ and the Board on Geographic Names Data Base; however, most generic searches may be accomplished by using the NAME data element. HEADS - A fixed alphanumeric field provided to indicate the source of linear features. that of the geographic coordinates in LATLONG; however, there can be only one source coordinate. The source coordinate corresponds to the last entry in the data element MAP unless the source coordinate is not within the State, in which case no corresponding map number is provided. The source of a linear feature is not always indicated by the name placement on the map; therefore, the guideline applied was that the source of linear features not properly identified by name placement, textual description, or any other indicative variable should be taken to the source of the longest, straightest drain. This guideline is in accordance with the policies of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. HIST - A variable length upper- and lower-case text that provides as much information as is available from all known reputable physical and cultural history of a named feature. Additionally, special attention is given to name origin, if known, and detail is research. active only in ALASDIC and MASSGAZ. The format is identical to

provided At present, the element is The generic may indicate

including whimsical Currently, this data

sources

for In some

about

background Data

and

the LATLONG - An entry that contains the official geographic coordinates variable length alphanumeric field with each coordinate compressed and fixed at 15 characters. are to degrees, minutes, and seconds, and each is followed by a one-character letter directional. longitude are less than 100, a leading zero is required. in this element is termed the primary coordinate. tures, approximate center of the feature, while the primary coordinate of linear features represents the mouth. The mouth is where the feature joins another feature, ends in a delta or is an alluvial fan, or no longer has a trough-like characteristics. quent coordinates in this element are termed secondary coordinates designed to associate the feature with each 7.5-minute topographic map on which it is located. the secondary coordinate is simply anywhere on the feature and on the topographic map with which it is associated. Strict guidelines were established as to the point where each kind of feature is digitized (see the Generic Data Base), and accurate to within .±. 5 seconds of latitude or longitude. with large populated places or cities. The guideline for digitizing areal features requires the coordinate to be taken in the center, but the location of the center of a large city is somewhat subjective. Additional guidelines were suggested for determining the center of large populated places, such as the location of the city hall or town hall, main post office, main library, central business district, or main intersection. The primary coordinate corresponds to the first number in the data element MAP and the entry for the data elements QUAD and MAPNAME. correspond on a one-to-one basis with the entries in the data element MAP. ception occurs if the primary coordinate is outside the State, in which case no corresponding map number is provided. Also, multiple coordinates for linear features are in order from mouth to source while multiple coordinates for this coordinate represents the

the In the case of areal fea-

discernable channel or

The required location of

geographic

The first coordinate

coordinates

An. exception occurs

subsequent in a

All subse-

and are

are

coordinates

An ex-

areal features are generally from the center outward.

LOC - A variable length alphanumeric field that contains one or more five-digit FIPS codes referring to the State and county. to the State or terri tory and the last three refer to the county, parish, municipio, or other civil division. for all counties in which a feature is located are present with multiple entries separated by a blank. codes are ordered from mouth to source for linear features and generally from the center outward for areal features. All codes are numeric except where the State or country, character alphabetical FIPS code is used; for example, Mexico, UR for the Soviet Union, UK for the United Kingdom, and WS for Western Samoa.

MAP character alphanumeric entry with leading zeros, each USGS topographic map (published or planned). topographic maps associated with the feature and multiple entries are separated by a blank. pleted, it is possible that the feature may be shown but not named on the topographic map. bounds of topographic map coverage are properly coded with the map series from which entries charts outside the border of any topographic map are coded NOS CHART 12345 (using number). system begins in the northwest corner of each State or territory and continues from latitudinally southward. map number is provided for the primary coordinate, secondary coordinate, or the source coordinate, if they are not within the State. ment is the map on which the source coordinate is located. corresponds to the first entry in LATLONG and the entries in MAPNAME and QUAD, with subsequent entries corresponding on a one-to-one basis to the subsequent coordinates in LATLONG.

territory borders a where

if appropriate, that refers to

This data element includes all

the The GNIS four-digit numbering

west The first two digits refer

If Phase I I has been com-

Entries found outside the

The final entry in this elethe appropriate

taken;

progressing Note that no

The first entry Codes

Service MAPNAME - The variable length upperand lower-case entry that represents the map name exactly as it appears on the USGS topographic map. tains only one map name or the map name on which located and differs from the data element MAP, which contains all topographic map numbers on which the feature is located. As in the data element MAP, if the feature falls completely outside the bounds of USGS topographic map coverage, a reference to the source map is present. entry in this data element corresponds to the coded entry in QUAD and to the first entry in LATLONG and MAP. coordinate is located outside the State or terri tory, the name of the map followed by a blank and the two-character alphabetical recorded.

Some entries are followed by a

This arrangement is temporary

asterisk.

Mount.

Unedited geographic names may primary

(historical The element con-

entries If the primary

reversed;

site), Flat (mud).

The proper directional will be applied during the first edit. name is •12345• representing an entry used only by the GNIS staff; it should not be selected when searching the data base statement.

NUMBER - A fixed eight-digit number that is _the unique identifier of each feature and its associated information. The first two digits correspond to the State numeric FIPS code. only data element that must exist for each record and is for GNIS internal use.

POP - The population of all named features in the feature class category of populated place and, if applicable, locale. this time but will be activated with the addition of the 1980 census data. data element will also be expanded to include ranking of populated places.

PRIMARY - A fixed alphanumeric field of 15 characters which represents only the primary coordinate or the first coordinate in the LATLONG data element. indicates the center of areal features and the mouth of linear features. element, while somewhat redundant, allows more efficient coordinate searches and selective printing when only the primary coordinate is desired. used with this element because complete coordinate searches require the use of the data element LATLONG.

QUAD that contains eight characters of the USGS topographic map coding system. first five digits represent the degrees of latitude and longitude of the particular 1° latitude x 1° longitude square in which the map is located, followed by a hyphen and a specific alphanumeric code identifying one of cells in the 1° x 1° square. the square are coded A through H, and the columns are coded 1 through beginning in the southeast corner of the 1° x 1° area. for the 7.5-minute topographic map on which the primary coordinate of a feature is located. located outside the State or territory, the coded entry will be for the first map in the State or territory on which the feature is located. or when

The data element is inactive at A special entry for a

A fixed alphanumeric field

The only entry is the code

If the primary coordinate is the logic

7.5-minute The rows of

each SIZE - A short variable length phrase that gives the length of linear features and the width English units. ALASDIC and MASSGAZ, and the element is being utilized Phase II data.

SPDESIG - A variable length data element that is a further refinement of the broad information is provided allowing more sophisticated search and retrieval of information based upon categories and subcategories of types of places where airplanes and helicopters land are owned airports have special information to allow search and retrieval on a subcategory. ferentiation recreation facilities. active in States and territories that have completed Phase II compilation.

SPEC - A special numeric reference code that relates to specific characteristics of source unusual characteristics; number of words in the name; whether descriptive, associative, or comparative; or any other known characteristic of the name. data element is currently available in MASSGAZ only.

STATE - A fixed alphabetical element that contains the two-character FIPS code for States and territories. is not active at this time, but will be activated when a merged master file is created.

STATUS - An entry that provides the Federal standing of each name in the data base. is official according to the policies of the u.s. Board on Geographic Names (BGN); has had special research and consideration by the Board (BGN YEAR); is official by an act of Congress (US YEAR); is administrative according to Federal, State, or local organizations (ADMIN); or is unofficial purview of the BGN or any other administrative body.

STR - A data element that identifies the appropriate township, range, and section in which the feature occurs. categories

features.

Another example is the dif-

material;

Entries indicate whether the name of This element is active in

in the compilation of

the named feature such as

(UNOFF) and not within the areal

in DESIG.

• airport.•

and This element is

origin;

The township and range system was established in the late 18th century to systematically divide Federal lands.

States Kentucky, West Virginia, Maine, Texas, Hawaii, part of Ohio, and all territories are not included in the township and range system. at this time but has a high priority for early consideration.

TAG - A special fixed numeric code that consists of the first two digits of the FIPS code for the State or territory followed by consecutive numbers in increments of one hundred to facilitate sorting. These special codes enable the sorting rules of the BGN to be applied. Data from this element should be used only with the SORT command. is active only in States or territories that have been completed through Phase II.

VAR - A variable length upper- and lower-case current name, spellings of the current official name. If more than one variant is present, they are arranged alphabetically and separated by a comma and a blank. BGN rendered a formal decision for what is now a variant, the year of that decision is given in parentheses following the variant name with which it is associated. other than the BGN is followed by a code in parentheses that is a reference to a complete annotated bibliography of the source. a map or page number, if the variant was obtained from an atlas or a text. complete annotated bibliographies reside in the Generic Data Base.

ZIP - Contain the five-digit postal zip code associated with names within populated locales. panded to include the zip codes of all feature names. at this time.

USGS Topographic Map Names Data Base

The USGS Topographic Map Names Data Base contains 57 separate files; 1:24,000-scale topographic map names for each State and territory represent 56 of field containing any other

A variant obtained from a source

The code may also be followed by

places The data element may be exand

The element is not active

This element is inactive The original Vermont,

the the files and a separate file contains information 1:250,000-scale quadrangle maps.

The file naming convention for this data base is similar to that of the National Each State and territory is a separate file, and each file name consists of seven letters, letters of the State or terri tory name followed by the letters QUA. territories having two or more words use the first letter of the first word and the first three letters of the last word to form the file name. the file name for Missouri, which is MOSSQUA, Missisippi tionally, the file named QUADNAM contains the 1:100,000- and 1:250,000-scale quadrangle maps.

There are two separate versions of this data base. and therefore accessible through interactive retrieval. offline and is accessible only by batch processing. assigned names for each published or planned 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale map. The offline version contains the actual map name only if the map is published. If the 7.5-minute area is not a published map, then the name field contains the word •sEE• followed by the name of the appropriate map, or the 1:250,000- scale map name if no 15-minute Information in all other data elements is the same for each version; only the name field will differ depending upon whether or not the map is published.

The following data element descriptions are designed to provide the necessary information for understanding and retrieving data. element and the appropriate abbreviation used when retrieving data.

COORD - Contains a fixed 11-character code that represents the latitude and longitude of the southeast corner of the cell, or the northeast corner of the cell in American corner of the cell in Guam. dinates are to degrees and minutes followed by the appropriate directional, with quadrangles ending in 30 seconds rounded down to the next minute as shown Geographic

The online version contains about 1:100,000-

One version is online

The other version is

Table 2 lists each data

MISSQUA.

is available.

the The coor-States or

Base.

the Addi-Table 2.--Labels and data elements from

on each topographic map. of less than 100° is preceded by a leading zero. what in that the directional precedes the coordinate, and the coordinate is followed by a slash and the dimension of the mapped area

• ;60x120• follows the coordinate.

coordinate that identifies the map is the corner coordinate closest to 0° latitude and 0° longitude. format of the State and territory coordinates is fixed, the QUADNAM format is variable because the dimension in minutes of latitude and longitude may vary.

FIPS - A fixed alphabetical element that contains the two-character FIPS code for States and territories. is active only in the QUADNAM file.

HIST - The data presented are variable length and include any information of historical significance regarding the map, especially former names.

MAP - A fixed four-digit number assigned to each 7. 5-minute cell in each State and territory. divided into two complete 7.5-minute maps with valid numbers, and 7.5-minute cells totally in water are also assigned valid numbers. with the number 1 in the northwest corner of each State and territory and increases consecutively by moving from west to east while progressing ward. This numbering system was designed specifically to code geographic names to the USGS Topographic Map Names Data Base

The QUADNAM file differs some-

in minutes;

The numbering system begins Note that while the

Over edge maps are

This element individual topographic maps. geographic State-by-State numbering system begins with number 1, thereby creating controlled redundancy in the numbering system. maps numbers depending upon whether a State was completely covered by 7.5-minute published topographic maps at the time of Phase I compilation of the National Geographic Names Data Base. number for 15-minute maps and 1:250,000- scale maps varies from State to State. Maps in the 15-minute and 1:250,000-scale topographic map series are present only if they were needed for geographic name compilation. 1:250,000-scale maps may be found only in the QUADNAM 1:62,500-scale coverage does not exist in any GNIS file.

NAME - A variable length upper-case entry that represents the full name of the 7.5-minute cell exactly as it appears on the published topographic map.

7. 5-minute cell names are followed by a

space and an asterisk which indicates that the name has a diacritical mark somewhere in the name. diacritic will be added at a later date. Some entries will contain the word •sEE• followed by a 7.5-minute cell name. is necessary because each State or territory is divided into equal 7.5-minute cells minute maps are published as overedge maps which means that small portions of land outside the normal 7.5-minute bounds of the map are included. are treated as a cell, with no approved name, and must be referenced to the main 7.5-minute map which portrays the overedge area. tionally, maps are designed to show oddly shaped areas, such as Isle Royal in Michigan. These areas have also been divided into as many 7.5-minute cells as necessary with each cell name a reference to the main map, except the southeast corner

7. 5-minute cell which bears the actual

name of the main map. contain the reference •(ALL WATER)• which indicates that the particular 7.5-minute cell is completely water. version, map names may not have been and

Complete coverage of the

file;

Also, some entries Since the compiled on each State's

In the offline a

7.5- approved for 7. 5-minute areas in which case the word "SEE" is present followed by the name of the appropriate 15-minute published quadrangle and the indicator "15 • • are present. published 15-minute quadrangle, the reference will read SEE followed by the name of the appropriate 1:250,000-scale quadrangle and the indicator 250K.

Note that in the individual State and territory files, all available 15-minute or 1:250, 000-scale quadrangles are not present. there only because there was no larger scale coverage at the time Phase I of the National Geographic Names Data Base was compiled. names of 1 :100, 000-scale and 1:250,000- scale quadrangles may be retrieved from the QUADNAM file, but there is no complete coverage of the 15-minute series in any GNIS file.

NUMBER - A fixed eight-digit number that is the unique identifier of each entry (quadrangle name) and its associated information. correspond code. must exist for each record in each file. The first two digits of the eight-digit entries for the QUADNAM file are 00. This element is for use by GNIS staff.

OTHER limited entries in the QUADNAM file. secondary and 1:100,000-scale map name if the proposed name was not acceptable. scale maps have now been named and most of the information in this element will be moved to the HIST element.

QUAD - Contains the first eight characters of the USGS code for each 7. 5- minute quadrangle in the United States. The entire United States (except Alaska and outlying areas) is divided into areas of 1° latitude x 1° longitude each containing 64 7. 5-minute quadrangles. rows within each area are coded A through H, and the columns are coded 1 through 8 each beginning in the southeast corner of the 1 o x 1° area. acters are the same for each of the 64 quadrangles determined by the geographic coordinates (degrees) corner of the 1° x 1° area.

to the State numeric FIPS This is the only data element that

representing A variable length element only

within In the absence of a

The first two digits

The first five char-

the 1:100,000-scale It contains

the These five for a

are digits are followed by a hyphen and the appropriate row-column designation. is not the complete quadrangle code but it is sufficient to identify the 7. 5- minute topographic map. are not present in the QUADNAM file.

SCALE - The scale indicates the ratio of units on the map to units on the Earth, series to which the map belongs. State and territory files the entry is fixed at two numbers. possible: 99.

The 20 represents metric topographic maps in Puerto Rico. 7.5-minute 1:24,000-scale maps in English units, and the 25 represents either 7.5- minute or 7.5- x 15-minute maps in metric units at a scale of 1:25,000. represents 15-minute maps at a scale of 1:62,500, and 63 is used (mostly) for 1:63, 360-scale maps in Alaska. identifies maps in the 1:250,0u0-scale series in the State and terri tory files and was limited to two characters. cates records for GNIS staff use. scales digits, either 100000 or 250000.

STATE - The entries in this element are of two types. the State and territory files and is the two-character The other type, used in the QUADNAM file, is 'the Government Printing Office Style Manual as shown on topographic maps. manual abbreviations contain periods, and multiple State entries are separated by a hyphen.

XNAME - A variable length element for the names of maps in the USGS 7.5- x ISminute map series. 15-minute map generally spans the same area as two 7. 5- x 7. 5-minute maps, the east half containing the southeast corner coordinate contains the name of the 7.5- x 15-minute map, while the west half contains the word "SEE", followed by the name of the 7.5- x 15-minute map.

250 - The entries are variable length and are limited to the 1:100,000-scale maps in the QUADNAM file. tion contained in this element associates the 1:100,000-scale appropriate quadrant of the 1:250,000- scale map. and identifies

20, 24, 25, 62, 63, 88, and

The entry consists of the because

One type is used in

code.

Generic Data Base

The Generic Data Base is designed for use as a research and reference tool as well as a depository of reference information for GNIS. broad feature categories of the National Geographic Names Data Base, definitions of those categories, and their crossreferences to all generics or types of features found on topographic maps and other sources. tains detailed unusual generics, such as specifically where they are found, how they are used, and if possible, why they were applied in such an unusual manner. mation includes a reference to abbreviations used on topographic maps and definitions of cartographic, geographic, and linguistic terms. complete bibliography of all source material (in addition to USGS topographic maps) used in the compilation of the National Geographic Names Data Base. The following data element descriptions are designed to provide the necessary information for understanding and retrieving data. Table 3 lists each data element and the appropriate abbreviation used when retrieving data.

Also included is the

the Generic Data Base ABBREV - Contains the standard abbreviations used on USGS topographic maps, and includes all valid geographic, cartographic, and linguistic terms and definitions necessary in researching geographic names. BIBLIO - Contains the complete annotated bibliographic entry for all source material other than USGS topographic maps used in geographic names compilation. Also, contains the code for the bibliographic entry which is used in the data element BIBLIO in the National Geographic Names Data Base. DEF - Provides the GNIS definition of each of the broad feature class categories contained in the data element DESIG. It provides the basis for classifying broad categories of features. DESIG - A variable length, lower-case element that is designed to group similar features into broadly designated categories to facilitate search and retrieval of feature types. data element correspond to the same entries throughout the system. HIST - Contains unusual generics or words. Each entry lists the map on which the generic is used, how it is used, to what it refers specifically, the general category in which it is located, reason for use (if discernable), and other pertinent information that would aid in research or application. may refer to different types of features throughout the country. All unusual references to the same generics are listed together feature types. NUMBER - A fixed eight-digit number that is the unique identifier of each feature and its associated information. This data is for internal use and is the only data element that must exist for each record in each file. PRIME - Contains lower-case entries that specifically state where the primary coordinates of features in the National Geographic Names Data Base are to be digitized. SOURCE

yes • if indicates requiring digitized. WORD - A variable length, upper- and lower-case entry that no matter

• Contains the lower-case word the generic or feature class a linear that a source coordinate be The entries in this

The same generic

how diverse the

feature, thereby

represents the

generic or type of feature. fies a specific type of feature and may precede or follow the substantive or proper part of the name. element serves multiple purposes because it provides a relationship and reference from a feature type to the broad category of terms used to classify names in the National Geographic Names Data Base. is also a record of all generic or unusual words encountered on all source material used in the compilation of other data bases. a means of discovering and researching subtle differences in feature types.

The National Atlas Data Base is designed to be the basis of an abridged version of the entire National Geographic Names Data Base. of only those entries found in the index of the USGS National Altas of the United States of America and the data and data elements differ from those found in the National Geographic Names Data Base.

The following data element descriptions are designed to provide the necessary information for understanding and retrieving data. element and the appropriate abbreviations used when retrieving data.

DESIG - Uses the standard GNIS feature classes for grouping like features into broad categories. element is incomplete and only the feature classes, designated populated place and civil division, are in the data base.

KEY - An alphanumeric code that indicates the appro~riate location where the place National Atlas; for example, A-3, B-5, or C-4. nary rows and columns that intersect roughly at the point where the feature is located. is similar to that used on most highway maps.

LATLONG coordinates of the feature in degrees, minutes, and seconds. pressed with all digits together and the latitude, as well as the longitude, are followed directional.

National Atlas Data Base

The code scheme consists of imagi-

This means of locating features

by This data element provides

Table 4 lists each data

a one-character, The coordinates are those Currently this

The entry is com-It identi-

letter Table 4.--Labels and data elements from

published tenths of minutes converted to seconds; therefore, all seconds are in increments of six. foreign cities.

LOC - A numeric field that contains the five-digit code. The first two digits refer to the State or territory, and the last three digits refer to the county, parish, municipio, or other civil division. element is currently inactive.

NAME - An entry that gives the proper name and generic type of a named feature. The element currently contains only names found in the National Atlas index.

NUMBER - A fixed eight-digit number that is the unique identifier of each record and its associated data. the only data element that must exist for each record in the data base.

PAGE - Contains a reference to the page number in the National Atlas on which the feature is named.

PCODE - The u.s. Postal Service two-character indicated in this element. is inactive.

POP - The cur rent decennial census figures for all populated places in the data base except foreign entries. entries are updated to reflect the most accurate from u.s. Bureau of the Census.

QUAD - The name of the topographic map on which shown. This element is inactive at this time.

the National Atlas Data Base

in the National Atlas with

There are no coordinates for

State and county FIPS

the geographic name This

is STATE - Contains the State or States in which the feature is located. names are abbreviated as shown on the USGS topographic map series (GPO Style Manual). by hyphens, and periods appear with the abbreviations. some foreign countries published in the National Atlas index.

Board on Geographic Names Data Base

This data base contains information representing decisions of the Domestic Names Committee of the u.s Board on Geographic Names. The Board was created in 1890 and established in its present form by Public Law in 1947. tablish and maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal government, and the Board also currently maintains a close working relationship with about 30 States. researches the background of geographic names that are determined to be in conflict on Federal sources or are controversial in nature. research are promulgated in a quarterly report, and these decisions are binding for Federal usage. usage follows the recommendations of the Board.

Each entry in this data base may also be found in the National Geographic Names Data Base; however, the entries contain the reference and associated detailed information researched and promulgated by the u.s. Board on Geographic Names. data base contains all of the activity of the Board from 1890 through the first quarter of 1959. data base is scheduled for completion by mid-1984.

The following data element descriptions are designed to provide the necessary information for understanding and retrieving data. data element and the appropriate abbreviations used when retrieving data.

BGN - A variable length alphanumeric field that represents the year a decision was rendered by the BGN because the name required special research and action. special entry is the word "Statutory,• Multiple entries are separated

The Board is authorized to es-The element also contains

The staff of the Board

The results of the

Most State and local

The remainder of the

Table 5 lists each State

A Table 5.--Labels and data elements from

followed by a space and the year a name was designated by an act of Congress. Another "Vacated", followed by a space and a year. name no longer exists or is no longer in use. There may be multiple dates for the same name with multiple data entries separated by a semicolon.

DESCR - Provides upper- and lower-case text that defines the situation or relative position to nearby features and to at least one close well-known feature, usually a major town or city. are provided as well as all major and minor with the feature. 1950 is sketchy and in many cases nonexistent.

DESIG - A totally lower-case variable length alphabetical element that is designed to group similar features into broadly designated categories to facilitate search and retrieval. Data Base contains a cross-reference for every generic thus far encountered in the compilation of the data base.

ELEV - A variable length field containing up to five characters that gives the height above or depth below sea level, in feet, of the highest or lowest point respectively of the feature. ative elevations are preceded by a minus the Board on Geographic Names Data Base

This indicates that the feature or

civil division names associated Information prior to is the word

Negsign. plished at a later date. indicate a range; for example, 1000-5000 feet.

GENRE - This element refers to the generic portion of a name that usually identifies the kind of feature. it may be a directly related to subjectivity in the naming process: for example; Big River, which is a populated place and not a river. subtle differences in feature types, but care should be taken because the naming process includes a great deal of subjectivity including whimsical and direct misnaming.

HEADS - A fixed alphanumeric field provided to indicate the source of linear features. geographic coordinates in LATLONG. source of a linear feature is not always indicated by the name placement on the map; was that the source of linear features not properly identified by name placement or textual description should be taken to the source of the longest, straightest drain in accordance with BGN policy.

HIST - A variable length upper- and lower-case text that provides as much information as is available from reputable sources about the physical and cultural history tionally, special attention is given to name origin if known and information is provided Information prior to 1950 is sketchy and in most cases nonexistent.

LATLONG coordinate of the feature compressed and fixed at 15 characters. longitude are to degrees, minutes, and seconds with each followed by a one-character degrees of longitude are less than 100, a leading zero is required. areal features, approximate center of the feature, while linear features are represented at the mouth. joins another feature, ends in a delta or is an alluvial fan, or no longer has a discernible channel or trough-like characteristic. tures requires the coordinate to be taken in the center, but the location of the Metric conversion will be accom-

The generic may indicate very

The format is identical to the

therefore, the guideline applied

the coordinate is the

The mouth is where the feature

The guideline for areal feabackground

directional.

feature.

In the case of However, that

research.

the center of a large city is somewhat subjective. center of large populated places are the location of the city hall or town hall, main post office, main library, central business district, or main intersection.

LOC - A variable length alphanumeric field that contains one or more five-digit FIPS codes referring to the State and county. to the State or territory and the last three refer to the county, parish, municipio, or other civil division. for all counties in which a feature is located are present with multiple entries separated by a semicolon. numeric except where the State or territory borders a foreign country in which case alphabetical example, CA for Canada, MX for Mexico, UR for the Soviet Union, UK for the United Kingdom, and WS for Western Samoa.

NAME - A variable length upper- and lower-case alphanumeric entry that indicates the official name and, cases, the generic or type of feature. Some entries are followed by a space and an asterisk which indicate that there is a diacritical mark somewhere in the name. This arrangement is temporary and will soon be replaced by the appropriate diacritical mark and the removal of the asterisk. be in the first position, followed by the specific name. is reversed; for example, Mount Saint Helens Names with a false generic are not reversed: for example, Mount Olive, which is a populated place and not a mountain, remains Mount Olive.

NUMBER - A fixed eight-digit number that is the unique identifier of each feature and its associated information. This is the only data element that must exist for each record and is for GNIS staff use.

SIZE - A short variable length phrase that gives the length of linear features and the width English units.

STATE - A fixed alphabetical element containing the two-character FIPS code for States and data items are not present. decision Guidelines for determining the

The first two digits refer

In some cases the generic may

In this case, the generic

geographic All codes are

two-character, is used;

If the BGN Codes

Mount.

located in more that one State, the code is that of the State where the center or mouth is located. VAR - A variable length upper- and lower-case field containing any other known names or other spellings of the current official name. If more than one variant is present, they are arranged alphabetically and separated by a comma and a blank. Additionally, if the BGN rendered a formal decision for what is now a variant, the year of that decision is given in parentheses following the variant name with which it is associated.

APPENDIXES APPENDIX A.--Categories of Named Features not yet included in the Geographic Names Information System

Generally, all named features on the most current largest scale USGS topographic maps were included for Phase I compilation. Some categories of named features, however, were omitted from Phase I because more complete lists of these categories were available from other sources. only been completed through Phase I, the following categories of named features will not be present:

airports, radio and television station towers, federally administered areas greater than 30 square miles, major and minor civil divi$ions, some major features that are too large to be named on 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, regional names, historical names, most building names, roads and highways, triangulation station names.

Available information from the categories not compiled during Phase I, as well as geographic names from other sources, are added during Phase II. completed through Phase II compilation, information for all known, named features should be present except for:

roads and highways, triangulation stations. Phase I

If a State or territory has

If a State or territory has been APPENDIX B.--Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)

The feature class terms and abbreviations currently consist of nine or less letters and were chosen for computer search and retrieval purposes. nology for the identification of all kinds of cultural and natural features. dictionary definitions, they represent more generalized categories. Some commonly used generic names are listed at the end of each entry to assist in understanding the range of cultural and natural entities represented by the term. Generic Data Base to retrieve all generics thus far encountered in geographic names compilation. form is listed as if it were singular; for example, archipelago or islands would be categorized as island. definitions are as follows:

airport - manmade facility maintained for (airfield, airstrip, landing field, landing strip). arch - natural arch-like opening in a rock mass (bridge, natural bridge, sea arch). are~ - any one of several areally extensive natural features not included in other categories (badlands, barren, delta, fan, garden). arroyo - watercourse or channel through which water may occasionally flow (coulee, draw, gully, wash). bar - natural accumulation of sand, gravel, or alluvium forming an underwater or exposed embankment (ledge, reef, sandbar, shoal, spit). basin - natural depression or relatively low area enclosed by higher land (amphitheater, cirque, pit, sink). bay - indentation of a coastline or shoreline enclosing a part of a body of water; a body of water partly surrounded by land (arm, bight, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet, sound). beach - the sloping shore along a body of water that is washed by waves or tides and is usually covered by sand or gravel (coast, shore, strand). bench - area of relatively level land on the flank of an.elevation such as a hill, ridge, or mountain where the slope of the land rises on one side and descends on the opposite side (level). bend - curve in the course of a stream and (or) the land within the curve; a curve in a linear body of water (bottom, loop, meander). bridge - manmade structure carrying a trail, transportation system across a body of water or depression (causeway, overpass, trestle). building - a manmade structure with walls and a roof for protection of people and church, hospital, or school. canal - manmade waterway used by watercraft or for drainage, irrigation, mining, or water power (ditch, lateral). Feature Class Definitions

They do not necessarily represent termi-

Although some of the terms may agree with

In most instances a plural

(or) materials, but not including Refer to the

The terms and the

the use of aircraft

road, or other APPENDIX B.--Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Feature Class Definitions--continued

cape-- projection of land extending into a body of water (lea, neck, peninsula, point). cave - natural underground passageway or chamber, or a hollowed out cavity in the side of a cliff (cavern, grotto). cemetery - a place or area for burying the dead (burial, burying ground, grave, memorial garden). channel - linear deep part of a body of water through which the main volume of water flows and is frequently used as a route for watercraft: {passage, reach, strait, thoroughfare, throughfare). church - building used for religious worship (chapel, mosque, synagogue, tabernacle, temple). civil - a political division formed for administrative purposes (borough, county, municipio, parish, town, township). cliff - very steep or vertical slope {bluff, crag, head, headland, nose, palisades, precipice, promontory, rim, rimrock). crater - circular-shaped depression at the summit of a volcanic cone or one on the surface of the land caused by the impact of a meteorite; a manmade depression caused by an explosion {caldera, lua). dam - water barrier or embankment built across the course of a stream or into a body of water to control and {or) impound the flow of water (breakwater, dike, jetty). falls - perpendicular or very steep fall of water in the course of a stream {cataract, cascade, waterfall). flat - relative level area within a region of greater relief (clearing, glade, playa). forest - bounded area of woods, forest, or grassland under the administration of a political agency (see woods) {national forest, national grasslands, State forest). gap - low point or opening between hills or mountains or in a ridge or mountain range (col, notch, pass, saddle, water gap, wind gap). geyser - eruptive spring from which hot water and (or) steam and in some cases mud are periodically thrown. glacier - body or stream of ice moving outward and downslope from an area of accumulation; an area of relatively permanent snow or ice on the top or side of a mountain or mountainous area (icefield, ice patch, snow patch). gut - relatively small coastal waterway connecting larger bodies of water or other waterways {creek, inlet, slough). harbor - sheltered area of water where ships or other watercraft can anchor or dock (hono, port, roads,· roadstead). hospital - building where the sick or injured may receive medical or surgical attention {infirmary). island - area of dry or relatively dry land surrounded by water or low wetland {archipelago, atoll, cay, hammock, hummock, isla, isle, key, moku, rock). isthmus - narrow section of land in a body of water connecting two larger land areas.

APPENDIX B.--Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Feature Class Definitions--continued

lake - natural body of inland water (backwater, lac, lagoon, laguna, pond, pool, resaca, waterhole). lava - formations resulting from the consolidation of molten rock on the surface of the Earth (kepula, lava flow). levee - natural or manmade embankment flanking a stream (bank, berm). locale - place at which there is or was human activity; it does not include populated places, mines, and dams (battlefield, crossroad, camp, farm, ghost town, junction, landing, railroad siding, ranch, ruins, site, station, windmill). mine - place or area from which commercial minerals are or were removed from the Earth; not including oilfield quarry, shaft). oilfield - area where petroleum is or was removed from the Earth. other - category for miscellaneous named manmade entities that cannot readily be placed in the other feature classes listed here. park - place or area set aside for recreation or preservation of a cultural or natural resource and under some form of government administration; not including National or State forests or Reserves (national historical landmark, national park, State park, wilderness area). pillar - vertical, standing, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation (chimney, monument, pinnacle, pohaku, rock tower). plain - a region of general uniform slope, comparatively level and of considerable extent (grassland, highland, plateau, upland). ppl (populated place) - place or area with clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent human population (city, settlement, town, village). range - chain of hills or mountains; a somewhat linear, complex mountainous or hilly area (cordillera, sierra). rapids - fast-flowing section of a stream, often shallow and with exposed rock or boulders (riffle, ripple). reserve - a tract of land set aside for a specific use (does not include forests, civil divisions, parks). reservoir- artificially impounded body of water (lake, tank). ridge - elevation with a narrow, elongated crest which can be part of a hill or mountain (crest, cuesta, escarpment, hogback, lae, rim, spur). school - building or group of buildings used as an institution for study, teaching, and learning (academy, college, high school, university). sea- large body of salt water (gulf, ocean). slope - a gently inclined part of the Earth's surface (grade, pitch). spring - place where underground water flows naturally to the surface of the Earth (seep). (pit,

APPENDIX B.--Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Feature Class Definitions--continued

stream - linear body of water flowing on the Earth's surface (anabranch, awawa, bayou, branch, brook, creek, distributary, fork, kill, pup, rio, river, run, slough). summit - prominent elevation rising above the surrounding level of the Earth's surface; does not include pillars, ridges, or ranges (ahu, berg, bald, butte, cerro, colina, cone, cumbre, dome, head, hill, horn, knob, knoll, mauna, mesa, mesita, mound, mount, mountain, peak, puu, rock, sugarloaf, table, volcano). swamp - poorly drained wetland, fresh or saltwater, wooded or grass, possibly covered with open water (bog, cienega, marais, marsh, pocosin). trail - route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways (jeep trail, path, ski trail). tower - a manmade structure, higher than its diameter, generally used for observation, storage, or electronic transmission. tunnel - linear underground passageway open at both ends. valley - linear depression in the Earth's surface that generally slopes from one end to the other (barranca, canyon, chasm, cove, draw, glen, gorge, gulch, gulf, hollow, ravine). well - manmade shaft or hole in the Earth's surface used to obtain fluid or gaseous materials. woods - small area covered with a dense growth of trees; does not include an area of trees under the administration of a political agency (see forest).

APPENDIX c.--Parenthetical Descriptors used with Names

The following terms have been used on USGS topographic maps and other sources to provide additional information or clarity about the name or the feature to which the name refers.

Abandoned Active Mine Alkali Archaeological Site BLM - refers to Bureau of Land Management Campground Cemetery Diabase Dike Dry Spring Flowing Well Foot Bridge Ghost Town Historic Historical

Historical Ruins Historic Site Inactive mine Jeep Trail Mud Springs Natural Arch Oil Field Old Channel Old Stage Station Oxbow P.O. - refers to Post Office Pack Trail Placer - refers to mining activities Polluted Spring Post Office Private Rock Formation Ruins Salt Lake Secondary name - refers to alternate or a prior name; for example: Lake Mary (Old River Lake) Siding Site Station Submerged Rock Sulphur Spring USDA - refers to u.s. Department of Agriculture USFS - refers to u.s. Forest Service USGS - refers to u.s. Geological Survey 1941 - refers to year of occurrence APPENDIX D.--sample Records from the National Geographic Names Data Base

ID NUMBER - 34003474 NAME - Jersey City TYPE OF FEATURE - ppl FEDERAL STATUS - BGN 1931 COUNTY NAME - Hudson STATE/COUNTY FIPS CODE- 34017 GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES - 404341N0740441W 404508N0740225W MAP OR CHART NAME - Jersey City GNIS MAP NO - 0053 0042 USGS QUADRANGLE CODE - 40074-Fl ELEVATION (FT) - 83 VARIANT NAME(S) - Hudson, Paulus Hook, Powles Hook STATE - NJ

ID NUMBER - 34003631 NAME - Kittatinny Mountain TYPE OF FEATURE - summit FEDERAL STATUS - BGN 1938 COUNTY NAME - Warren STATE/COUNTY FIPS CODE - 34041 34037 42089 36071 GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES - 411915N0743943W 410106N0750159W 410741N0745241W 410435N0745605W 411010N0744758W 411355N0744202W MAP OR CHART NAME - Portland GNIS MAP NO - 0023 0012 0016 0005 0006 0007 USGS QUADRANGLE CODE - 40075-Hl ELEVATION (FT) - 1549 VARIANT NAME(S) - Blue Mountains, Kittatinny Mountain Range, Kittatinny Mountains STATE - NJ

ID NUMBER - 34009173 NAME - Franklin Park TYPE OF FEATURE - locale FEDERAL STATUS - BGN COUNTY NAME - Burlington STATE/COUNTY FIPS CODE - 34005 GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES - 400130N074543W MAP OR CHART NAME - Beverly GNIS MAP NO - 0090 USGS QUADRANGLE CODE - 40074-A8 ELEVATION (FT) - 40 VARIANT NAME(S) - Strawberry Hill BIBLIOGRAPHIC CODE - NJ-M2 STATE - NJ APPENDIX D.--sample Records from the National Geographic Names Data Base--continued.

ID NUMBER - 34009182 NAME - Pisgah, Mount TYPE OF FEATURE - summit FEDERAL STATUS - BGN COUNTY NAME - Burlington STATE/COUNTY FIPS CODE - 34005 GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES - 400038N0744024W MAP OR CHART NAME - Columbus GNIS MAP NO - 0092 USGS QUADRANGLE CODE - 40074-A6 ELEVATION (FT) - 186 VARIANT NAME(S) - The Old Weavers Hill BIBLIOGRAPHIC CODE - NJ-T3/p. 34

ID NUMBER - 34001385 NAME - Cohansey River TYPE OF FEATURE - stream FEDERAL STATUS - BGN 1954 COUNTY NAME - Cumberland STATE/COUNTY FIPS CODE - 34011 34033 392230N0752057W GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES 392039N0752127W 392237N0751500W SOURCE OF FEATURE (LATLONG) - 393356N0751613W MAP OR CHART NAME - Ben Davis Point GNIS MAP NO- 0157, 0147, 0148, 0135 USGS QUADRANGLE CODE - 39075-C3 VARIANT NAME(S) - Cohansey Creek, Cohanzey Creek, Cohanzy Creek STATE - NJ

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