Using the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)

Since all 1:24,000 scale DEMs and DRGs are named based upon the 7.5-minute quadrangle they are located in, it is important to know the proper quadrangle map names.

The USGS GNIS Query is another tool to find out which state, county, and USGS quadrangle a particular feature is located in.  Feature types included in the GNIS Query are; reservoirs, streams, lakes, valleys, basins, dams, populated places (representing cities and town,) etc.  Information for these features, such as the geographical coordinates (latitude / longitude,) elevation, and the USGS quad name(s) covering the feature are also listed for you.

  1. Connect to the internet and go to www.usgs.gov.

  2. Click on the Our Science tab at the top left-center of the page.  This will take you to the categorical scientific studies page.

  3. Choose the Geography Home Page link at the top of the right-hand column in the Geography section.  You are now on the Geography Information site for USGS.

  4. In the right-hand column under the Products heading click Geographic Names. This will take you to the GNIS homepage.

  5. Now you want to find a certain quadrangle containing specific features.  So you must select the U.S. and territories option in the left-hand column under Query GNIS.

    NOTE:  This is the Query Form for the GNIS.

    "PICTURE"

    This page can also be accessed after entering the USGS Store.  It is the second link, the one directly underneath the Map Locator.

  6. Type in a Feature Name.  For this example use Provo.  Also specify Utah from the dropdown list for State or Territory field.

    HINT:  Enter as much information as you can concerning the feature you are searching for.  The more info you provide the narrower the list of feasible matches it will produce.

  7. Hit the Send Query button, and a list will appear with possible matches.

  8. Investigate the possible choices.  There should be several categories to help identify the correct feature you want.  Here you need to select Provo under Feature Name with populated place under the Type heading.

    NOTE:  If the feature is the correct one you can also find the corresponding USGS 7.5' quad map name in the far right column.

  9. On this final page you have further characteristics identifying your feature.  These include elevation, population size, possible name variants, and the USGS quad map name(s) of course.

    "PICTURE"

    NOTE:  The attributes listed on this page vary with the type of feature selected. Go back to the previous list and look at Provo Canyon and Provo River to see how.

On the feature summary page (the final page from step 9) there are often links to viewable maps of the site.
 
  • Topozone - Opens a topographical map of the feature.
  • TerraServer - Views the following images on the MSN TerraServer.
    • DRG - Digital Raster Graphic (digitized topographic map.)
    • DOQ - Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (black and white aerial photograph.)
  • USGS map - Generic map window using US Census Bureau's Tiger Map Server.
  • EPA - Goes to the corresponding watershed profile on the EPA "Surf Your Watershed" site.

USEFUL LINKS

USGS GNIS Home        USGS GNIS Query        Map Locator        Map Locator Help

 


 

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