FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION

TITLE: USGS GEOGRAPHIC NAMES INFORMATION SYSTEM (GNIS) IN FLORIDA - APRIL 2011

Geodataset Name:       GNIS_APR11
Geodataset Type:       SHAPEFILE
Geodataset Feature:    Point
Feature Count:         53847
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the Federal standard for geographic nomenclature. The U.S. Geological Survey developed the GNIS for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a Federal inter-agency body chartered by public law to maintain uniform feature name usage throughout the Government and to promulgate standard names to the public. The GNIS is the official repository of domestic geographic names data; the official vehicle for geographic names use by all departments of the Federal Government; and the source for applying geographic names to Federal electronic and printed products of all types. See http://geonames.usgs.gov for additional information. This dataset contains information about physical and cultural geographic features of all types, but not including roads and highways. The database holds the Federally recognized name of each feature and defines the feature location by state, county, USGS topographic map, and geographic coordinates. This is an update to the gnis_aug10 layer.
DATA SOURCE(S):                    U.S. Geological Survey
SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS:     24000
GEODATASET EXTENT:                 State of Florida
PUBLICATION DATE: 20110404 TIME PERIOD OF CONTENT: Begin Date: 1974 End Date: 20110404 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:

Datafile Name: GNIS_APR11.DBF
ITEM NAME WIDTH TYPE
OBJECTID
4 OID
Shape
4 Geometry
FEATURE_ID
4 Integer
FEATURE_NA
105 String
FEATURE_CL
16 String
STATE_ALPH
3 String
STATE_NUME
4 Integer
COUNTY_NAM
15 String
COUNTY_NUM
4 Integer
PRIMARY_LA
10 String
PRIM_LONG_
10 String
PRIM_LAT_D
8 Double
PRIM_LONG1
8 Double
SOURCE_LAT
10 String
SOURCE_LON
10 String
SOURCE_L_1
10 String
SOURCE_L_2
10 String
ELEV_IN_M
4 Integer
ELEV_IN_FT
4 Integer
MAP_NAME
35 String
DATE_CREAT
36 Date
DATE_EDITE
12 String
DESCRIPT
105 String
FGDLAQDATE
36 Date
AUTOID
4 Integer

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES CODES AND VALUES:

Item
Item Description
OBJECTID Internal feature number.

Shape Feature geometry.

FEATURE_ID Feature Identifier. A permanent, unique identifying number for a geographic feature record.

FEATURE_NA Feature Name. Recognized as the official name of the US Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. The official name is established either by policy of by decision of the Board on Geographic Names.

FEATURE_CL Feature Class Definition.
Airport = Manmade facility maintained for the use of aircraft (airfield, airstrip, landing field, landing strip).

Arch = Natural arch-like opening in a rock mass (bridge, natural bridge, sea arch).

Area = 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, road, or other 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 (or) materials, but not including church, hospital, or school.

Canal = Manmade waterway used by watercraft or for drainage, irrigation, mining, or water power (ditch, lateal).

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).

Census = A statistical area delineated locally specifically for the tabulation of Census Bureau data (census designated place, census county division, unorganized territory, various types of American Indian/Alaska Native statistical areas). Distinct from Civil and Populated Place.

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, incorporated place, municipio, parish, town, township). Distinct from Census and Populated Place.

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).

Crossing = A place where two or more routes of transportation form a junction or intersection (overpass, underpass).

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 (cascade, cataract, 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).

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.

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, landing, railroad siding, ranch, ruins, site, station, windmill).

Military = Place or facility used for various aspects of or relating to military activity.

Mine = Place or area from which commercial minerals are or were removed from the Earth; not including oilfield (pit, quarry, shaft).

Oilfield = Area where petroleum is or was removed from the Earth.

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, kula, plateau, upland).

Populated Place = Place or area with clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent human population (city, settlement, town, village). A populated place is usually not incorporated and by definition has no legal boundaries. However, a populated place may have a corresponding "civil" record, the legal boundaries of which may or may not coincide with the perceived populated place. Distinct from Census and Civil classes.

Post Office = An official facility of the U.S. Postal Service used for processing and distributing mail and other postal material.

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).

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 grassy, possibly covered with open water (bog, cienega, marais, marsh, pocosin).

Tower = A manmade structure, higher than its diameter, generally used for observation, storage, or electronic transmission.

Trail = Route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways (jeep trail, path, ski trail).

Tunnel = Linear underground passageway open at both ends.

Unknown = This class is assigned to legacy data only. It will not be assigned to new or edited records.

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").


STATE_ALPH The unique two letter alphabetic state code containing the geographic feature as specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Codes. Note: Some feature records in State files will display State Alpha and Number Codes for a State other than that requested. This is not an error. It indicates that the primary coordinates for the feature reside in another State, but that the feature crosses into and is included in the specified State. This also means that the feature record is included in both State files.

STATE_NUME The unique numeric state code containing the geographic feature as specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Codes. Note: Some feature records in State files will display State Alpha and Number Codes for a State other than that requested. This is not an error. It indicates that the primary coordinates for the feature reside in another State, but that the feature crosses into and is included in the specified State. This also means that the feature record is included in both State files.

COUNTY_NAM The name for the county or county eqivalent containing the geographic feature.

COUNTY_NUM The unique three number code for the county or county equivalent containing the geographic feature as specified in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Codes.

PRIMARY_LA Official feature latitude location, NAD 83 DMS-degrees/minutes/seconds.

PRIM_LONG_ Official feature longitude location, NAD 83 DMS-degrees/minutes/seconds.

PRIM_LAT_D Official feature latitude location, NAD 83 DEC-decimal degrees.

PRIM_LONG1 Official feature longitude location, NAD 83 DEC-decimal degrees.

SOURCE_LAT Source latitude coordinates of linear feature only (Class = Stream, Valley, Arroyo), NAD 83; DMS-degrees/minutes/seconds.

SOURCE_LON Source longitude coordinates of linear feature only (Class = Stream, Valley, Arroyo), NAD 83; DMS-degrees/minutes/seconds.

SOURCE_L_1 Source latitude coordinates of linear feature only (Class = Stream, Valley, Arroyo), NAD 83; DEC-decimal degrees.

SOURCE_L_2 Source longitude coordinates of linear feature only (Class = Stream, Valley, Arroyo), NAD 83; DEC-decimal degrees.

ELEV_IN_M Elevation in meters above (-below) sea level of the surface at the primary coordinates from National Elevation Dataset.

ELEV_IN_FT Elevation in feet above (-below) sea level of the surface at the primary coordinates from National Elevation Dataset.

MAP_NAME Name of USGS base series topographic map containing the primary coordinates.

DATE_CREAT The date the feature was initially committed to the database.

DATE_EDITE The date any attribute of an existing feature was last edited.

DESCRIPT FGDL added field based on FEATURE_NA

FGDLAQDATE The date GeoPlan acquired the data.

AUTOID Unique ID added by GeoPlan


USER NOTES:
During Phase I data compilation, a random sample of 10% of the entries 
in the system were visually verified against the compilation source data 
(large-scale USGS topographic maps) to ensure logical consistency of 
locative references (geographic coordinates, topographic map, and county. 
Subsequent data compilation and input processes include programmed 
validation checks for logical consistency, visual examination, and spot checks 
of data.
This dataset contains information about United States physical and cultural 
geographic features of all types and classes, with the exception of most 
roads and highways. Subsequent to the original data compilation process, 
which was taken primarily from Federal maps, the GNIS has become 
dependent on input from Federal, State, county, and local government 
agencies and other approved sources. The completeness, currency, and 
accuracy of the data varies by area depending on the quality and timeliness 
of that input. Accordingly, the Geographic Names Project actively seeks to 
expand partnerships with Government agencies at all levels and other 
interested organizations. The latest tools and methodologies are being applied, 
including web map and feature services, and joint or linked web applications, 
to ensure that local data are properly represented in the GNIS and through the 
GNIS to all Federal agencies and to the public. Feature additions or corrections 
are accepted for consideration from any source, and when validated by 
appropriate agencies, will be entered into the database. Local and State 
agencies are encouraged to submit data and to participate in the GNIS partnership 
program. Non-government organizations with valuable data are considered on a 
case basis. Authorized partners have access to web based transaction entry and 
edit forms, which submit data directly to the GNIS for review and inclusion in the 
database. Partners also submit batch files in most standard formats, and coordinate 
with the Geographic Names Project to develop joint services, processes, and 
applications for greatest efficiency. Data entered into the GNIS immediately is 
available to all web services and applications dependent on it. For additional 
information or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production data and web 
seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov.
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the attribute information within
the original data.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names was created in 1890 and established 
in its present form by Public Law in 1947 to establish and maintain uniform 
geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. The Board 
serves all government agencies and the public as the central authority to which 
name inquiries, name issues, and new name proposals can be directed. It is 
comprised of representatives of Federal agencies associated with land 
management and cartography. Sharing its responsibilities with the Secretary of 
the Interior, the Board develops principles, policies, and procedures governing 
the use of both domestic and foreign geographic names as well as undersea and 
Antarctic feature names.

The Geographic Names Information System contains information about physical and 
cultural geographic features of all types in the United States, associated areas, and 
Antarctica, current and historical, but not including roads and highways. The database 
holds the Federally recognized name of each feature and defines the feature location 
by state, county, USGS topographic map, and geographic coordinates. Other attributes 
include names or spellings other than the official name, feature designations, feature 
classification, historical and descriptive information, and for some categories the 
geometric boundaries. The database assigns a unique, permanent feature identifier, the 
Feature ID, as a standard Federal key for accessing, integrating, or reconciling feature 
data from multiple data sets. The GNIS collects data from a broad program of partnerships 
with Federal, State, and local government agencies and other authorized contributors. 
The GNIS provides data to all levels of government and to the public, as well as to 
numerous applications through a web query site, web map and feature services, file 
download services, and customized files upon request.

Accuracy of these digital data is based upon the use of printed or 
electronic source graphics which are compiled to meet National 
Map Accuracy Standards. Comparison to the graphic source is used 
as control to assess digital positional accuracy.

This data is provided 'as is' and its vertical positional accuracy
has not been verified by GeoPlan

None. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be 
appreciated in products derived from these data.

The Florida Geographic Data Library is a collection of Geospatial Data
compiled by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center with support from
the Florida Department of Transportation. GIS data available in FGDL is
collected from various state, federal, and other agencies (data sources)
who are data stewards, producers, or publishers. The data available in
FGDL may not be the most current version of the data offered by the
data source. University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no guarantees
about the currentness of the data and suggests that data users check
with the data source to see if more recent versions of the data exist.

Furthermore, the GIS data available in the FGDL are provided 'as is'.
The University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no warranties, guaranties
or representations as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the data
provided by the data sources. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
makes no representations or warranties about the quality or suitability
of the materials, either expressly or implied, including but not limited
to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or non-infringement. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
shall not be liable for any damages suffered as a result of using,
modifying, contributing or distributing the materials.

A note about data scale: 

Scale is an important factor in data usage.  Certain scale datasets
are not suitable for some project, analysis, or modeling purposes.
Please be sure you are using the best available data. 

1:24000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
county level.
1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such
as property parcel boundaries.
1:100000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
multi-county or regional level.
1:125000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
regional or state level or larger.

Vector datasets with no defined scale or accuracy should be
considered suspect. Make sure you are familiar with your data
before using it for projects or analysis. Every effort has been
made to supply the user with data documentation. For additional
information, see the References section and the Data Source Contact
section of this documentation. For more information regarding
scale and accuracy, see our webpage at:
http://geoplan.ufl.edu/education.html

REFERENCES:
Geodata.gov is a geographic information system (GIS) portal, also known as 
the Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) that serves as a public gateway for improving 
access to geospatial information and data under the Geospatial One-Stop 
E-Government initiative. Geospatial One-Stop is one of 24 Government 
initiatives sponsored by the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
to enhance government efficiency and to improve citizen services. See the 
Geographic Names community in geodata.gov.
The National Map, is a seamless, continuously maintained set of 
public domain geographic base information that serves as a 
foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other data easily 
and consistently. The National Map viewer is a Web-enabled portal 
to all of the geospatial information contained in The National 
Map. This portal not only supports on-line access to the 
geospatial information, but also allows the download of digital 
data and creation of cartographic products. The GNIS supports The 
National Map as the source for the gazetteer search in Find Place 
function of The National Map viewer and as active names layers.
The National Atlas summarizes national-scale geographical information and 
delivers easy to use, map-like views of America's natural and sociocultural 
landscapes. This digital version revises a large bound collection of paper 
maps that was published in 1970. The Atlas serves a diverse populace as an 
essential reference, a framework for information discovery, an instrument of 
education, an aid in research, and a reliable source of government 
information. It includes stimulating products and services for children and 
adults to understand complex relationships among environments, places, and 
people. It contributes to our knowledge of the environmental, resource, 
demographic, economic, social, political, and historical dimensions of 
American life. Though it cannot display detailed map information, the Atlas 
directs users to other sources for this information. The GNIS provides 
geographic feature, location, and attribute data to the National Atlas.
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a comprehensive set of digital 
spatial data that contains information about surface water features such 
as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, springs and wells. Within the NHD, 
surface water features are combined to form "reaches," which provide the 
framework for linking water-related data to the NHD surface water drainage 
network. These linkages enable the analysis and display of these water-
related data in upstream and downstream order. The GNIS provides geographic 
feature name data to the National Hydrography Dataset.
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) provides access to the National Geospatial 
Agency (NGA) database of foreign geographic feature names. The database 
is the official repository of foreign place-name decisions approved by 
the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (US BGN). Approximately 20,000 of the 
database's features are updated monthly.
LandView is a desktop mapping system that searches and maps selected 
information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Census 
Bureau, and the U.S. Geological Survey. LandView contains a large 
subset of GNIS feature, location, and attribute data for the United 
States. It is available on DVD. See the LandView web site for 
information concerning the latest edition and ordering.

DATA LINEAGE SUMMARY:
GNIS Phase I data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute data 
were collected from the largest-scale USGS topographic maps available. 
These data are compared to the records of the U.S. Board on Geographic 
Names.
Process Date: 198105

GNIS Phase II data compilation and edit - Feature name and attribute data are collected from official state and local sources and other approved sources including historical maps and documents. Process Date: Not complete
GNIS Maintenance program - Federal and state maintenance cooperators submit new and corrected data in conjunction with their mapping and geographical information system data maintenance programs. The GNIS has an active data gathering and maintenance program. A web-based data entry and edit application allows authorized users to submit transaction data directly for validation and entry into the database, where it immediately becomes available to all web services and applications. A test and demonstration site with no connection to production data is available for review, training, and familiarization. Batch files will be accepted in most standard formats. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis. For additional information or to request user accounts for entry and edit of production data and web seminar training, contact gnis_manager@usgs.gov or the individual below. Process Date: Not complete
Partnerships - the Geographic Names Project enters into partnerships with State names authorities and State and local GIS agencies to integrate name, location, and attribute data in the GNIS with State and local datasets. These partnerships utilize GIS and web technology to automate and simplify data maintenance, ensure data consistency, integrity, and accuracy, and meet the requirements of the Board on Geographic Names for national names standardization. Government agencies at all levels are encouraged to join this program. Other organizations and individuals will be considered on a case basis. For additional information contact the individual below. Process Date: Not complete
Data was downloaded from the United States Geological Survey in text format in May 2011 (http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/download_data.htm). The original data extent was limited to the State of Florida. GeoPlan, during the QA/QC process undertook the following steps: - The original dataset name was FL_Features_20110404.txt - The text file was converted to .DBF format. Field names longer than 10 characters were truncated. - The .DBF file was then converted to a shapefile using the Add XY tool in ArcMap. The "PRIM_LAT_D" and "PRIM_LONG1" fields were used as the XY coordinates. - The original coordinates were in NAD83. GeoPlan projected the entire dataset to FGDL Albers. - Removed 186 points from the dataset due to missing or erroneous spatial information. - Removed 4 points consisting of large spatial features whose points fall well outside Florida's extent; GULF OF MEXICO, SEA ISLANDS, INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, AND ATLANTIC OCEAN. - Added the FGDLAQDATE field. - Added DESCRIPT item based on FEATURE_NA. Process Date: 20110503
MAP PROJECTION PARAMETERS:

Projection                          ALBERS
Datum                               HPGN
Units                               METERS
Spheroid                            GRS1980
1st Standard Parallel               24  0  0.000
2nd Standard Parallel               31 30  0.000
Central Meridian                   -84 00  0.000
Latitude of Projection's Origin     24  0  0.000
False Easting (meters)              400000.00000
False Northing (meters)             0.00000

DATA SOURCE CONTACT (S):

Name:
Abbr. Name:
Address:


Phone:

Web site:
E-mail:
Contact Person:
         Phone:
        E-mail:
U.S. Geological Survey
USGS
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia
20192
703 648 4552

http://geonames.usgs.gov/ Louis A. Yost

FGDL CONTACT:
Name:                   FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY
Abbr. Name:             FGDL
Address:                Florida Geographic Data Library
                        431 Architecture Building
                        PO Box 115706
                        Gainesville, FL  32611-5706
Web site:               http://www.fgdl.org

Contact FGDL: 

      Technical Support:	        http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html
      FGDL Frequently Asked Questions:  http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html
      FGDL Mailing Lists:		http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html
      For FGDL Software:                http://www.fgdl.org/software.html