FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION

TITLE: USGS GEOGRAPHIC NAMES INFORMATION SYSTEM (GNIS) IN FLORIDA - JULY 2015

Geodataset Name:       GNIS_JUL15
Geodataset Type:       SDE Feature Class
Geodataset Feature:    Point
Feature Count:         54471
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 is an update to the gnis_aug12 layer.
DATA SOURCE(S):                    U.S. Geological Survey
SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS:     5000
GEODATASET EXTENT:                 State of Florida
PUBLICATION DATE: 20150601 TIME PERIOD OF CONTENT: Begin Date: 19740101 End Date: 20150601 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:

Datafile Name: GNIS_JUL15
ITEM NAME WIDTH TYPE
OBJECTID
4 OID
Shape
4 Geometry
FEATURE_ID
4 Integer
FEATURE_NAME
100 String
FEATURE_CLASS
25 String
STATE_ALPHA
5 String
STATE_NUMERIC
4 Integer
COUNTY_NAME
25 String
COUNTY_NUMERIC
4 Integer
PRIMARY_LAT_DMS
10 String
PRIM_LONG_DMS
10 String
PRIM_LAT_DEC
8 Double
PRIM_LONG_DEC
8 Double
SOURCE_LAT_DMS
10 String
SOURCE_LONG_DMS
10 String
SOURCE_LAT_DEC
8 Double
SOURCE_LONG_DEC
8 Double
ELEV_IN_M
4 Integer
ELEV_IN_FT
4 Integer
MAP_NAME
50 String
DATE_CREATED
36 Date
DATE_EDITED
36 Date
DESCRIPT
100 String
FGDLAQDATE
36 Date
AUTOID
8 Double

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES CODES AND VALUES:

Item
Item Description
OBJECTID Internal feature number.

Shape Feature geometry.

FEATURE_ID A permanent, unique number assigned to a geographic feature for the sole purpose of uniquely identifying that feature as a record in any information system database, dataset, file, or document and for distinguishing it from all other feature records so identified. The number is assigned sequentially (highest existing number plus one) to new records as they are created in the Geographic Names Information System. The number, by design, carries no information or association to the content of the feature record and therefore is not subject to change as attribute values change. Once assigned to a feature, the number is never changed or withdrawn, and never reassigned. The Feature ID can be applied in conjunction with system-unique record identifiers in any database or system, thus providing a national standard common reference identifier across multiple datasets. The Feature ID is stored in the GNIS database as an integer with a maximum of ten digits.

FEATURE_NAME A geographic feature name and its written form and application approved or recognized as official by the United States Board on Geographic Names for use throughout the Federal Government. The official name is established either by policy or by decision of the Board on Geographic Names. It is the proper name, specific term, or expression by which a particular geographic entity is, or was, known. A geographic feature may have only one official name, which must be the name applied to the feature on all Federal products, electronic or printed.

FEATURE_CLASS A feature class is a designation for a group of features in a broadly defined descriptive category. All features are assigned to one and only one class. They do not individually classify all kinds of cultural and natural features. By design, there are no Federal or industry standards or guidelines for feature classification. These classifications originally were developed for mainframe file structure search purposes. Although the terms are generally consistent with dictionary definitions, they may not conform exactly and are not always intuitive.

STATE_ALPHA 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_NUMERIC 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_NAME The name for the county or county eqivalent containing the geographic feature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELEV_IN_M Elevation in meters: The elevation above sea level of the feature at the primary point (positive number) or depth of a feature at the lowest point below sea level (negative number). By default, elevations are provided in meters. For custom data extracts, elevations can be provided in either feet or meters depending on user requirements. Elevation figures are not official and do not represent precisely measured or surveyed values. The data are extracted from the National Elevation Dataset (http://ned.usgs.gov/) for the primary coordinates and may differ from elevations cited in other sources. The differences will be most evident for features such as summits where precision is of more concern and where the local relief (rate of change of elevation) may be more prominent. However, the elevation figures are within tolerances for the data for most points and sufficiently accurate for purposes of general information.

ELEV_IN_FT Elevation in feet: The elevation above sea level of the feature at the primary point (positive number) or depth of a feature at the lowest point below sea level (negative number). By default, elevations are provided in meters. For custom data extracts, elevations can be provided in either feet or meters depending on user requirements. Elevation figures are not official and do not represent precisely measured or surveyed values. The data are extracted from the National Elevation Dataset (http://ned.usgs.gov/) for the primary coordinates and may differ from elevations cited in other sources. The differences will be most evident for features such as summits where precision is of more concern and where the local relief (rate of change of elevation) may be more prominent. However, the elevation figures are within tolerances for the data for most points and sufficiently accurate for purposes of general information.

MAP_NAME The name of the standard USGS 7.5x7.5 minute quadrangle map(s) containing the representation of the feature.

DATE_CREATED The date the geographic feature record was initially committed to the database and made available through GNIS products and services.

DATE_EDITED The date one or more attributes of an existing geographic feature record were last edited. The attributes edited are not specified.

DESCRIPT Based on FEATURE_NA.

FGDLAQDATE Date when data was downloaded from source.

AUTOID Unique ID added by GeoPlan


USER NOTES:
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the original 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. 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.

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:
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 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.
 -
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 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.
 -
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.
 -
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.

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: 19810501

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: 19810501
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: 19810501
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: 19810501
GeoPlan downloaded the data on June 10, 2015 from the United States Geological Survey at http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/download_data.htm in text format. The original data extent was limited to the State of Florida. GeoPlan completed the following process steps during QA/QC: -Modified original text file in a text editor to change delimiters to commas -Saved as a .csv and exported to a geodatabase table -Created an XY event layer from fields "PRIM_LAT_DEC" and PRIM_LONG_DEC" -Selected Geographic Coordinate System NAD 83 as source projection -Changed precision of latitude and longitude from 6 to 7 -Exported event layer to feature class -Selected points within Florida extent -Exported selection to new feature class -Projected to Albers using NAD_83_to_NAD_83_HARN_Florida transformation -Uppercased all fields -Added field DESCRIPT based on FEATURE_NAME -Added field FGDLAQDATE based on date downloaded from source -Name changed from FL_Features20150601.txt to gnis_jun15 Process Date: 20150626
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
Various
523 National Center
Reston, Virginia
20192
703 648 4552

http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/download_data.htm 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