USGS Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Geographic Place Names (GNIS)

What is the difference between “mountain,” “hill,” and “peak”; “lake” and “pond”; or “river” and “creek”?

How many counties are there in the United States?

What is the most frequently occurring community (city, town, village, etc.) name in the United States?

I have heard that the use of the apostrophe “s”, such as Pike’s Peak (Pikes Peak in the database) to show possession is not allowed in geographic names, so why are there many such entries in the GNIS Database?

Why can’t I find a name in the GNIS Database?

How can I name an unnamed natural feature?

Do you have GNIS data I can download?

Can I add new entries to GNIS for manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, schools, shopping centers, etc.?

What datum applies to the geographic coordinates in the GNIS Database?

How can I propose to change the name of a natural feature?

Can I obtain information regarding who is buried in a particular cemetery?

Why are there two downloadable files for each State and topical gazetteer, and what is the difference?

How accurate is the elevation data in the GNIS Database? How was it measured?

Why are there no entries for caves or military installations in the GNIS Database?

Does the GNIS Database contain entries for geographic features that are historical?

I think I have found an error in the GNIS Database. How do I report it?

Can I obtain driving directions to a feature recorded as an entry in the GNIS database?

Is there a compact disc (CD) product available for the GNIS Database?

Why does the GNIS entry say the feature is “in” a community, when I know it is not?

Why are some manmade and administrative features not listed in GNIS?

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