Western Region Geography

Western Region Geography (WRG) is helping develop The National Map, a Web-based mapping service that supports multiple scales, resolutions, classifications, and feature types provided by the USGS and its partners.

Research and applications activities in WRG advance the understanding of the complex processes that influence the land surface, increase our understanding of the interactions between the physical and human environments, promote the applicability of geospatial data and technology, and improve the delivery of information—all to advance decision making and decision support for the Nation.

Mapping Colonias

Multi-Hazard Vulnerability

Water Erosion in Hawai'i

San Francisquito Creek

San Francisco SHAKING

WRG is building partnerships all across the Western Region. All employee activities emphasize partnership development, data integration, information management, and geographic applications.

WRG promotes Geography and The National Map to the public, educators, students, scientists, businesses, and other government agencies through exhibits, presentations, public lectures, events, and historical materials..

WRG is the birthplace of the Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ). So what is a DOQ? A DOQ is a special computer-generated photographic map. Come learn more about this popular digital product that is now a standard base product for many geographic uses.