United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Overview
United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a scientific agency of the U.S. government that studies landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards, providing valuable geographic and geological data. Founded in 1879, USGS is the primary federal source for science about Earth, its natural resources, ecosystems, and natural hazards.
Key Concepts
Topographic maps are detailed maps showing terrain, elevation, and natural/man-made features. National Map is USGS’s comprehensive geographic database of the United States. Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) is USGS’s center for remote sensing data. StreamStats is a web application for watershed analysis and streamflow statistics. 3DEP is the 3D Elevation Program providing high-resolution elevation data.
Data Products
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| National Elevation Dataset (NED) | Seamless DEM coverage of the U.S. |
| National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) | Surface water features |
| National Land Cover Database (NLCD) | Land cover classification |
| Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) | Official place names |
| Landsat | Satellite imagery program |
Appendix
Created: 2025-12-13 | Modified: 2025-12-13
See Also
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
- 3D Elevation Program (3DEP)
- Topography