Information Systems
How can I find U.S. Bureau of Mines publications?
Are USGS reports copyrighted?
When should I use a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
The USGS has developed many tools and techniques for analyzing data and specialized websites for sharing information and products with the public.
What does it mean when a publication is peer reviewed?
A peer-reviewed publication is also sometimes referred to as a scholarly publication. The peer-review process subjects an author's scholarly work, research, or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field (peers) and is considered necessary to ensure academic scientific quality. Learn more: Fundamental Science Practices: Peer Review
Can I get a USGS scientist to review my book?
No. Federal employees are prohibited from endorsing commercial products. Also, government employees are required to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties. Learn more: DOI - Department of Ethics Office
What is the USGS policy for release of scientific data? Are any USGS products restricted?
Scientific data obtained through USGS funding are the property of the Federal Government and as such are Federal records. USGS scientific data are made available publicly at no cost and are considered to be in the public domain except where access must be restricted because of security, privacy, confidentiality, or other constraints. If you can’t find USGS products or data through our website or...
What is the review process for USGS scientific information products (publications)?
All USGS-authored publications (whether published internally or externally) receive a minimum of two peer reviews, a supervisory review, and final clearance by a Bureau approving official to ensure that all related USGS and federal policies have been followed. Additional reviews might also be needed, including editorial review by the USGS Science Publishing Network (required for all USGS...
What can I do if I cannot find a publication in the USGS Publications Warehouse?
If you can't find a known publication in our USGS Publications Warehouse , first try contacting the Publications Warehouse Team . If a print copy is readily available to them, they’re sometimes able to scan it and post it online for free download within a few days. If that doesn’t work, chances are good that the publication can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Ask about Interlibrary Loan...
How should I cite a USGS website?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing our websites. You should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. Unless you're citing a specific USGS publication, the author of a USGS website is almost always "U.S. Geological Survey." Also acceptable: "United States Geological Survey" or "USGS." Most USGS informational websites are...
What are the base map services (or URLs) used in The National Map?
The National Map Services offers a series of composite base maps that combine layers into tile cache services with the cartographic richness of multiple data sources. The following base maps are available: USGS Topo - combines the most current data (boundaries, geographic names, transportation, elevation, hydrography, land cover, and other themes) that make up The National Map. Contours generated...
What sources of vector data were used to create base maps in The National Map?
Vector data for small scales are from The National Map Small-Scale Collection , while medium to large scales are comprised of The National Map themes, including the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data. Other medium-to-large-scale vector features are from USGS edited versions of the U.S. Census Bureau's TIGER/Line data for Governmental Unit...
How can I download vector data from The National Map in bulk?
The USGS only offers vector downloads from The National Map in bulk by special request. For assistance, send an e-mail to tnm_help@usgs.gov and include your contact information, requested product, requested area, and download format.
How can visually impaired individuals use The National Map viewer or download client?
The USGS is committed to making its websites accessible to all users in accordance with provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended in 1998). Currently, there is no technology capable of producing alternatives to dynamically generated geospatial images in The National Map viewer or download client that are accessible to visually impaired individuals, so compliance with...
What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?
Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...
Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?
See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications