Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?

Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application.  

The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via The National Map Downloader. and the GNIS web services are updated quarterly and available from The National Map Web Services

Suggested data corrections from any source are accepted. They are reviewed and when validated, they will be committed to the GNIS. Send questions about the data and GNIS maintenance program to tnm_help@usgs.gov

Learn more: Download GNIS Data

Was this page helpful?