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.
Why did I receive an "Error: Inventory request failure" message during a download request from The National Map?
The "Error: Inventory request failure" message occurs if our ScienceBase catalog database is not responding to download requests. To ensure data integrity, the ScienceBase catalog is shut down for nightly backup at 11:00 pm Mountain time, which takes 1-2 hours. If you find that the message is still occurring even after the allotted two hours, please contact The National Map Service Desk at tnm...
Can The National Map data be downloaded via direct links?
Direct access to The National Map data is provided via browsable links through: Amazon's Cloud USGS Server Navigate to the appropriate theme folders to access staged products for download. Data can also be downloaded using: The National Map Download Client 3DEP LidarExplorer (lidar only) TopoView (topographic maps only) Download Manager Tool/uGET (for batch downloads). Learn more: The National...
Where can I find scripts to convert raster data formats from The National Map?
Download a set of scripts to help in the transition of raster data from The National Map to different file formats. These scripts require either Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) or ESRI ArcGIS software for raster data file conversions. Documentation is under the 'How_To' folder. Learn more: The National Map Training Videos The National Map Quick Start Guide The National Map home page
Why did I receive an error when downloading data from The National Map?
An error that times out the Web browser can sometimes occur after clicking on a download link. You might be able to open the archive (.zip) file by refreshing your screen. In the case of an incomplete download, first clear your browser history to avoid the cache interfering with subsequent future attempts. Then use the Ctrl+F5 keys to refresh the cache with new content before retrying the download...
Is there an API for accessing The National Map data?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a way for developers to interface with data. The National Map (TNM) has one API (TNMAccess) that provides access to all TNM downloadable products that are available through The National Map Download Client . Developers can use HTTP GET and POST requests to directly access products, or use the light graphical interface on the API page to generate...
Are there any costs or restrictions to usage of data downloaded from The National Map?
Data from The National Map is free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions on downloaded data; however, we request that the following statement be used when citing, copying, or reprinting data: "Data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program." Learn more: USGS Copyrights and Credits Statement
Is there a user guide on how to download data using The National Map?
See the online National Map Viewer Quick Start Guide . For brief instructions, click on the "How to" link at the top of The National Map Downloader . Training videos are also available.
How can I submit a question or report issues regarding The National Map products and services?
Submit questions about The National Map products or report issues to The National Map service desk at: tnm_help@usgs.gov
What download formats are available for boundaries, structures, and transportation data products in The National Map?
Boundaries, structures, and transportation data products are currently available in Esri File Geodatabase 10.1 or Shapefile format. Use The National Map Downloader , The National Map Services , or download files staged at the below sites. USGS National Boundary Dataset USGS National Structures Dataset USGS National Transportation Dataset
What is a geographic information system (GIS)?
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location. Most of the information we have about our world contains a location reference: Where are USGS streamgages located? Where was a rock sample collected? Exactly where are all of a city's fire hydrants? If, for example, a rare...
How often is orthoimagery in The National Map updated and what are the acquisition dates?
Orthoimagery (georectified aerial photography) available through The National Map Downloader and The National Map Services is from the USDA Farm Service Agency's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP), which is 1-meter resolution. Generally, NAIP imagery is refreshed on a 3-year cycle with approximately one third of the continental U.S. flown each year. The month and year of imagery...
What projection are the imagery services in The National Map viewer?
Imagery services in The National Map (TNM) use WGS 1984 Web Mercator (Auxiliary Sphere). The USGS ImageryOnly Service (under Base Maps) is cached (pre-generated) at this projection. Imagery services can be easily reprojected to many other popular projections for use in GIS desktop applications as background services. Learn more: Training videos for using The National Map Products and Services