Two messages about the GNIS CD.-------------Johnnie ---------------------------------------------------------- : Wed, 30 Nov 1994 04:34:49 PST : [log in to unmask] : RE: GNIS CD Will fax to you the Fact Sheets describing the "Geographic Names Information System". Let me know your fax #. Yes the CD is available and is $57.00. You may send your order with check, Money order, or credit card info to: USGS-ESIC, Mail Stop 507, National Center, Reston, Va. 22092. If you use a credit card you may fax your order to us on 703 648--5548. For this type item and handling it via fax will get you a lot faster turnaround time. John Shanton (Jim is my son's name) -------------------------------------- : Wed, 30 Nov 1994 11:44:12 +0100 : [log in to unmask] : Re: GNIS CD GNIS-CD. The GNIS is a data system developed by the USGS in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The GNIS is composed of three databases: - the National Geographic Names Data Base (NGNDB, contains name information for known places, features and areas in the U.S. that are identified by proper names) - the National Topographic Map Names Data Base (NTMNDB, a digital inventory of topographic maps published by the USGS) [If I remember right this contains appr. 2,250,000 records] - the Reference Data Base (RDB, functions as depository of cartographic and bibliographic reference information in the GNIS and is designed for use as a research and reference tool as well) Each database provides different, but related, information about names in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories and outlying areas of the United States. Data from: "Digital gazetteer : users manual. - [Washington] : U.S. Department of the Interior ; USGS ; National Mapping Division, March 1994. I would presume that the USGS puts more elaborate information concerning this CD-ROM on one of its gopher-servers for potential users to view. Jan Smits Map Curator Royal Library, National Library of the Netherlands [log in to unmask]