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Data details

UID 118
Name Geographic Names Server
Description The Geographic Names Server (GNS) is the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names, sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). In addition to the current approved names of features, users may find variant and historical spellings, along with non-Roman script spellings. Each record contained within provides information on the feature's location, administrative division, and designation (e.g., populated place, stream, mountain). The GNS can be used for finding places, GIS data, cartography, and GEOINT products.
Update Frequency Monthly
Area Global
Temporal -
Timeliness Latest version available
Data Policy Full and Open
Data type Geospatial data
Copernicus service product
Data format Multiple
Quality Control Procedure Automatic
Dissemination View and Download Service
Inspire themes

Annex I: Geographical names
Geographical Coverage

Multiple Countries /Not a specific country
Status -
State Ready
Created on April 5, 2018, 11:30 a.m.
Last modified on April 28, 2026, 2:31 p.m.

Data Providers

Data provider UID Data provider Role Is network Created on Last modified on
301 The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Originator April 28, 2026, 2:31 p.m. April 28, 2026, 2:31 p.m.

Requirements

Requirement UID Requirement Level of compliace Note Information costs Handling costs Created on Last modified on
159 Toponyms Partially Accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the data. April 6, 2018, 10:40 a.m. April 20, 2021, 7:57 p.m.
113 Toponyms Partially Reason for partial requirement fulfillment is the data being provided "as is" without warranty or any representation of accuracy, timeliness or completeness. Available in Rapid Mapping SDI. Oct. 17, 2018, 4:26 p.m. May 26, 2023, 12:11 p.m.