What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions? (2024)

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of geographic information systems and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) initiatives, I'm here to shed light on the concepts and information provided in the article. My expertise is grounded in the intricate workings of the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a comprehensive database developed by the USGS in collaboration with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed in the provided article:

1. Geographic Definitions of the United States: The article touches upon the geographic definitions of the United States, particularly the terms:

   • United States: Refers to the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
   • Continental United States: Encompasses the 49 states on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska.
   • Conterminous United States: Includes the 48 states and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. The term "contiguous" is often used interchangeably with "conterminous."

2. U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN): The BGN plays a crucial role in defining and standardizing geographic names for federal use. They issued definitions in 1959, reaffirmed in 1999, outlining the geographic boundaries of the United States.

3. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS): Developed by the USGS in cooperation with the BGN, GNIS serves as a repository of official names for places, features, and areas in the United States. It collaborates with State Names Authorities to ensure standardization.

4. Regions in the United States: The article clarifies that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions such as the Midwest, the South, or the East Coast. These regions are application-driven and defined on a case-by-case basis.

5. Historical Entries in GNIS: GNIS includes features and names that no longer exist, marked as "historical." The designation has no reference to age, size, condition, or any other factor. Examples of historical entries are retained in the database.

6. USGS Initiatives: The article briefly mentions various USGS initiatives, such as the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), which depicts changes in land cover over time, and the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), an official inventory of public parks and protected areas.

7. National Map and National Atlas: The National Map and National Atlas are mentioned as merging into a combined single source for geospatial information, emphasizing the evolving nature of geospatial data management.

In summary, the expertise demonstrated here reflects a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, and the Geographic Names Information System, along with related initiatives and geographic definitions within the United States.