The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

The United States Geological Survey, or USGS, was established by Congress in 1879. They obtain and disseminate basic data from the earth sciences about the nation's landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards - mainly about the geology, geography, geospatial information (maps), biology, and water. They are perhaps best known for making detailed, comprehensive topographic maps that cover nearly the entire United States and its territories (not all of Alaska is covered). They also monitor earthquake zones and volcanoes for signs of imminent activity, and a large number of rivers and streams for flow rates and water quality with an extensive network of streamgages.

Other agencies then use USGS data to make land and water use policies, prepare for emergencies, and respond to disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and floods. Although not often in the limelight sharing the glory, the role of the USGS in providing basic facts is crucial to the successes of these other organizations.

Learn more about the USGS, the maps it makes, and the events and conservation issues where USGS data is involved.