National Geodetic Survey

Overview
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides the framework for all positioning activities in the United States. The foundational elements &mdash; latitude, longitude, elevation and shoreline information &mdash; contribute to informed decision making and impact a wide range of important activities including mapping and charting, flood risk determination, transportation, land use and ecosystem management. NGS' authoritative spatial data, models and tools are vital for the protection and management of natural and manmade resources and support the economic prosperity and environmental health of the United States.