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The National Map

The USGS Geography Discipline (formerly the National Mapping Discipline) seeks to build, maintain, and apply The National Map, a consistent framework for geographic knowledge needed by the Nation. It provides public access to high-quality geospatial data and information from multiple partners to help inform decisionmaking by resource managers and the public.

The Geography Discipline maintains a variety of maps and digital cartographic products that were traditionally part of the USGS National Mapping Program. Much of this information is being incorporated into The National Map. The National Map will be implemented through cooperative efforts with public entities such as Federal, State and local government agencies, the private sector and academia to provide and maintain the best available geographic data and cartographic information.