United States National Grid (USNG)
This standard describes a method for presenting the United States National Grid (USNG) in cartographic products. The USNG provides an efficient way to identify locations at different levels of detail anywhere in the United States. It can increase the usefulness and interoperability of printed maps and location-based services, such as global positioning systems (GPS). It is based on a universally defined geographic coordinate and grid system.
The purpose of this standard is to encourage the use of the USNG on all appropriate map products and to specify how the USNG should be presented on maps when it is used. The USNG is intended to improve interoperability across all national jurisdictions especially in crisis situations. It is also intended to help people use location services such as GPS in conjunction with printed maps to find and communicate location information.
The Standard
The
USNG Standard, v. 1.1
USNG Standard Review
The USNG standard was open for public review until March 13, 2009. The Standards Committee addressed the comments and revised the standard where appropriate. The Minnesota Governor's Council on Geographic Information approved the standard on March 25, 2009. The Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council approved it on May 29, 2019.
Questions? Please contact the Standards Committee at: gisinfo.mngeo@state.mn.us
More Resources
- USNG resources from the Federal Geographic Data Committee
- USNG project team site of the Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council's Emergency Preparedness Committee