United States National Grid (USNG)
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U.S. National Grid Index Map
The USNG provides an efficient way to specify location information 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.
A number of different coordinate and grid systems can be used on printed maps and computer map displays in order to describe locations. When different systems are used on different maps, however, it is difficult for people to translate between them. Eliminating the need to translate has become particularly important during emergency response situations in which people need to communicate locations quickly, clearly and confidently. Widespread use of the USNG promises to provide a fast, unambiguous, repeatable way to communicate locations.
The USNG is based on a common geographic projection and rectangular grid system (Universal Transverse Mercator). It has practical advantages over using geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude). USNG location references correlate directly to field measurements. Therefore, distances can be accurately calculated between two locations easily, and the precision of locations and measurements can be maintained consistently across the state and across the nation. This is not true with geographic coordinates.
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Downloads in Shapefile Format:
Clinton County and Neighboring Counties
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Related Web Pages:
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Articles on the USNG:
| Introducing the United States National Grid, Mike Price, from the ArcUser Magazine, July-September 20005 |
| Federal Geographic Data Committee: United States National Grid - Standards Document |
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| Demonstration Map |
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| Professional Surveyor Magazine Article 1 | Professional Surveyor Magazine Article 2 | Desktop GIS: The USNG Wants You! | NPR Interview on Addressing & Mapping | Get On the National Grid - Article from "Fire Chief" Magazine | Which Way to the USNG? | A Simple and Powerful Geospatial Tool |
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| Poster on using the USNG in Washington State |
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