The USGS signed separate Memoranda of Understanding with the National States Geographic Information Council and the National Association of Counties to further enhance development of the National Map.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently signed separate Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) to further enhance development of The National Map and to improve collaboration among all levels of government. Working with its partners, USGS will build The National Map as a framework for geographic knowledge that will provide current, accurate, and nationally consistent digital geospatial data and topographic maps derived from those data.

Although these groups have a long-standing relationship, the MOUs formally create and set forth the goals of the partnership and indicate areas of focus and cooperation. The MOUs represent a commitment on the part of the federal government and non-government organizations representing state and local governments to work together to provide seamless access to geospatial data.