# United States Coast and Geodetic Survey

> former U.S. agency responsible for providing accurate maps and charts of the United States and its coastline (1878 - 1970)

**Wikidata**: [Q103439667](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103439667)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_and_Geodetic_Survey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/united-states-coast-and-geodetic-survey

## Summary
The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) was a federal agency responsible for producing accurate maps and charts of the United States and its coastline, operating from 1878 to 1970. It succeeded the United States Coast Survey and was later absorbed into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1878
- **Dissolution**: 1970
- **Parent Organizations**:
  - United States Department of the Treasury (1878–1903)
  - United States Department of Commerce and Labor (1903–1913)
  - United States Department of Commerce (1913–1970)
- **Replaced By**: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1970
- **Headquarters**: Washington, D.C.
- **Fields of Work**: Geodesy, cartography
- **Aliases**: U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, U.S.C.&G.S., U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey, USCGS, United States Coast & Geodetic Survey, USC&GS, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey
- **Identifiers**:
  - ISNI: 0000000119575232
  - ROR ID: 01x9q3k71
  - VIAF ID: 149549513
  - IDREF ID: 059547383
  - FAST ID: 533999
- **Floruit**: 1884 (with a notable publication)
- **Watercraft Prefix**: USC&GS (obsolete)
- **Wikipedia Title**: United States Coast and Geodetic Survey
- **Commons Category**: United States Coast and Geodetic Survey

## FAQs
**What was the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey's primary function?**
The USC&GS was responsible for producing accurate maps and charts of the United States and its coastline, supporting navigation and land surveying.

**Which government departments did the USC&GS belong to?**
The USC&GS was affiliated with the United States Department of the Treasury (1878–1903), the United States Department of Commerce and Labor (1903–1913), and the United States Department of Commerce (1913–1970).

**What organization succeeded the USC&GS?**
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) succeeded the USC&GS in 1970.

**Where was the USC&GS headquartered?**
The USC&GS was headquartered in Washington, D.C.

**What fields did the USC&GS work in?**
The USC&GS specialized in geodesy and cartography.

## Why It Matters
The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey played a crucial role in the development of accurate geographic data, which was essential for navigation, land surveying, and infrastructure projects. Its maps and charts supported economic growth, military operations, and scientific research. The agency's work laid the foundation for modern geodetic and cartographic practices in the United States.

## Notable For
- **Precise Mapping**: Produced detailed charts and maps of the U.S. coastline and interior.
- **Geodetic Surveys**: Conducted surveys to establish accurate geographic coordinates.
- **Navigation Support**: Provided critical data for maritime and aviation navigation.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Advanced the fields of geodesy and cartography.
- **Legacy**: Its work was continued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

## Body
### History
The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey was established in 1878, succeeding the United States Coast Survey. It was initially part of the United States Department of the Treasury before being transferred to the United States Department of Commerce and Labor in 1903 and later to the United States Department of Commerce in 1913. The agency was dissolved in 1970 and its functions were absorbed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

### Functions and Work
The USC&GS was responsible for producing accurate maps and charts of the United States and its coastline. It conducted geodetic surveys to establish precise geographic coordinates and supported navigation for maritime and aviation purposes. The agency's work included cartographic production, land surveying, and the establishment of benchmarks for elevation and gravity measurements.

### Organization and Structure
The USC&GS was headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had a network of field offices across the United States. It was staffed by geodesists, cartographers, and surveyors who worked to produce high-quality geographic data. The agency's work was supported by advanced surveying equipment and technologies of its time.

### Legacy and Impact
The USC&GS's work laid the foundation for modern geodetic and cartographic practices in the United States. Its maps and charts were used for navigation, land surveying, and infrastructure projects. The agency's contributions to scientific knowledge and geographic data were significant and continue to influence modern mapping and surveying practices.

### Related Entities
- **United States Coast Survey**: The predecessor agency to the USC&GS.
- **National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)**: The successor organization that absorbed the USC&GS's functions.
- **United States Department of the Treasury**: The initial parent organization of the USC&GS.
- **United States Department of Commerce and Labor**: A later parent organization of the USC&GS.
- **United States Department of Commerce**: The final parent organization of the USC&GS before its dissolution.

### Identifiers and References
The USC&GS is identified by various identifiers, including ISNI (0000000119575232), ROR ID (01x9q3k71), VIAF ID (149549513), IDREF ID (059547383), and FAST ID (533999). It has a Wikipedia page titled "United States Coast and Geodetic Survey" and a Commons category of the same name. The agency's work is referenced in various publications and databases, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

### Notable Publications and Projects
The USC&GS produced numerous maps and charts, including a notable publication in 1884 titled "Kaart van de Mississippi rivier, van Grand Prairie tot New Orleans." The agency's work included the establishment of benchmarks for elevation and gravity measurements, which were used for scientific research and practical applications.

### Watercraft and Vessels
The USC&GS used vessels with the prefix USC&GS, which is now obsolete. These vessels were used for surveying and navigation purposes. The agency's work included the operation of survey vessels and the collection of data from maritime environments.

### Digital Presence and Archives
The USC&GS's work is preserved in various archives and digital collections, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Library of Congress. The agency's records and publications are accessible through these institutions and are referenced in academic and historical research.

## References

1. [Kaart van de Mississippi rivier, van Grand Prairie tot New Orleans. 1884](https://n2t.net/ark:/33862/collect/526939)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. ROR release v1.34
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
6. Name Suggestion Index