Organisation /

USGS

  • Submitted by
  • Published 19th Oct 2022
  • Last updated 25th Aug 2023
a wave image, and the words USGS science for a changing world

Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has evolved over the decades, matching its talent and knowledge to the progress of science and technology. The USGS is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. It is sought out by thousands of partners and customers for its natural science expertise and its vast earth and biological data holdings.

Our Vision Artist rendering Landsat 8

Lead the Nation in 21st-century integrated research, assessments, and prediction of natural resources and processes to meet society’s needs.

Our Mission Collage of scientists doing work in field with example budget tables and charts over as graphic elements.

The USGS monitors, analyzes, and predicts current and evolving Earth-system interactions and delivers actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. The USGS provides science about natural hazards, natural resources, ecosystems and environmental health, and the effects of climate and land-use change.

What We Do
person in protective gear using a spectrometer on the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater

As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we collect, monitor, analyze, and provide science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. Our diverse expertise enables large-scale, multidisciplinary investigations and provides impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and our customers.