Access the most current data available without having to store any of that data on your system or maintain it over time.

Comprehensive geographic data… for use in Web sites, GIS software tools, and custom-built Internet applications.

Dynamic Data and Maps

Dynamic maps and data allow direct interaction with content. Content is delivered in one of two ways

• Map images generated from data on the map server.
• Compressed vector features streamed to you and displayed in your GIS software.

The Geography Network provides access to geographic data sets that can be accessed for use within your GIS software or mapping application. These services may be previewed online and then used, for free or for a subscription fee, within your GIS software (such as ArcGIS or ArcExplorer) or custom mapping application.

Why Use Dynamic Data and Maps

There are several advantages to using dynamic maps and data rather than traditional mechanisms such as CD-ROMs. The data sets used in dynamic maps and data are stored and maintained by the data publisher or its hosting service provider. When you make a request to a dynamic maps and data service, you can access the most current data available without having to store any of that data on your system or maintain it over time.

With dynamic data and maps, you can access data as either an image or feature service. You can use the service as a background layer for other local data or interact with the data as a traditional feature source. In either case, you can stream down only the data you need and discard it when you are done.

Find Services

Dynamic data is published to the Geography Network as "Live Data and Maps." These services are then streamed for use in Web sites, GIS software tools, and custom-built Internet applications.

Geography Network Explorer: Use the Explorer to preview and access map services. In many cases these services may be used without a fee in your GIS software or mapping application.

Web Map Services: View available WMS using ArcExplorer Web or the Interoperability Add-on for ArcGIS.

Featured Services

Parkways and Scenic Rivers of the United States: This map service from the National Atlas of the United States shows Federal land features of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Geographic Names Information System: This USGS map service contains information about almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the United States.