U.S. Geological Survey Urban Programs

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources on which we rely, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and useable information. In response to public need for information about the urban environment, the USGS is making significant contributions on urban decision-making through local, state, regional, and national-scale scientific investigations. These investigations provide the basis for understanding the consequences of land use change and climate change on our built environment, people, and natural resources. Knowledge of the urban effects on species and habitats, human health, and water and other natural resources results in better management of resources, and enhances the quality of life and economy in and near urban areas. Read more about the USGS's efforts in urban land use and water quality research. The USGS also works with the Urban Waters Federal Partnership to reconnect urban communities with their waterways. 

Programs

Breeding Bird Survey is a long-term, large-scale, international avian monitoring program tracking the status and trends of North American bird populations.  The Breeding Bird Survey is an example of a Citizen Science Program that connects people in urban areas to outdoor recreation, the natural world, and the scientific process.

The GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring effort brings together the expertise of the USGS with local and national partners to assess the ability of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Great Lakes urban areas.

Fisheries Program focuses on the study of aquatic organisms and aquatic habitats, which includes urban restoration of aquatic resources. Information from this program allows managers a more accurate method to identify and discriminate among native, cultured, introduced, and invasive aquatic species, as well as develop science-based conservation and restoration strategies.

The Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) program provides tools and information to help communities understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions--especially important in urban areas as economic losses increase as urbanization in flood-hazard areas increases. The FIM program also provides emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures. 

The Land Change Science Program assesses the Earth's land cover at spatial and temporal scales to better understand the causes and consequences of land cover change. It documents dynamic changes of urban development and how urban expansion can alter the landscape, ecosystems, and the human environment over time to help us learn from past land-surface changes and better predict changes in the future.

The National Geospatial Program provides a  framework by organizing, maintaining, and publishing the geospatial baseline of the Nation's topography, natural landscape, and built environment. Scientists can detect and interpret patterns and trends of urban development and land use change, helping support urban planning and development decisions such as determining lands best suited for protection or development.

The National Cooperative Mapping Program provides funding for producing three-dimensional geologic models and maps. This provides critical data and input to mitigate landslide, earthquake, and volcano hazards and for ground- and surface-water management, as well as a framework for land-use management, assessment, utilization, and environmental protection and management in urban areas.

The National Water Quality Program conducts projects that inform the relation between urban land use and water quality. It provides an understanding of water-quality conditions; whether conditions are getting better or worse over time; and how natural features and human activities affect those conditions.

The Streamgage Program provides streamflow data that is used in many ways, including: flood forecasting and flood warnings to protect lives and reduce property damage; designing highways and bridges; mapping floodplains; monitoring environmental conditions and protecting aquatic habitats; protecting water quality and regulating pollutant discharges; managing water rights and transboundary water issues; education and research; and for recreational purposes.

The Urban Landscapes Northeast Region Capabilities Team serves as a resource to assist the northeast and its Science Centers for developing regional science programs that provide technical support on impacts of urban development on water resources and ecosystems.

The USA National Phenology Network is a monitoring initiative focused on phenology (the study of seasonal life-cycle events such as leafing, flowering, reproduction and migration) to understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to environmental variation and change. The network collaborates with many partners in urban and suburban regions providing opportunities for public engagement in science.

The USGS Earthquake Hazards effort tracks Urban Seismic Hazards in California, Central and Eastern United States, and the Pacific Northwest. The USGS Science Application for Risk Reduction, particularly the ShakeOut and HayWired earthquake scenarios for southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area - both disaster scenarios in heavily urbanized areas with earthquake risks.

USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership projects conduct a wide range of water-quality related monitoring, assessment, management practice evaluation, and educational activities in Urban Water Federal Partnership locations across the Nation. These projects are done in cooperation with municipal, state, and regional partners with a focus on restoring and revitalizing urban waterways. Read about how USGS supports decision-making with their San Antonio Federal Partnership.

The WaterSMART Program provides information to address the nation’s water challenges relating to water flows, storage, use, water quality, and ecological needs. This effort places tools and technical information into the hands of urban water resource managers, land managers, and other stakeholders, allowing these decision makers to better evaluate water availability and make informed decisions for a sustainable water strategy.