The Framework Web Feature Services are offered by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in support of the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Selected Framework data themes were redeployed by the USGS from their native database formats to services that conform to the Open Geospatial Consortium's (OGC) Web Feature Service (WFS) and Geography Markup Language for Simple Features (GML) specifications and the FGDC/ANSI Geographic Information Framework Data Content Standards. These services provide query and retrieval of specific Framework features and their attributes into a form usable for analysis in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition, a Web Map Service (WMS) is provided to allow users to visualize the data content as a graphical image.

The initial data content for the NSDI Framework Data Services includes selected features from the Hydrography, Transportation and Governmental Unit Framework Data Themes. In addition, the NSDI Framework Data Services includes a Prototype WFS Gazetteer (WFS-G) consistent with ISO 19112 and GMLsf Level 0 and Level 1.

Please see the links below for information regarding service access, suggested usability guidelines, information schemas, specifications and free clients & utilities. Currently, an understanding of OGC Web Services Standards is important for the effective utilization of the NSDI Framework Data Services. Therefore; it is strongly recommended that users read the Usability Document before using the service. It not only includes general guidelines, but also instructions specific to the use of the service in clients such as Google Earth and the Gaia platform.