Geonames - introduction
Geonames is the database of geographic names of the Czech Republic (CR) at the level of detail of the Base map of the CR at 1:10 000 (BM 10). It is maintained as a seamless database for the entire territory of the ČR in a centralised information system administered by the Land Survey Office. Geonames is a part of the surveying information system and is one of information systems of the State administration.
Geonames contains a complete set of spatial and attribute data on standardized geographic names and names of settlement units. Standardized geographic name is maintained as a part of attribute information to approx. 165 types of named geographic objects. Geometric representation of some Geonames objects is the same as geographic object of ZABAGED®, to which the name applies. Another group of objects, primarily all field and forest lots and local parts of settlements have a simplified geometry corresponding to the location of its map lettering in the state map series (SMS).
The Geonames database is a result of the standardization process of geographic names carried out under the auspices of the ČÚZK since the 70ties of the past century for the purposes of the SMS. Digitization of the original register commenced in 1997, population of the Geonames database was completed in 2005. Since 2006 the Geonames database has been continually updated and new data have been added in cooperation with local self-governments and cadastre offices as part of creation of the digital cadastral map, renewal of cadastral documentation and implemented land consolidation. Consequent to expanding demands on Geonames related to Geonames data exploitation for searching of geographic objects through the ČÚZK Geoportal applications, the European web service EuroGeoNames and in conjunction with preparation of a new database technology of Land Survey Office map production processing, a new modification of the data model and management processes of Geonames was implemented in 2009. The result is a move of Geonames from the system for management of Base map of the CR 1:10 000 map lettering to the system for management of named objects regardless the scale of map. Simultaneously, the Geonames database was enlarged by the toponymic content of selected maps of small scales that resulted in e.g. adding names of geomorphological units (mountains, lowlands), which are not a part of ZABAGED® as well as addition of standardized geographical names from cadastral maps.
The Geonames database is updated periodically. Simultaneously, selected objects are updated continuously. Updated version is published on Geoportal.
Geonames data are used as a source of information on Czech geographic names and their topology in geographic information systems (GIS), particularly in the public administration. Standardized names are binding for publishers of state map series and recommended for use to other editors of cartographic products in the CR.
Geonames data are provided in the form of data files, you can find information on this product on the right-hand menu in this page.
Geonames are available using map viewing and download services on which you can find information in the Web services section.
To order data and download WFS service you can use the internet shop.
Viewing services can be exploited free in all applications (clients). The map window at introduction page of Application section at the CUZK Geoportal or Geoviewer client can be exploited to display them. You can search geographical names from Czech Republic area on Geoportal CUZK in section Application / Intro in „Search in map“ window.