Geographical names are used throughout the world as a geographic identification system and thus have potential to inter-relate and cross-reference disparate data sources, both spatial and non-spatial. Standardised geographical names are essential for effective communication between citizens, governments of all levels, decision-makers, and policy-makers. Geographical names are often used for geocoding and mapping. The geocoding use case consists of transforming an indirect location identifier (here a geographical name) into a direct location identifier defined by a set of coordinates. Geographical names are the most common, understandable, and widely used entry-point for broader searches for geospatial data and information and are therefore, necessary as search criteria in gazetteers, geoportals, spatial data catalogues etc. Geographical names are also required for a wide range of topographical and thematic map output at any scale. They are necessary for a consistent communication and visualisation of any SDG related issue or action.
The wide use of geographical names makes them relevant for all SDGs.
The Geographical Names theme may comprise attributes of feature types that are already in another fundamental geospatial data theme, such as Transport Networks or Water, and/or as feature types that are not yet in another theme. A named place (e.g. settlement, mountain, bay) may have several names in different languages. Many named features have indeterminate boundaries but, where feasible, their delineation should be included.