GeoMapSuite
GIS & Formats

FIPS Geographic Identification Code

Direct Definition: Federal Information Processing Series (FIPS) codes are standard numeric identifiers maintained by NIST and the US Census Bureau to uniquely identify states, counties, and census tracts across the United States.

Technical Details & Mathematical Formulation

State FIPS codes are 2 digits (e.g., 06 for California, 48 for Texas), while County FIPS codes are 3 digits. Combined 5-digit county codes (e.g., 06075 for San Francisco County) provide unique, stable geographic joins in GIS databases.

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Related Geodetic Concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

People Also Ask About FIPS Geographic Identification Code

Answers to key questions, technical definitions, and practical geodetic applications.

QWhat does the term "FIPS Geographic Identification Code" mean?

Federal Information Processing Series (FIPS) codes are standard numeric identifiers maintained by NIST and the US Census Bureau to uniquely identify states, counties, and census tracts across the United States.

QWhat is the mathematical or technical basis of FIPS Geographic Identification Code?

State FIPS codes are 2 digits (e.g., 06 for California, 48 for Texas), while County FIPS codes are 3 digits. Combined 5-digit county codes (e.g., 06075 for San Francisco County) provide unique, stable geographic joins in GIS databases.

QHow do professionals use FIPS Geographic Identification Code in GIS and surveying?

Cartographers, geospatial software engineers, and navigators utilize FIPS Geographic Identification Code to guarantee mathematical precision and consistent spatial reference frames across global datasets.

QWhich category of geodesy does FIPS Geographic Identification Code belong to?

This concept is cataloged under the "GIS & Formats" domain in the GeoMap Suite cartographic knowledge index.

QCan I test or calculate FIPS Geographic Identification Code on GeoMap Suite?

Yes. You can test live coordinates and see practical examples using our companion County Lookup Tool tool.

QWhat are key concepts related to FIPS Geographic Identification Code?

Directly related terms include Spatial Reference System.