Miscellaneous Information
Various Identification Codes ...
GNIS Codes ...
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) was created to address the problems caused by spelling and naming variations. The BGN will usually recognize an existing name or, when necessary, chose a new name for a geographic feature (such as a mountain, lake, river, stream, city, town, village, dam, bridge, etc).
The BGN names are kept in a database called the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and it is the official Federal repository. The GNIS is operated and maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
A unique and permanent number has been assigned for each name in the GNIS database. These names and identifiers are definitive and it is intended that they are to be used by all departments of the Federal Government:
GNIS ID for Desert Wind: 2058350
GNIS ID for Maricopa County: 37026
GNIS ID for Arizona: 1779777
FIPS Codes ...
In a past effort, various federal agencies created a set of codes with a purpose similar to the GNIS codes. These codes are called the Federal Information Processing Standard (or the FIPS 55 codes). Although they are still used by some organizations, the FIPS codes are obsolete and will ultimately be replaced by the GNIS codes.
While FIPS codes have been assigned to all counties and states, a specific code has not been assigned to Desert Wind. The following FIPS codes apply to the State and County:
| State Code: | 04 (Arizona) |
| County Code: | 013 (Maricopa County) |
GPS Location - GNIS Coordinates ...
An important aspect of the GNIS code is that it assigns a GPS location (the latitude/longitude) to the geographic feature. This location is simply a point on the map and does not represent the size or shape of the feature. In the case of Desert Wind, it is a point within Desert Wind that might be a post office, the city hall or simply an intersection - the point should really be considered arbitrary and only indicating a general location.
For Desert Wind, the GNIS GPS location is given as:
Lat: 33° 46' 13" (or 33.77°)
Lon: -111° 58' 10" (or -111.97°)
Regional Codes ...
For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Desert Wind is located in Region #4 (the West Region).
In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Desert Wind is located in Division #8 (the Mountain Division).
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Desert Wind is located in Region IX (Region 9).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Desert Wind is located in Region IX (Region 9).
Referenced GNIS Records ...
GNIS ID #2058350 (Name of Record: Desert Wind)
Class: populated place
A place or area having clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent population (such as a city, settlement, town or village). The boundaries may or may not coincide with the perceived population.
A 'populated place' record may have a corresponding 'census' or 'civil' record. The information contained in the 'populated place' record applies only to the class and should not be confused with either the 'census' and 'civil' classes.
County: Maricopa
Map Name: Cave Creek
Lat: 33.7703167 Lon: -111.9695923
Elev: 600 ft.
Off-the-Road Links ...
Unfortunately, we don't know of a website for Desert Wind. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.
The official website for Maricopa County: www.maricopa.gov/
The official website for State of Arizona: https://az.gov/
The official website of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN)
The official website of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The official website of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The official website of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)