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 numeric code 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 Middle Wells: 898572
GNIS ID for Hidalgo County: 929106
GNIS ID for New Mexico: 897535
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.
The following FIPS codes apply to Middle Wells:
| Place (Community) Code: | 48445 |
| State Code: | 35 (New Mexico) |
| County Code: | 023 (Hidalgo County) |
Since the Place and County FIPS codes are not unique and can be repeated in other States, it's necessary to combine the State code with the Place and County FIPS codes to uniquely identify them - for example:
| State/Place Code: | 35/48445 |
| State/County Code: | 35/023 |
As already mentioned, the FIPS codes are to be replaced by the GNIS codes. The following reflect those changes:
| FIPS Code | translates to | GNIS Code | |
| State of New Mexico: | 35 | 897535 | |
| Hidalgo County: | 35/023 | 929106 | |
| Middle Wells: | 35/48445 | 898572 |
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 Middle Wells, it is a point within Middle Wells 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 Middle Wells, the GNIS GPS location is given as:
Lat: 31° 40' 11" (or 31.67°)
Lon: -108° 50' 3" (or -108.83°)
Regional Codes ...
For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Middle Wells is located in Region #4 (the West Region).
In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Middle Wells is located in Division #8 (the Mountain Division).
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Middle Wells is located in Region VI (Region 6).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Middle Wells is located in Region VI (Region 6).
Referenced GNIS Records ...
GNIS ID #898572 (Name of Record: Middle Wells)
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: Hidalgo
Map Name: Animas Peak NE
Lat: 31.6698204 Lon: -108.8342187
Elev: 1477 ft.
Referenced FIPS Records ...
FIPS Code: 35/48445 (Place Name: Middle Wells)
County: Hidalgo (FIPS State/County: 35/023)
Class: U6
Identifies a populated place (ie- Middle Wells) that is wholly or substantially located outside the boundaries of any incorporated place or CDP (Census Designated Place) that has an authoritative common name recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Off-the-Road Links ...
Unfortunately, we don't know of a website for Middle Wells. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.
The official website for State of New Mexico: www.newmexico.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. Census Bureau
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)