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, establish 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 Palo Alto: 1497068
GNIS ID for Highland County: 1673774
GNIS ID for Virginia: 1779803
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 Palo Alto:
| Place (Community) Code: | 60415 |
| State Code: | 51 (Virginia) |
| County Code: | 091 (Highland 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: | 51/60415 |
| State/County Code: | 51/091 |
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 Virginia: | 51 | 1779803 | |
| Highland County: | 51/091 | 1673774 | |
| Palo Alto: | 51/60415 | 1497068 |
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 Palo Alto, it is a point within Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, the GNIS GPS location is given as:
Lat: 38° 25' 24" (or 38.42°)
Lon: -79° 22' 13" (or -79.37°)
Regional Codes ...
For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Palo Alto is located in Region #3 (the South Region).
In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Palo Alto is located in Division #5 (the South Atlantic Division).
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Palo Alto is located in Region III (Region 3).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Palo Alto is located in Region III (Region 3).
Referenced GNIS Records ...
GNIS ID #1497068 (Name of Record: Palo Alto)
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: Highland
Map Name: Palo Alto
Lat: 38.4234558 Lon: -79.3703192
Elev: 652 ft.
Referenced FIPS Records ...
FIPS Code: 51/60415 (Place Name: Palo Alto)
County: Highland (FIPS State/County: 51/091)
Class: U6
Identifies a populated place (ie- Palo Alto) 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 Palo Alto. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.
The official website for Highland County: www.highlandcova.org/
The official website for State of Virginia: https://www.virginia.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)