# USGS National Map Corps

USGS's crowdsourced mapping corps: volunteers of any age edit and verify structures like schools, fire stations, and trailheads in the official National Map, earning virtual badges for accepted edits.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://edits.nationalmap.gov/tnmcorps/ |

## About this program

# USGS National Map Corps

The National Map Corps (TNMCorps) is the U.S. Geological Survey's citizen-mapping program: an online crowdsourcing project whose volunteers edit and verify structure data - schools, hospitals, post offices, fire and EMS stations, campgrounds, trailheads, and more - across all US states and territories. Volunteer edits feed the USGS National Structures Database, The National Map, and ultimately the US Topo maps used by agencies and the public.

## What You'll Do

- Sign up on the TNMCorps editor and work through the user guide and quick-start documentation
- Verify, correct, add, or remove structure points using aerial imagery and authoritative sources
- Join themed mapping challenges that direct volunteers to areas needing attention
- Earn recognition through the program's virtual badges as your accepted edits accumulate

## Who Should Apply

Per USGS, 'Anyone with an interest in contributing can volunteer' - all you need is 'access to the internet, an email address, and a willingness to learn.' It is a good fit for students into geography, GIS, and public data who want flexible, self-paced federal volunteering they can do in short sessions.

## Outcomes

Volunteers make verifiable contributions to official government map products - edits that appear in nationally published data - while building GIS-adjacent skills that transfer to geography, urban planning, and data careers. Participation is year-round with no deadlines, and the program's newsletter documents active challenges and volunteer accomplishments.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for USGS National Map Corps?

USGS National Map Corps is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is USGS National Map Corps online or in person?

USGS National Map Corps is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to USGS National Map Corps?

Apply directly through U.S. Geological Survey's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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