GEODE (Geo-Data Explorer) “http://geode.usgs.gov” is an Internet-based, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data delivery system that provides users a fast, accessible, spatial research and analysis tool that allows the user to perform resource estimates, risk assessment, and environmental studies without the need for special hardware, software, or training.

GEODE uses a custom Geographic Information System (GIS) interface developed by the USGS that allows policy-makers, land/resource managers, educators, private industry, and others to search for maps and databases, create custom map and data downloads, control map appearances, and display multiple layers of data for analysis. GEODE can be accessed through any Internet connection in either an HTML or Java format. GEODE consolidates data from a variety of sources in order to simplify the data retrieval and decision-making process. The GEODE application allows users to perform basic GIS functions including: measuring distances, building buffer layers, and spatial and attribute queries. In addition, GEODE provides data from the USGS Geologic Discipline, including selected data on volcanoes, earthquakes, geologic maps, climate change, ecosystems, minerals, coastal, and marine issues. These data sets may be combined with additional data layers and imagery such as satellite images, aerial photography, digital elevation models, transportation systems, census tracts, and population data. GEODE has the capability to access dynamic databases because the functionality of the application is independent of the type or location of the database.