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The primary geographic reference system of people throughout the world is the use of proper names in spoken and written language to identify particular places, features, and areas of the landscape. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names and the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names were established over 85 years ago by their respective Federal Governments to establish and maintain uniform name usage to meet the needs of expanding mapping programs. In today's complex and mobile societies the need for accurate and standard geographic name usage has become a requirement, not only for all levels of government, but also for planning and reference in industry, commerce, communications, education, and research. For large numbers of people, geographic names also have strong psychological and cultural significance and represent a significant part of State and local heritage. Local governments and their citizens have certain proprietary rights and an inherent interest in their own names.