As agreed in a meeting on July 27, 2022, the Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru is now officially recognized as the body from which the BGN will receive information regarding geographic names for Guam. Historically, they received input from a variety of sources including the Department of Defense and the Department of Interior. Any information regarding official changes and future geographic changes will be accepted by the BGN Census Bureau / Civil Division if they come from the Kumisión.
Political jurisdictions like the municipalities (or villages) or the island itself (Guam, not Guåhan) will only change if accompanied by legal action from the Government of Guam. The recent changes to five village names have been submitted in accordance with Guam Public Law. The name change to Hagåtña will automatically change to Hagåtña River, but will not affect Agana Heights. The river is a geographical feature whereas the latter is a political jurisdiction.
Names for facilities, buildings, and parks will continue to be recognized. For example, Joseph Flores Park will continue to be part of the mapping. However, if the Kumisión decided to regularize place names in accordance with the Orthography, Joseph Flores Park will be located in Ipao and not Ypao.
Future federal government maps and information as listed in the GNIS will follow the decisions of the Kumisión if the Kumisión proceeds in accordance with its own processes as required by Guam Public Law. Internet mapping will likely follow the lead of the Kumisión as reflected in the GNIS.
You may access maps of Municipalities and Water Basins in Guam below.