XML.

Primary attributes are available from the GNIS XML service. Instructions: Insert desired parameter value(s) in single quotes following the equals sign. Do not change or delete unused parameters. Parameter definitions: fname = feature name. (Exact match. Not case sensitive.) state = state name. (Exact match. Case sensitive.) cnty = county name. (Exact match. Not case sensitive.) cell = USGS standard topographic map name. (Exact match. Not case sensitive.) ftype = feature type (class). See the GNIS public query page (http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/). The pick list for feature class contains the values. Note that the value (populated place) in the pick list is abbreviated (ppl) in the data. See question 14, How can I acquire GNIS data?, of our FAQ (http://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/faqs.htm) for more details and sample URLs. As currently implemented, it is for relatively small data set queries not for mass downloads. It does not include all attributes. Customized files of large data sets also can be provided on request in most standard formats. The data is presented in format XML.