scope:

This Military Standard, MIL-STD-2408, is a specialized dictionary wherein physical and conceptual earth objects/entities and their descriptive characteristics/properties are defined as Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy (MC&G) features and their associated attributes. These features and attributes are codified by the use of the Feature/Attribute Coding Standard (FACS), which is the internal coding schema used by the Defense Mapping Agency's (DMA'S) Digital Production System (DPS) to produce numerous hardcopy and digital products.

Purpose. The purpose of this standardized MC&G Glossary of feature and Attribute Definitions is to assure uniformity of treatment among mapping and charting elements, primarily DMA and its contractors, MC&G products. In order to maintain consistency between various DMA and contractor production methods, feature requirements are stated in term of the DMA's FACS. The use of FACS in this standard shall not imply any external digital data coding system (see Section 6.1). FACS is the internal coding standard used by DMS's DPS, which is the primary intended, but not exclusive, methods of production of DMA products at this time. The Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard (DIGEST) Feature Attribute Coding Catalog (FACC), not FACS, is the approved coding standard for DMA's Vector product Format (VPF) product line. FACC may be included, or even replace FACS, in future editions of this standard.

Applicability. This standard applies to both internal and contractual development efforts by the Defense Mapping Agency; and to all levels involved in the preparation and maintenance of MC&G products, whose military specifications (MILSPECs) are based upon Feature/Attribute Coding Standard (FACS).

intended Use: