The IBGE introduces the second volume of the "Glossary of general terms of the geographical names used in the systematic mapping of Brazil" as part of the Program of Permanent Updating of the Brazilian Continuous Cartographic Base on the scale of 1:250,000 (1 cm = 2.5 km). The complete publication can be accessed on link http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/pt/biblioteca-catalogo?view=detalhes&id=288835.

Geographical names are the proper names of the anthropic or natural geographical elements (for example, São Francisco River, Santos Dumont Airport), joining a general term (for example, river, airport) and a specific term that individualizes them (for example, São Francisco, Santos Dumont).

Organized in volumes according to the mapping scale, the "Glossary of general terms of the geographical names" aims at meeting the demands on the meaning of the general terms registered in the systematic mapping of Brazil and their regional features, as well as helping to standardize the collection of geographical names.

This second volume gathers 174 entries, defining the general names available in the Brazilian Continuous Cartographic Base on the scale of 1:250,000 - BC250, as well as a list in which the terms related to the classification of localities defined by the IBGE (villages, towns, cities, etc.) are registered.

Launched in 2010, the first volume had already introduced the definitions and concepts of the general terms available in the Brazilian Continuous Cartographic Base to the Millionth - BCIM. More information on link https://www.ibge.gov.br/english/geociencias/cartografia/BCIM.shtm).

Geographical names are relevant cultural landmarks and express an effective appropriation of a place by a specific group. They are also powerful cultural elements of a people. Geographical names are considered a heritage, since patterns of occupation, identity and linguistic diversity may be identified through them. The lack of standardization implies the lack of subsidies for documentation and disputes in territorial and registration issues, among other implications.