PCGN

PCGN, or the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names, is an advisory body established by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN). Its primary function is to provide guidance and recommendations on the standardization of geographical names, particularly in the context of international cartography and geographic information systems. The committee was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

The PCGN operates under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and is composed of experts from various countries and disciplines, including cartography, linguistics, and geography. Its members are elected by the UNGEGN and serve for a term of four years.

The PCGN's work is guided by the principles of clarity, consistency, and accuracy in the use of geographical names. It provides recommendations on the romanization of non-Latin scripts, the transliteration of names from one script to another, and the standardization of names in multilingual contexts. The committee also addresses issues related to the naming of newly discovered or renamed geographical features.

The PCGN's recommendations are not binding, but they are widely adopted by international organizations, governments, and private sector entities involved in cartography and geographic information systems. The committee's work is essential for ensuring the consistency and accuracy of geographical names in international maps, atlases, and databases, facilitating communication and cooperation in the global community.