Maps and GIS
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Introduction
Maps and GIS topics include interactive mapping tools and GIS data and shapefiles.
Interactive Maps
TIGERweb is a web-based application for viewing Census geography in an interactive format. Users can zoom to an area of interest, turn geographic layers on and off, and identify features.
Many Census surveys include variables that can be mapped through the Census Bureau's primary data dissemination tool, data.census.gov.
The Census Bureau also offers numerous program-specific interactive mapping tools.
GIS Data
The data files discussed here require the use of a GIS application such as ESRI's ArcGIS or QGIS.
The Census Bureau's Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) products provide the public with spatial data for use in GIS. TIGER shapefiles do not include demographic data, but they do contain GEOIDs that can be joined to demographic data downloaded from data.census.gov.
Download TIGER/Line Shapefiles here.
A limited set of TIGER/Line Shapefiles are available with selected data items in a geodatabase.
Download TIGER/Line with Selected Demographic and Economic Data here.
The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) at the University of Minnesota provides access to historic and current geographic boundaries. Users are required to register, but then may freely download data.
The KyGeoNet is Kentucky's clearinghouse for geospatial data resources. A variety of datasets can be located and downloaded, static map products can be viewed, and many web mapping applications and services are easily accessible.