WWC snapshot of http://www.census.gov/geographic.html taken on Wed May 31 20:41:55 1995
Geographic Products and TIGER
The Geography Division develops and implements geographic activities that support the Census Bureau's data collection, processing, tabulation, and dissemination programs. These activities include:
- continuous update of a nationwide, automated geographic support system called TIGER -- the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing System -- and a Master Address File (MAF)
- using TIGER and MAF information to prepare maps and computer files that support data collection and user understanding
- collecting and maintaining information about legally established geographic areas and their boundaries
- developing criteria and delineating statistical areas and their boundaries
- documenting the relationships among addresses, streets, and geographic areas, assigning addresses to the correct geographic location
- providing advice on geographic and cartographic methods and practices.
Services Currently Available
The
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Frequently Asked Questions and Info List, compiled from the discussions in the comp.infosystems.gis Usenet group and GIS-L mailing list, can be found here.
To access a wealth of other GIS resources out on the Web, check out the
GIS Gateway
page.
The Census Bureau currently uses the
Map Image Metafile (MIM)
as a vehicle to carry cartographic images through map production systems. The MIM, an ASCII coded, device independent, cartographic data format provides significant flexibility in the design and implementation of Census Bureau mapping systems.
For copies of maps and TIGER files, contact the Data User Services Division at 301.763.4100.
gatekeeper@census.gov