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Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) Response Methods
Digital BAS
Digital BAS is designed to accept submissions from experienced geographic information system (GIS) users. Participants create change polygons utilizing geoprocessing functions available in most GIS software. The Digital BAS must be submitted in a prescribed standard format described in the Digital BAS Respondent Guide [PDF].
Download option: Participants may Download Shapefiles and Digital BAS Respondent Guide [PDF].
CD/DVD option: Participants may choose to receive shapefiles and Digital Respondent Guide on CD/DVD.
Note: Downloaded data and mailed data are identical.
To participate in 2013 BAS using the MTPS CD/DVD option, participants must notify the Census Bureau by February 15, 2013 to allow adequate time for material creation and shipment before the March 1, 2013 deadline. If you do not request materials by February 15, 2013 you have until April 15, 2013 to still request materials to allow adequate time for material creation and shipment before the May 31, 2013 deadline. Changes submitted after March 1, 2013 will be processed per the BAS Schedule.
Please contact the Census Bureau by phone at (800) 972-5651 or by e-mail at geo.bas@census.gov for more information or to request materials.
MAF/TIGER Partnership Software (MTPS)
MTPS is a PC-based software application for participants to digitally update Census Bureau maps and forms. Participants do not need to have GIS experience or software in order to respond using the MTPS.
Note: Experienced GIS users generally prefer Digital BAS.
Download option: Participants may download the MTPS and the accompanying data. For more information, please follow the link to the MTPS download page. Users may also download the MTPS Respondent Guide [PDF].
CD/DVD option: Participants may choose to receive a CD containing the software and corresponding data to install on their computer. To request the MTPS CD/DVD option, please contact the Census Bureau by phone at (800) 972-5651 or by e-mail at geo.bas@census.gov.
Note: Downloaded data and mailed data are identical.
MAF/TIGER Partnership Software (MTPS) FAQs and Tips
To participate in 2013 BAS using the MTPS CD/DVD option, participants must notify the Census Bureau by February 15, 2013 to allow adequate time for material creation and shipment before the March 1, 2013 deadline. If you do not request materials by February 15, 2013 you have until April 15, 2013 to still request materials to allow adequate time for material creation and shipment before the May 31, 2013 deadline. Changes submitted after March 1, 2013 will be processed per the BAS Schedule.
Please contact the Census Bureau by phone at (800) 972-5651 or by e-mail at geo.bas@census.gov for more information.
Paper BAS
Participants update their boundary and geographic information on paper maps. There are two options for Paper BAS. The first, preferred, option is for the participant to download and print the maps from the BAS web site. The second option is for the participant to request paper maps from the Census Bureau by returning their Annual Response form or Respond Online. In order to reduce the cost of this survey, the Census Bureau requests that participants view their maps online before requesting paper maps. If there are no changes to report, the Census Bureau asks participants to return only the “No Change” postcard provided with their materials.
There are seven steps involved in updating paper BAS materials, including:
- Reviewing and updating (if necessary) the geographic information on the BAS form
- Reviewing and annotating the map with boundary changes and corrections
- Annotating the address breaks at the intersection of roads and boundaries
- Annotating point and area landmark changes, additions and deletions
- Signing the updated maps
- Returning the updated maps and completed BAS forms
Paper BAS Respondent Guide [PDF]
To participate in 2013 BAS using the Paper BAS option, participants must notify the Census Bureau by April 15, 2013 to allow adequate time for material creation and shipment. Please contact the Census Bureau by phone at (800) 972-5651 or by e-mail at geo.bas@census.gov for more information.
Submitting a No Change Response
If your entity does not have any changes to report for the 2013 BAS cycle, you may notify the Census Bureau by responding online, e-mailing geo.bas@census.gov, phoning 1-800-972-5651, returning the Annual Response Form, or returning the paper No Change Postcard that was included in your BAS package. If you choose to notify the Census Bureau via e-mail, please type "no boundary changes" in the subject heading and provide the following contact information for your Highest Elected Official and, if different, the BAS contact:
- Name
- Title
- Entity Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone and Fax number
- Email Address
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