With data.census.gov, we continue to collect, prepare, edit, and review data, but it is disseminated through the Census Bureau’s API on a single platform. This streamlined approach means that data users have access to the Census Bureau data and content in a single place.

The data.census.gov platform is built on the Census Data application programming interface, or API, which provides users with direct access to the data they want. As data users search, they will be making direct calls to the data, metadata, and geospatial services in a way that was not done through American FactFinder (AFF). This transition away from a table-based system, like AFF, towards a single-cell based system, creates new opportunities for data visualizations, maps, and other data displays that data users need.

As more data and content become available in the standardized format through the Census Data API and, subsequently, data.census.gov, data users will discover that they have more choices and greater flexibility. In addition, this transition is standardizing access to aggregate micro data sets, like the Public Use Micro data (PUMS) files, which are available through data.census.gov.

The long term goal is to integrate data.census.gov with the main Census webpage, census.gov, to create a seamless data user experience, where data are accessible using a single search bar. Until that time, data.census.gov will remain a stand-alone search platform while development continues in improving the site.

The Census Bureau is using an Agile development process that relies on incremental progress and user feedback, rather than the traditional “waterfall” methodology of gathering requirements first, and then building and releasing for review once the system is complete. This Agile approach allows for continuous improvement to the site every two months, as the cycle of building, reviewing, releasing, and incorporating feedback repeats. The end result will be a customer-driven experience.