With data.census.gov, we continue to collect, prepare, edit, and review data, but it is disseminated through the Census Bureau’s application programming interface (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 API, which provides users with direct access to the data they want. As data users search, they are making direct calls to the data, metadata, and geospatial services. The transition away from the previous table-based system, towards a single-cell based system, allows the site to provide users new opportunities for data visualizations, maps, and other data displays.

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. The transition also standardizes access to microdata, allowing users to create custom tables using 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, as the cycle of building, reviewing, releasing, and incorporating feedback repeats. The end result is a customer-driven experience.