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Geography Tools

The Census Bureau has several tools to help you visualize American Community Survey data and/or identify geographic boundaries.  Learn more about them below.

data.census.gov Online Mapping

The U.S. Census Bureau's main data dissemination platform, data.census.gov, has an internet mapping application. Maps are derived from pre-tabulated data housed within the platform, providing you with many opportunities to geographically visualize the data. You can customize the maps and easily switch between data variables, products, and geographies. 

data.census.gov Mapping

TIGERweb

The TIGERweb mapping application allows the users to visualize our TIGER (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) data. The application allows users to select features and view their attributes, to search for features by name or geocode, and to identify features by selecting them from a map. The TIGERweb application provides a simple way to view our TIGER data without having to download the data.

TIGERweb

TIGER/Line with Selected Demographic and Economic data

The files are available pre-joined with select ACS 5-year estimates in a geodatabase format.

TIGER/Line with Selected Demographic and Economic data

TIGER/Line Shapefiles

TIGER/Line Shapefiles allow you to select a specific geography and vintage. You can overlay two different vintages within the GIS environment to visually or spatially detect any boundary changes between years. While shapefiles are the most flexible and comprehensive resource available, they are recommended only for experienced users of GIS software.

TIGER/Line Shapefiles

Cartographic Boundary Files

The cartographic boundary files are simplified representations of selected TIGER data. These boundary files are specifically designed for small scale thematic mapping. As of 2019, cartographic boundary files are available in shapefile, geodatabase, and KML format. To improve the appearance of shapes, areas are represented with fewer vertices than detailed TIGER/Line equivalents. They are clipped to a simplified version of the U.S. outline. These files should not be used for geographic analysis including area or perimeter calculation, geocoding addresses, or determining precise geographic area relationships.

Cartographic Boundary Files

Page Last Revised - March 13, 2024
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