The purpose of Geographic Programs (GEOP) operation was to provide the geographic foundation in support of the 2020 Census data collection and tabulation activities within the Master Address File (MAF)/ Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) System. The MAF/TIGER System (software applications and databases) serves as the national repository for all the spatial, geographic, and residential address data needed for census and survey data collection, data tabulation, data dissemination, geocoding services, and map production.

Components of the GEOP operation included Geographic Delineations, Geographic Partnership Programs, and Geographic Data Processing. These three programs serve as the backbone for conducting a complete and accurate census. The Geographic Delineations component determines, delineates, and updates geographic area boundaries serving two purposes during the 2020 Census: data collection and data tabulation. The Geographic Partnership component provides an opportunity for tribal, state, and local governments, and coordinating agencies, to review and improve the legal and statistical boundaries used to tabulate the 2020 Census, and the Geographic Data Processing program processes and creates products, services, and updates to the MAF/TIGER System.  

The results of this operational assessment conclude that contributions from Census Bureau staff and local participants updated addresses, boundaries, and features. The Geographic Delineations portion of the Geographic Programs operation provided complete collection and tabulation geographic coverage allowing for accurate data collection in the field and in external data reporting. Within the Geographic Partnership Programs, partnerships with various sized governments for their input on boundaries ensured more meaningful data collection, and the MAF/TIGER System, as part of Geographic Data Processing, was flexible and able to adapt various schedule changes.