Research Guides: Finding & Using U.S. Census Data: Map Making

Why map data?

Typically, maps are the most effective way to display and communicate geographical data. There are several tools from the Census Bureau as well as FSU Libraries that are available to help you create maps with data from the U.S. Census.

Mapping Resources

Social Explorer (1 concurrent user limit) This link opens in a new window
Note: Only 1 simultaneous user is allowed. Contains historical decennial census data for the United States from 1790 to the latest census, the American Community Survey, the American Religious Bodies (ASARB), and InfoGroup for latest religion data. Able to create reports and download data in convenient formats quickly and easily. Engagement between society and science.
Tutorials:
Social Explorer LibGuide

Abbreviation: socex
Vendor: Center for Research Libraries
Subjects: Anthropology, Communication, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Demography and Population Studies, Economics, Geography, Human Development & Family Science, Information Studies, International Affairs, Law, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration and Policy, Public Health, Social Work, Urban and Regional Planning
Type: Datasets / Statistics, Directories, Encyclopedias & Dictionaries, Government Publications, Historical / Primary Sources, Maps

Census Explorer
Mapping tool created by the Census Bureau allows mapping on a limited number of topics from 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses and the 2012 5 year American Community Survey.
American Factfinder
The new American Factfinder has excellent mapping capabilities. The site can sometimes be slow or buggy, so be patient. You can control classification (breaks), colors, and transparency of the main variable you are mapping. You can also control what other information appears on the map, including adding labels, boundaries, and text callouts. Output options are varied, though no vector graphics output is available.

Finding & Using U.S. Census Data

Why map data?

Mapping Resources

Making Maps with Social Explorer