Mapping the United States: Telling Stories With Statistics

• Activity Number: 401
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Graphics
• Author(s): Michael R. Ratcliffe*+
• Companies: U.S. Census Bureau
• Keywords: Mapping ; Census ; Visualization ; Geography ; Statistical Graphics ; History

Abstract

The Census Bureau has a long history of mapping to support collection, dissemination, and visualization of statistical data for the United States and its territories. Although not formally tasked to be a national mapping agency, the Census Bureau has long been a leader within the federal government in the development of methods for mapping statistical data as well as development of geographic information and spatial databases to support mapping and related geographic information products. Mapping activities at the Census Bureau include production of millions of mapsheets to support field data collection, reference maps for data users, a wide variety of traditional thematic maps, and, increasingly, web-based mapping tools. In this paper, I will provide an overview of the Census Bureau's historical legacy in mapping the United States, and will discuss new directions in development of maps and mapping tools to support data analysis and data visualization, including the challenge of effectively communicating statistical uncertainty on maps.