Geography FAQs

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Geography FAQs

The U.S. Census Bureau has a long history of geographic innovation. James D.B. DeBow produced the first map in a census publication in 1854, and by the end of the 19th century, the first statistical atlases were produced. In the 20th century, innovations in computing enhanced the ability to produce maps and link maps and global positioning systems.

These questions are some of the most frequently asked about the Census Bureau's geographic programs.

To aid in collecting data during the 1990 census, the Census Bureau developed the "Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing" (TIGER) system. Using the U.S. Geological Survey's maps, TIGER added additional information (roads, rivers, railroads, etc.) to create maps that are the basis for the global positioning systems many drivers have on the dashboards of their automobiles.

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The Census Bureau's History Web Site has a number of historic maps available online in its Reference section. Links to additional resources are also available in this section.

Historical Maps

Since the Census Bureau first published a map of the continental U.S. in 1854, the agency has employed the latest technology to visually display census data.

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