Cartographic Support for the 2010 Decennial Census of the United States

As this article is published, the U.S. Census Bureau is completing work for the twenty third decennial census of the United States. Once again, the MAF/TIGER system served as the geospatial infrastructure supporting numerous census operations and data collection, tabulation, and dissemination activities. From data collection to data dissemination we trace the recent activities of the 2010 Decennial Census of the United States to illustrate the role maps and geospatial data play in an increasing variety of public and private sector activities across the nation. To ensure a successful 2010 Census, millions of maps had to be created. This article will give an overview of the automated mapping system designed to create these maps. This includes a discussion about associated software needed and the variety of map types that were developed. Finally, future map production and geospatial activities at the Census Bureau will be discussed.