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From paper maps to TIGER: Census geography’s digital evolution
Summary
Speakers traced TIGER’s development from an 1980s project to modern TIGERLine files, viewers and geodatabases, emphasizing open data and national mapping infrastructure that support many Census products.
Speakers at the GeoForum described TIGER (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) as the Census Bureau’s foundational mapping system, developed with the United States Geological Survey for the 1990 decennial census. Andrea Johnson, acting chief of the geography division, said TIGER replaced paper and proprietary maps with “open standardized topologically sound digital geographic data,” enabling public access to nationwide geographic layers.
Johnson outlined the evolution of TIGER delivery formats—from ASCII to shapefiles and modern geodatabases—and previewed upcoming TIGER products and viewers (TIGERweb) that the bureau will present later in the forum. She said the bureau continues to expand interactive applications and said presenters Kevin Holly and Suzanne McCardle would discuss new mapping products during the day.
