The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) is a membership-based organization providing access to the world's largest archive of computer-based research and instructional data for the social sciences. The archive of data sets includes a broad range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, demography, economics, history, education, gerontology, criminal justice, public health, foreign policy, and law.
LandScan is a global population database that shows geographical distribution of population at one-kilometer resolution over an average 24-hour period. Demographic (age, race, sex) and socioeconomic characteristics are integrated with population data to allow integration with risk and impact assessment models. 2011-2013.
LandScan is a unique data set showing population distribution, developed by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and distributed by East View Information Services. The data represents ambient population (combined for night and day) at one-kilometer resolution. Details of age and gender are also provided at certain geographic scales. The data can be limited by state, country, region, or global level. A search can also be customized based on individually defined pixel points. Only the latest data is provided.
The information is derived from a combination of census data, algorithmic projections, and satellite imagery. The population calculations come from ORNL’s LandScan USA database (high resolution data derived at 3 arc-second ~90 meters), which is compiled for the Homeland Security Infrastructure Program (HSIP). High-resolution image sources include the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Controlled Image Base (CIB). The data is displayed in GIS raster format (ESRI Grid). In 2011, East View obtained an exclusive license for all distribution of this database outside of internal government uses.
In the web application, selection of a specific geographic region results in graphic visualization of the population levels, in addition to charts representing population distribution by age and gender. Background views can be set to show topography, maps, or satellite imagery. Land cover features are shown, as well as buildings and other elements in more densely populated areas.
PolicyMap provides data through interactive maps about communities and markets across the U.S., for research, market studies, business planning, site selection, grant applications, and impact analysis.
Videos and tutorials about using PolicyMap are available on the Support Page. For information on PolicyMap datasets, visit Data Indicators.
The Roper Center indexes questions and response data from public opinion polls and academic surveys. Polls are available in HTML and PDF; data sets can be downloaded as text or SPSS files. Many results can be viewed as interactive cross tabulations. You must create a profile and sign in to download data sets. 1930s-present.
SimplyAnalytics is a web-based mapping and data analysis application designed for non-technical as well as advanced users to create interactive thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data. There are thousands of data variables related to demographics, employment, housing, market segments, businesses, consumer spending, brand preferences, and public health.
VT users are not required to log-in with a user name and password--simply click "Sign in as a guest". However, your work will not be saved unless you create an account.
Social Explorer provides visualizations of social science data sets, including the US census and the American Community Survey.
Tools and features
Visualize data with customizable, user-friendly maps, allowing unparalleled exploration of demographic and social change, revealing the patterns buried in raw numbers.
Create thematic and interactive maps that explore all historical and modern US census data across the centuries and even down to street level detail (where available).
Locate geographies with the address find tool.
Export, save, and print maps and reports for professional-looking reports, presentations, and graphics. High-resolution images are available and any presentation can be exported directly to PowerPoint.
Create multi-map presentations with the interactive slideshow tool for in-depth comparisons and story-telling.
Graph and chart data with easy on-screen tools to investigate the data and communicate your findings.
Save projects in your personal MyExplorer account for archiving, collaboration, and more.
Share your creations in presentations and online. Maps can be shared through e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter, and embedded in websites.
Create data reports at all geographic levels, including state, county, census tract, block group, zip code, and census place (where the data exist).
Download data to a variety of file formats for use with your favorite statistical package. Our reports automatically calculate aggregates, percentages, inflation adjustments, and medians to save time and eliminate errors.
No software to install or maintain, making it hassle-free for librarians and users. The site works entirely on the web and provides many basic GIS and data manipulation functions.
An ideal teaching resource that employs an engaging visual approach to demographic information for courses across the social sciences, and trusted by Pearson Publishing as a leader in social science online learning.
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