Non-spatial, attribute, and tabular data
Non-spatial data (also known as attribute or tabular data) is information independent of the spatial component of GIS data. Bringing this data into the GIS environment is a powerful and essential tool for expanding geospatial research.
"Joins" can be used to attach tables to existing shapefiles based on a common field, giving them new geography. For example, an excel dataset of income could be joined to a shapefile of census blocks, which combines the two and provides the excel data with spatial context.
The University of Arizona provides several tools for searching, visualizing, and aggregating large datasets on a map platform. Both PolicyMap and Social Explorer are available using a NetID login. To determine which is best suited for specific research, compare the data dictionary of the two services: PolicyMap Data Dictionary; Social Explorer Data Dictionary.
PolicyMap
PolicyMap provides over 50,000 indicators from hundreds of sources, including data from governments, healthcare, universities, nonprofits, libraries, and more. It is best used to map contemporary policy and demographic issues and includes data from the last 20 to 30 years. PolicyMap works well at a local level but can also be used at a national scale. It is a state-of-the-art data and analytics engine. PolicyMap users are both non-GIS professionals as well data-literate practitioners and researchers.
PolicyMap can be accessed by using a University of Arizona NetID login.
Social Explorer
Social Explorer provides easy access to demographic information about the United States. Based around US Census data, there are thousands of interactive data maps going back to 1790. It is best used to search for historical census data, with datasets dating back to the first census. Social Explorer works well at a national level but can also be used at a local scale.
Social Explorer can be accessed by using a University of Arizona NetID login. Also see Social Explorer guides.
U.S. Census Bureau
The U.S. Census Bureau, with surveys such as the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey, is an essential source for non-spatial datasets. Unfortunately, the Census Bureau data explorer can be hard to navigate and lacks a straightforward way to visualize data before download.
Census Data
A comprehensive search interface for data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau including demographics, housing, business, and industry. Data is provided as text files, but they will need joined to census-level geographic regions to be used in a GIS. Learn more about deep linking of URL data.
U.S. Census Bureau GIS Data
Download center for U.S. Census Bureau geographic data and products. Data includes official cartographic boundary files, geographic relationship files, and reference and thematic maps.
U.S. Census Bureau Census Explorer
Web map provided by the U.S. Census Bureau displaying American Community Survey statistics including median household income, total population, foreign born, and education level by state, county, or census tract for the 1990, 2000, or 2010 national census.
National Historical Geographic Information
System
(NHGIS) provides easy access to summary tables and time series of population, housing, agriculture, and economic data, along with GIS-compatible mapping files, for years from 1790 through the present and for all levels of U.S. census geography, including states, counties, tracts, and blocks.
SafeGraph
SafeGraph is a data company that collects and provides data for various uses, including demographic analysis, shopping, advertising, real estate, and more. SafeGraph combines Census data with POI (point of interest) data to map consumer trends and businesses.
Some of SafeGraph's data is available to academics. You can view their academic portal, or download free census data and datasets.