Internet-based clearinghouses
Geographic data is increasingly available over the internet at publicly-accessible
clearinghouses. These websites typically list data elements, metadata (or
other kinds of "data about the data" that describe source, date,
projection, and limitations) and instructions on how to access specific files.
Some websites are limited to public data; others also include private data
that is available for purchase. We expect the role of internet-based clearinghouses
as a data distribution mechanism will continue to grow over time. For more
information and links to clearinghouses, see the "Data Resources"
on our website: http://cml.upenn.edu. (top)
2000 Census data
Data from the 2000 Census is being released in phases, starting with the general
population counts required for legislative redistricting in 2001. Other summary
files with more detailed demographic and geographic breakdowns will follow
over the next two years. Data from the 2000 Census will be widely available
in electronic formats over the internet. Frequently requested 2000 Census
data elements will be available over the web through
the
American Fact Finder website.
This menu-driven site is designed to make it easy for the public to customize requests and download data. In addition to tabular data, American Fact Finder includes an internet map server application that allows users to generate maps over the web. This tool will allow users to visualize spatial relationships in the data without requiring any formal GIS training or specialized GIS software.
The Penn Library
also maintains a website with information about the
2000 Census. This
page provides quick links to Census 2000 resources developed by the Penn Library
or provided through other web publishers, including the U.S. Bureau of the
Census.
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Publicly accessible (unrestricted) datasets
A limited number of unrestricted datasets and shapefiles are available through
the CML. These include:
. 1990 Census data
• Wessex data (for 1990 Census shapefiles)
• Philadelphia shapefiles (this site, "GIS Data Resources")
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Geographic data from CML research projects
With the exception of publicly accessible (unrestricted) data, any dataset
and/or shapefile developed through a CML research project belongs to the project's
Principal Investigator (PI).
The CML will defer to the PI regarding who may access the data.
CML Access
Policy:
Requests to access data by persons not directly involved with the project
must be made in writing to the Principal Investigator (PI). The PI must authorize
access to specific project databases, shapefiles or data elements in writing
to the Managing Director of the CML. The CML will copy and distribute the
data according to the written instructions from the PI.
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Data obtained from Third Parties
The CML may obtain data from third parties such as city agencies or private
vendors. In some cases, the original owners of the data may put restrictions
on its use or distribution (e.g., grant permission to use a shapefile for
a specific project only.) The CML respects the rights of its data providing
partners to control use and distribution of their data and will honor all
agreements regarding data use and access.
CML Access
Policy:
The CML will uphold all commitments it makes with third parties concerning
restrictions on the use and reuse of data. Persons requesting access to restricted
files must obtain written permission from the original owner of the
data expressly authorizing the CML to release it to specifically named individuals.
The authorization should include: the of the person who is granting the CML
permission to share data, a description of the specific data to be shared
and the name of the person who is to be on the receiving end of the data.
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Comments or questions
about this policy should be directed to:
Marlen Kokaz
GIS Director
Cartographic Modeling Lab
University of Pennsylvania
mkokaz@sp2.upenn.edu
(215) 746-3241
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