More Things to See and DoMore Things to See and Do

On the Missouri Census Data On the Missouri Census Data Center Web SiteCenter Web Site

Continuing from ….Continuing from ….

Part 1 of this presentation (“Things to See and Part 1 of this presentation (“Things to See and Do…”), which looked mostly at applications in Do…”), which looked mostly at applications in the Quick Links navigation box.the Quick Links navigation box.

In this part we look mostly at applications in the In this part we look mostly at applications in the Navy Blue Navigation Box (Navy Blue Navigation Box (NB2NB2), which appears ), which appears on the left of most MCDC web pages. on the left of most MCDC web pages.

Most of these links are either to special topic Most of these links are either to special topic areas on the MCDC site, or to non-MCDC sites.areas on the MCDC site, or to non-MCDC sites.

May We Strongly Suggest…May We Strongly Suggest…

That you open a browser window and go That you open a browser window and go to the MCDC site at to the MCDC site at

http://mcdc.missouri.eduhttp://mcdc.missouri.edu

and follow along with us. and follow along with us.

The Navy Blue Navigation Box The Navy Blue Navigation Box

We won’t be looking at We won’t be looking at allall the links in the NB2. the links in the NB2.

The box is subject to The box is subject to change so don’t panic if change so don’t panic if what you see is not what you see is not exactlyexactly as shown here. as shown here.

These links tend to be to These links tend to be to pages or sites that are pages or sites that are very important. very important.

Letting Mouse Hover Over a link…Letting Mouse Hover Over a link…

Displays a brief description of what the link is Displays a brief description of what the link is about / where it will be taking you. about / where it will be taking you.

Vertical spacing separates groups of links. Vertical spacing separates groups of links.

First link (“Home”) is traditional, but usually we First link (“Home”) is traditional, but usually we provide that link at the top of our pages.provide that link at the top of our pages.

The What’s New PageThe What’s New Page

Is really more about what Is really more about what waswas new. new.

This is where we permanently store the This is where we permanently store the HighlightsHighlights items that appear down the items that appear down the middle on our home page.middle on our home page.

Stored in reverse chronological order, Stored in reverse chronological order, latest month first.latest month first.

Links to monthly items across top; links to Links to monthly items across top; links to earlier yearsearlier years across the bottom. across the bottom.

TheThe About MCDCAbout MCDC PagePage

Tells you some stuff about who we are Tells you some stuff about who we are and what we do and why we’re supposed and what we do and why we’re supposed to. to.

Important not-to-miss things on this page Important not-to-miss things on this page are:are:– The Excel files with the contact information.The Excel files with the contact information.

– Instructions for subscribing to the Instructions for subscribing to the mcdc mcdc listserv. listserv.

Access the Data ArchiveAccess the Data Archive

This is for users who This is for users who are willing and able to are willing and able to access the data per se.access the data per se.

Not for everyone.Not for everyone.

For when you want For when you want something more (or something more (or less, or different) from less, or different) from the standard products.the standard products.

The Uexplore/Dexter Home PageThe Uexplore/Dexter Home Page

AKA AKA MCDC Data ArchiveMCDC Data Archive Home Page Home Page..

4 parts to this very long page:4 parts to this very long page:– Title and links to: important note, overview Title and links to: important note, overview

doc, doc, tutorialstutorials, and , and xsamplesxsamples..– Major Category Index box ( box (bluish graybluish gray). 9 ). 9

links, all to locations on this page.links, all to locations on this page.– Recent Updates section.Recent Updates section.– Data directory with links. Split into the 9 major Data directory with links. Split into the 9 major

categories. categories.

Approaches to Uexplore/DexterApproaches to Uexplore/Dexter

Hard to separate the data collection from Hard to separate the data collection from the web tools used to access it and extract the web tools used to access it and extract from it.from it.

Learning to use these tools is as much Learning to use these tools is as much learning about the data / metadata as it is learning about the data / metadata as it is about learning to code a query.about learning to code a query.

Finding DataFinding Data

Can be very difficult unless you already Can be very difficult unless you already know what you want and have some know what you want and have some knowledge of what’s available. knowledge of what’s available.

This is where using a This is where using a Questions/CommentsQuestions/Comments button can be the best search tool. button can be the best search tool.

As we have seen, sometimes an As we have seen, sometimes an application can provide a link into dexter application can provide a link into dexter with the searching part already done. with the searching part already done.

From the MCDC Quick Tour PageFrom the MCDC Quick Tour PageThe MCDC data archive is comprised of over The MCDC data archive is comprised of over 20,000 datasets with over 80 GB of data 20,000 datasets with over 80 GB of data organized into approximately 60 data directories organized into approximately 60 data directories which we call which we call filetypesfiletypes. There are a number of . There are a number of links to overview documents and tutorials from links to overview documents and tutorials from this Uexplore home page. Following these links this Uexplore home page. Following these links will provide you with background information as will provide you with background information as well as detailed instructions on using the well as detailed instructions on using the applications, especially the data extraction applications, especially the data extraction module, Dexter.module, Dexter. … …

Example 1: Extract Poverty Data for all Counties in Example 1: Extract Poverty Data for all Counties in

Your StateYour State

A Little About DexterA Little About Dexter

Data extraction utility. User fills out a 5-Data extraction utility. User fills out a 5-section form to define the query.section form to define the query.Sec I is trivial. Sec II (filtering rows) is by Sec I is trivial. Sec II (filtering rows) is by far the most complex. (But not required).far the most complex. (But not required).Sec III is just choosing off select lists. Sec III is just choosing off select lists. Sec IV is easy and mostly cosmetics.Sec IV is easy and mostly cosmetics.Sec V is mostly more difficult than the Sec V is mostly more difficult than the others but is entirely optional. others but is entirely optional. The on-line doc is decent and The on-line doc is decent and contextually-linked.contextually-linked.

American Community SurveyAmerican Community Survey

The ACS is by far the The ACS is by far the most important survey most important survey being taken by the being taken by the Census Bureau today.Census Bureau today.

It is very important in It is very important in 2008, but nothing 2008, but nothing compared to what it will compared to what it will be starting in 2010. (be starting in 2010. ( if all if all

goes wellgoes well))

Our ACS Page: Our ACS Page: mcdc2.missouri.edu/pub/data/acs/Readme.shtmlmcdc2.missouri.edu/pub/data/acs/Readme.shtml

It is a Readme file stored as part of our data archive.It is a Readme file stored as part of our data archive.

Topics include:Topics include:

General InformationGeneral Information

Data Release Plan Based on Size of Geographic Area Data Release Plan Based on Size of Geographic Area

Currently Available DataCurrently Available Data

ACS Data ProfilesACS Data Profiles

PUMS DataPUMS Data

Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More Information American Community Survey Home PageAmerican Community Survey Home Page at the Census Bureau at the Census Bureau Ten Things to Know About the American Community SurveyTen Things to Know About the American Community Survey

Population EstimatesPopulation Estimates

Inter-censal estimates are Inter-censal estimates are a very important data a very important data source.source.The ACS numbers are The ACS numbers are adjusted so that they “fit” adjusted so that they “fit” over the Bureau’s over the Bureau’s estimates at the county estimates at the county level. level. The Mo state demographer The Mo state demographer works with the Bureau in works with the Bureau in creating the estimates for creating the estimates for Missouri. Missouri.

The MCDC Estimates Page (1)The MCDC Estimates Page (1)

http://mcdc2.missouri.edu/pub/data/popests/Curmoests.xlshttp://mcdc2.missouri.edu/pub/data/popests/Curmoests.xls

Why Estimates Can Get ComplicatedWhy Estimates Can Get Complicated

Different units (states, counties, places) Different units (states, counties, places) have different methodologies for doing the have different methodologies for doing the estimates.estimates.

Methods can change over time. Methods can change over time.

Data sources can vary from state to state.Data sources can vary from state to state.

Estimates can be revised based on Estimates can be revised based on challenges (e.g. city of St. Louis)challenges (e.g. city of St. Louis)

Why Estimates Can Get ComplicatedWhy Estimates Can Get Complicated

Some estimates have demographic detail Some estimates have demographic detail (age, sex, race, hispanic)(age, sex, race, hispanic)

Some estimates show components of Some estimates show components of change.change.

Some “estimates” are really projections. Some “estimates” are really projections.

The MCDC Estimates Page (2)The MCDC Estimates Page (2)

Choosing link at Bullet #3Choosing link at Bullet #3

Takes you to a menu Takes you to a menu page where you get page where you get to pick from a set of to pick from a set of estimates reports and estimates reports and corresponding corresponding dataset links.dataset links.

Click on the 3Click on the 3rdrd row, row, 11stst column to view pdf column to view pdf file report showing file report showing components of components of change for Mo cos.change for Mo cos.

Clicking in 2Clicking in 2ndnd Col Leads to… Col Leads to…

Choosing 2Choosing 2ndnd link in bullet #4 can lead to… link in bullet #4 can lead to…

Selecting the Poptrends dynamic app (#5) can lead to …Selecting the Poptrends dynamic app (#5) can lead to …

Which can lead to this….Which can lead to this….

And choosing item #6 can cause …And choosing item #6 can cause …

Bullet #8 Takes You to the Bullet #8 Takes You to the Projections PageProjections Page

Following the Excel files link on the Projections Following the Excel files link on the Projections page can lead to…page can lead to…

We Skip We Skip 2000 Census2000 Census Link Link

As well as As well as Profile Products (2K)Profile Products (2K) . Not . Not quite as interesting today as they were a quite as interesting today as they were a few years ago. few years ago.

Earlier CensusesEarlier Censuses and and Historical Historical Population DataPopulation Data have relatively small but have relatively small but devoted followings.devoted followings.

GeographyGeography page is important, though page is important, though many of its links are now in navigation many of its links are now in navigation boxes. boxes.

Geography pageGeography page

Geographic Reference Geographic Reference ReportsReports is a useful links is a useful links page.page.

The PUMAs page is The PUMAs page is important because of how important because of how these are used in the these are used in the ACS.ACS.

ZIP page is very widely ZIP page is very widely used and generates lots used and generates lots of e-mail queries.of e-mail queries.

MAGGOT file link (not MAGGOT file link (not shown) is worth a look. shown) is worth a look.

MCDC MapperMCDC Mapper

Is a mini-site of its Is a mini-site of its own. Maintained by own. Maintained by GRC/MsDIS, built GRC/MsDIS, built with ArcIMS (mostly).with ArcIMS (mostly).

The link at the top is The link at the top is the major application.the major application.

The Census 2000 The Census 2000 Geographic Base Geographic Base Map link is similar.Map link is similar.

Click on Click on Enter the MapperEnter the Mapper

Choose 2000 as the CensusChoose 2000 as the Census

Choose Income as the topic and Poverty Choose Income as the topic and Poverty Rate as the variable to be mapped.Rate as the variable to be mapped.

Click the flag icon in the U-R corner of the Click the flag icon in the U-R corner of the tool bar at left to turn off reference map.tool bar at left to turn off reference map.

You have a map of the state shaded You have a map of the state shaded according to % Poor, 2000 at block group according to % Poor, 2000 at block group level. level.

Navigate the MapNavigate the Map

Use the “marquee zoom” tool (magnifying Use the “marquee zoom” tool (magnifying glass with “+” inside) to draw a rectangle glass with “+” inside) to draw a rectangle around area to zoom to.around area to zoom to.

Or, use the “Select a County” drop-down Or, use the “Select a County” drop-down on the right to zoom to a county. on the right to zoom to a county.

Zoom to Boone county, then use the zoom Zoom to Boone county, then use the zoom tool select a rectangular area south of I-70 tool select a rectangular area south of I-70 and west of Hwy 63. and west of Hwy 63.

Which results in something like..Which results in something like..

Things to See & Do on this mapThings to See & Do on this map

Use the toggle at U-R to switch between Use the toggle at U-R to switch between viewing the Legend vs. the Layer List.viewing the Legend vs. the Layer List.

Use zoom tool to go in for a closer look at Use zoom tool to go in for a closer look at the dark red area of dire poverty around the dark red area of dire poverty around 763 north of 740 (Rangeline n. of Stadium)763 north of 740 (Rangeline n. of Stadium)

On the Layers list use check boxes to turn On the Layers list use check boxes to turn on Tract Labels, BG boundaries & labels, on Tract Labels, BG boundaries & labels, Street Names, Streets & Roads. Street Names, Streets & Roads.

Do you know where you are? Who are all Do you know where you are? Who are all these poor people? these poor people?

More things to see & do on mapMore things to see & do on map

Make Make Block Group BoundariesBlock Group Boundaries the the Active layerActive layer by clicking the circular ckbox. by clicking the circular ckbox.

Grab the Grab the View Tabular DataView Tabular Data tool (finger tool (finger pointing to page) and then click inside one pointing to page) and then click inside one of the poorer areas of the map.of the poorer areas of the map.

A window pops up (turn off pop-up A window pops up (turn off pop-up blocker) with our blocker) with our Application LinksApplication Links page. page.

Click on the Click on the dp3_2kdp3_2k link. link.

Per report, can you tell who lives here? Per report, can you tell who lives here?

Things to See & Do ElsewhereThings to See & Do Elsewhere

Follow these links for Follow these links for really good stuff, even really good stuff, even if it’s not part of the if it’s not part of the MCDC site.MCDC site.Good web sites Good web sites almost always provide almost always provide links to other good links to other good web sites.web sites.These sites are really These sites are really good.good.

OSEDA Web SiteOSEDA Web Site

There is overlap between the MCDC & There is overlap between the MCDC & OSEDA sites because of shared OSEDA sites because of shared personnel. personnel.

More data analysis here.More data analysis here.

Check out the “SEIR”s (Social and Check out the “SEIR”s (Social and Economic Information Resources).Economic Information Resources).

County Social & Economic IndicatorsCounty Social & Economic Indicators

Under Under StaffStaff you can see my picture. you can see my picture.

MERICMERIC

Missouri Economic Research and Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. (Part of Mo DED.)Information Center. (Part of Mo DED.)

Best source of state-wide economic dataBest source of state-wide economic data

Economic IndicatorsEconomic Indicators tab our favorite tab our favorite– Includes Includes LEDLED (Local Employment Dynamics) (Local Employment Dynamics)

Regional InformationRegional Information is also popular. is also popular.

Census Bureau & AFFCensus Bureau & AFF

American FactFinder appears in both of American FactFinder appears in both of our navigation boxes. It is the most our navigation boxes. It is the most important web site ever for data junkies.important web site ever for data junkies.

The Census Bureau site has won lots of The Census Bureau site has won lots of awards and deserves them. awards and deserves them.

AFF is part of the Bureau site, of course.AFF is part of the Bureau site, of course.

Only weakness is their lack of links to Only weakness is their lack of links to anything not on their own site. anything not on their own site.

With One ExceptionWith One Exception(from AFF main page)(from AFF main page)

Index & Search ToolsIndex & Search Tools

The A to Z Index can The A to Z Index can be very helpful but be very helpful but needs work. Each needs work. Each letter entry ends with letter entry ends with link to the Bureau link to the Bureau index.index.

Google search is Google search is relatively new (’07). relatively new (’07). Searches MCDC and Searches MCDC and OSEDA sites.OSEDA sites.

Most MCDC web pages end the same wayMost MCDC web pages end the same way

With boilerplate links to our parent agencies.With boilerplate links to our parent agencies.

With an invitation to submit your questions or With an invitation to submit your questions or comments. (The name varies; it’s an e-mail link)comments. (The name varies; it’s an e-mail link)

We always read and consider comments. And we We always read and consider comments. And we always try to answer questions. Don’t by shy.always try to answer questions. Don’t by shy.

More Things to See and Do…More Things to See and Do…

Is done.Is done.

Thank you.Thank you.

Contact at Contact at blodgettj@missouri.edublodgettj@missouri.edu