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 The traditional roles of the Census Bureau’s geographic areas programs are (1) to support data collection operations, (2) to provide a spatial framework for the tabulation of the collected data, and (3) to assist in presenting the final results for tabulation and dissemination. These operations are an integral part of the census process. They are present at every level of census geography and encompass all types of geographic entities, whether large or small in population or area. Local cooperation often is an important element throughout these different stages of work, so it is vital that the CSACs, State agencies, and tribal officials share a keen appreciation of the process.

Recent decades have brought major advances in automated systems. These advances have opened the door for many new applications of the Census Bureau’s geographic units and maps. The Census Bureau recently completed an immense effort used initially for the 1990 decennial census, the automation of its geographic processes as part of the TIGER System. These processes include map production; the assignment of every housing unit, group quarters, and business establishment to its correct geographic location; the classification of that location to all appropriate geographic areas; the recording of boundaries and their associated names and codes, as well as a variety of cultural and physical features, into computer-readable form; and other geographic functions that support the Census Bureau’s programs. This extensive project facilitated the preparation of all Census Bureau map series, including the maps used in the 1990 census field operations; permitted more flexibility in the presentation of geographic information on maps; and, most importantly, ensured consistency between the geographic information on the Census Bureau’s maps and in its data presentations.

It is already evident that this scheme has provided more opportunity for participation by the CSACs, State agencies, and tribal officials. As an example, the Census Bureau encouraged these groups to participate in the BG and CDP delineation programs for the 1990 census. To do so effectively, these groups needed to be aware of the Census Bureau’s operational requirements for establishing, delineating, and numbering BGs and blocks. In this Sources of Local Assistance3-11