OnTheMap: An Innovative Mapping and Reporting Tool

摘要

Statistical innovation produces new opportunities for advancement of knowledge and policy improvement. Twenty five years ago, a nineteenth century map and chart was cited as the best statistical graphic ever drawn because it inspired the visual display of a relatively large amount of data in limited space. It tells a story. Today, modern information technology has ushered in a dynamic, online mapping and reporting tool called OnTheMap that can analyze and present an unprecedented amount of detailed data in a short span of time and space. The resulting maps and reports can tell many stories. OnTheMap is a product of a visionary idea at the U.S. Census Bureau and its partner states that a new, cost-effective, 21st-century statistical system can be built by integrating existing administrative records with census and survey data. Properly integrated, this statistical system can be better than its individual parts. In turn, ensuring public availability of detailed statistics derived from this system has stimulated the development of state-of-the-art methods to protect confidentiality. In this regard, OnTheMap symbolizes continuing American ingenuity to innovate with new statistical data, methods, and dissemination tools.