The process for creating new Mapping Data is very time consuming. A valid question is – Why create/install new Mapping Data files?
The primary answer is that there has been changes in Census Tract boundaries, either wholesale (Census 2000, Census 2010), or because specific Census Tracts have been modified (beginning in 2004, the new Broomfield County, CO was required – this new County was created by splitting 14 Census Tracts).
The secondary answer is that there have been changes to the “support” cartography files: new water boundaries have been incorporated into the new data, or, as in the case below, new roads have been constructed. This example shows, in the East Hartford, CT area, the continuation/finalization of Interstate 291. The top map is from old TIGER files (pre-2007), and the bottom map is from the 2009 TIGER files:
It is, of course, a business decision on how often to upgrade your Mapping Data (annually? Every 3-or-4 years?). My experience is that users are very familiar with their own local geographies, and are quick to point out the absence of Major Highway Construction in their Mapping Software. A reliable source of relatively-current Mapping Data is essential to satisfy, and retain, clients.
Dennis C. Dixon
Geo-Information Specialist
Dixon Spatial Consulting
dennis.dixon@dixonspatialconsulting.com
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