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A New Method for Mapping Population Distribution

February 26, 2008

Human population counts are collected and commonly displayed uniformly across areas, such as U.S. Census Bureau block-groups and tracts. The limitation inherent in this type of representation is the assumption that people are evenly distributed across each areal unit, when in actuality many areas such as parks, open spaces, and industrial zones are uninhabited. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a geospatial tool that uses a 'dasymetric' mapping method to redistribute census population values to homogenous, inhabited, zones, enhancing visualization and accuracy.

Publication Year 2008
Title A New Method for Mapping Population Distribution
DOI 10.3133/fs20083010
Authors Rachel Sleeter
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Fact Sheet
Series Number 2008-3010
Index ID fs20083010
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Geography