Harmonizing Disparate Data across Time and Place: The Integrated Spatio-Temporal Aggregate Data Series

Hist Methods. 2011 Jan 1;44(2):79-85. doi: 10.1080/01615440.2011.563228.

Abstract

In this article, the authors describe a new data infrastructure project being developed at the Minnesota Population Center. The Integrated Spatio-Temporal Aggregate Data Series (ISTADS) will make it easier for researchers to use publicly available aggregate data for the United States over a time span that covers virtually the entire life of the nation: 1790-2012. In addition to facilitating access and ease of use, ISTADS will facilitate the use of these various data sets in mapping and spatial analysis.

Keywords: GIS; aggregate data; census data; data integration.