Downloading Federal GIS Data

For a more extensive list of federal data sources, see: Maps and Mapping Resources from Government Agencies.

• Data.gov. Best place to start for U.S. Government data sets
• ArcGIS Hub. Open depository with data contributed by organizations including government agencies, nonprofit groups, and academic institutions. 
• IPUMS National Historical Geographic Information System. Downloadable US Census data tables and mapping files from 1790 to present. 
• National Map of the United States
• Mapping Information Platform. (FEMA) GIS atlas of hazards and potential disasters in the U.S. Data sets and maps available for download.
• FGDC(U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee)
• EROS Data Center (Earth Resources Observation Systems)
• National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Climate and weather, and geophysical data (formerly NCDC and National Geophysical Data Center).
• Geospatial Data Gateway (USDA)
• Library of Congress Geospatial Applications. Hub of ArcGIS apps developed by the Library of Congress on a variety of subjects largely focused on American history.

Looking for ToxMap? This resource was retired by the United States government in December 2019. Check out Mapping Waste from One Region Forward. This site includes maps of waste sites (hazardous, radioactive, and solid waste), resource extraction sites and air pollution emitters in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties. 

Downloading Census GIS Data

• UB Libraries Census Guide
• Explore Census Data
• National Historical Geographic Information System