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Date Submitted: July 6, 2001
Last Modified: March 12, 2004

This data model contains a template set of objects that are typically used for Administrative Boundaries at the local, state, and national level. Organizations at all levels have the need to use administrative boundaries. This data model emphasizes US Census Bureau TIGER data, administrative and statistical units along with the underlying line work including roads, hydrography, and rails. It can be applied to any potential application of administrative boundaries.

Many GIS systems integrate TIGER data, enhancing and maintaining the data in an integrated manner with other geographic layers. Units such as blocks, block groups, and tracts are assembled out of the underlying topological line work that represent features such as roads, rails, hydrography, and other linear features.

Rather than duplicate the design in many ArcGIS data models, we document these features in the Administrative Boundaries design template. This model is intended for project teams involved in developing Administrative Boundaries and decision support. These users include database designers, data builders, database administrators, analysts, and developers. Users should draw on this template and incorporate the relevant areas into their projects.

Beyond these distinctions, the actual modeling and use of polygons for Administrative Boundaries is straightforward. The US Census Case Study presented here is based on downloadable Census 2000 data. We have created a Geodatabase model and topology rules that will be useful for state and local agencies that manage administrative areas and demographic information.