GIS: Geographic Information Systems

US Census Data - The Census Bureau's mission is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.

Census data on individual communities in the US is available at American Factfinder 2.

US TIGER shapefiles - TIGER shapefiles for displaying US Census Data are available from 1992-2013.

Population Clock - US and World population in real time!

San Francisco

City of Oakland

City of Alameda

Global Open Data Index

Each year, governments are making more data available in an open format. The Global Open Data Index tracks whether this data is actually released in a way that is accessible to citizens, media and civil society and is unique in crowd-sourcing its survey of open data releases around the world.

There are many resources from which GIS data can be obtained. 

Listed below are resources with data types ranging from International to local level.

International Data

• General (roads, political boundaries, country specific data): DIVA-GIS
• OpenStreetMap Data Extracts Geofabrik downloads  This server has data extracts from the OpenStreetMap project which are normally updated every day. Select continent, country and access down to street level.
• Elevation, Landcover, Seismicity, Minerals, Energy: USGS Global
• Watersheds, Rivers, Basins: HydroSHEDS
• WorldBordersData set at ThematicMapping.org
• Climate: WorldClim
• The Common Operational Datasets (CODs) are critical datasets that are used to support the work of humanitarian actors across multiple sectors. 

*Disclaimer: While this document provides links to potential GIS data resources online, it does not endorse the authenticity of any data. You are responsible for any data you download and for respecting propriety and copyrighted data. Do not illegally use data.

US Federal Government Data

• United States Congressional District Shapefiles, Digital boundary definitions for every U.S. Congressional District in use between 1789 and 2012. 
• GeoPlatform.gov The Geospatial Platform is an Internet-based capability providing shared and trusted geospatial data.  
• Data.gov - Access to many US national datasets.
• National Atlas - Access to many types of national data, including: agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment, geology, government, history, map reference, people, transportation, and water.
• Bureau of Land Management - Data such as mines, fires, wild horses, and energy available by state. Use the 'State Offices' map at the bottom of the page to select your region of interest.
• Water Resources - National hydrography, groundwater, and watershed data.
• USGS: National Map - Topography datasets
• DOA: National Resources Conservation Services - Data such as climate, watershed, and soil are available.
• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration - Basemaps, ocean and coastal, atmospheric, fisheries, and weather data.
• Environmental Protection Agency - Data for superfund sites, brownfields, air quality reports, and more.
• Forest Service - Data available by region.
• National Weather Service GIS data portal

*Disclaimer: While this document provides links to potential GIS data resources online, it does not endorse the authenticity of any data. You are responsible for any data you download and for respecting propriety and copyrighted data. Do not illegally use data.       

Geospatial Clearinghouse by State:

California

• Geospatial Data Gateway

  • The Geospatial Data Gateway (GDG) is the One Stop Source for environmental and natural resources data.

    • Select the green "Get Data" button, then refine your search by state and county.

• GIS Data Depot - California
  • Download statewide datasets and shapefiles.
• California Geo Portal
  • The California Geoportal allows you to search, discover and use geospatial data resources.
• Cal Atlas
  • Download datasets for the state of California.
• State of California GIS Resource Center