Geography: Data Sources
Guide to research in geography.
So. Much. Data!
While there are a lot of data sources listed here, this is really just scratching the surface. There are so many more data clearinghouses and datasets collected through academic research and by government agencies that you can find online. Be sure to also do a regular web search for your topic with the terms dataset or data or map or shapefile or even statistics (examples: portland parks shapefile, oregon traffic data, portland heat island dataset).
State/Regional Resources
- Oregon Open DataSearch a wealth of datasets from the State of Oregon. Or browse on the data catalog. Contains lots of Portland-specific data sets.
- Oregon Spatial Data LibraryPart of Oregon Explorer, the Oregon Spatial Data Library provides easy and convenient ways to find, access and share geospatial data.
- Oregon Geospatial Data ClearinghouseIncludes the State of Oregon Spatial Data Library, Digital Ortho Quads, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) files, and other geospatial datasets.
- Oregon Explorer: Natural Resources Digital Library DataOregon Explorer provides a web-based natural resources digital library by integrating data from state and federal agencies, local governments, university scientists, and citizens. Includes maps as well as the data sources the maps depend upon.
- Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington data libraryThe Bureau of Land Management Oregon data library contains spatial data of the Oregon and Washington BLM. The Data Library allows the user to obtain datasets and metadata via download.
National and International Data Sources
- Data.govThe home of the U.S. Government’s open data
where you will find data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more. - Geospatial PlatformDeveloped by the member agencies of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), the Geospatial Platform provides geospatial data, services, and applications for use by the public and by government agencies and partners to meet their mission needs.
- The National Map DataDownload maps and GIS data from the USGS National Map
- EPA Geospatial ResourcesSearchable and browseable collection of EPA data.
- EPA EnviroAtlasEnviroAtlas provides geospatial data, easy-to-use tools, and other resources related to ecosystem services, their stressors, and human health (in partnership with the USGS, USDA, and other government agencies and non-profits).
- Geospatial Data Gateway - USDAThe Geospatial Data Gateway (GDG) is the One Stop Source for environmental and natural resources data. The Gateway allows you to choose your area of interest, browse and select data from our catalog, customize the format, and have it downloaded or shipped on CD or DVD.
- USGS Long Term ArchiveOn this web site, managed by the United States Geological Survey's Long Term Archive, you can view satellite images and data, aerial photography, elevation and land cover datasets, and digitized maps from a variety of sensors. The archive contains images from 1937 to present, which you can also order or download at no charge.
- United States Fish and Wildlife Geospatial ServicesLinks to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Geospatial catalog. From this web site you can access geospatial data and maps related to the mission of the Fish and Wildlife service.
- UN Data PortalAllows users to search and download a variety of statistical resources compiled by the United Nations (UN) statistical system and other international agencies.
- DataBasinThe Data Basin web site provides free access to thousands of scientifically-grounded, biological, physical, and socio-economic GIS datasets, although you will need to create a free account to download data.
- GIS Data DepotFree data for the geography community.
- ESRI ArcGIS Open Data HubLinks to ESRI's Open Data site on ArcGIS Hub. This web site is a repository for user-supplied data that can be used, re-used and distributed freely by anyone.
- NCSU Library's GIS pageNorth Carolina State University Library's GIS page and data metasearch tool
- Open TopographyThe Open Topography project provides high topography open access datasets (mostly Light Detection and Ranging derived data) that can be downloaded in GIS-compatible and other similar file formats.
Census/Population Data
- Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new windowA comprehensive statistical reference on the economic, social and political organization of the United States.
- Census DataPrimary online interface for viewing US Census data, including population, housing, economic, geographic, and governmental data.
- Neighborhood Profile MapsDemographic data for each Portland neighborhood and comparing data from 2020 to 2010.
- National Historic GIS Census Data and Mapping TablesFrom this web site you can access aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2010 for free. To download data, you will need to register.
- U.S. Census Bureau Geography ProgramYou can access geographic data and products such as the TIGER/Line Shapefiles, KMLs, TIGERweb, cartographic boundary files, geographic relationship files, and reference and thematic maps.
Greater Portland Data Sources
- City of Portland's Maps, GIS, and Open Data SiteProvides links to other repositories of data including from various city bureaus.
- Portland Maps Open Data SiteDownload individual data sets that make up Portland maps.
- Civic Apps for Greater PortlandLooks like it might have ceased to exist, but leaving it here for a bit in case it returns. A collection of apps and public datasets from a wide array of local government jurisdictions whose purpose is to make public data easier to access, and in the process make government data more useful for everyone.
- Metro Data Resource CenterMetro's Data Resource Center collaborates with local partners to develop and deliver the Regional Land Information System – more than 100 layers of spatial data that supports strategic decision-making for governments, businesses and organizations across the region.
- Portland Police Bureau Open DataLots of open data on crime and police activity in Portland.
- Portland Public Schools Data and ReportsEnrollment Reports, which profile current and historical demographics for Portland Public Schools, as well as achievement, disciplinary, and other school data.
- Portland Homeless CountsIncludes the biennial homeless counts conducted in the City of Portland.
- Portland Bicycle CountData on bicycle usage in Portland.
- Portland Residential DemolitionsMap of residential demolitions in Portland by year.
- Portland State University's Population Research CenterDoes interesting locally relevant population research and includes some cool census data maps and population forecasts.
- Institute of Portland Metropolitan StudiesShares information about regional issues.
- Portland Street Tree InventoryInventory of trees in Portland overlaid on a map (note: they are doing a new inventory between 2022-2024). The data is downloadable.
State and Local Government Websites
- Oregon Blue BookThe official state directory and fact book about all levels of government in Oregon. Published since 1911, it is produced and updated by the Oregon State Archives.
National Register of Historic Places
- National Register of Historic Places MapView historic places on a map view.