| Abstract: | This report examines the TIGER system and related products to help planners understand the basic concepts underlying the system and its relevance for planning. The report first introduces the TIGER system, pointing out what it is—and what it is not. The second section examines the unique and powerful way geographic data are stored in the TIGER system that allow it to deal with topology—the spatial relationship between points and lines on a map. The third section examines the TIGER/Line® data files, the first and potentially most important TIGER data released to the public. The fourth considers some of the ways the TIGER/Line data can be used in planning. The fifth examines several software packages that can be used with the TIGER/Line files. The final section evaluates the TIGER system and considers its future role in planning. |
