Harmonizing Disparate Data across Time and Place: The Integrated Spatio-Temporal Aggregate Data Series

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Data Science
• Geospatial Analysis

Background:

• Accessing historical U.S. aggregate data can be challenging for researchers.
• Existing datasets are often fragmented and difficult to integrate for temporal and spatial analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Integrated Spatio-Temporal Aggregate Data Series (ISTADS) project.
• To improve accessibility and usability of U.S. aggregate data from 1790-2012.
• To facilitate mapping and spatial analysis using historical population data.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new data infrastructure at the Minnesota Population Center.
• Integration of publicly available aggregate data covering 1790-2012.
• Focus on enhancing data accessibility and ease of use for researchers.

Main Results:

• ISTADS will provide a unified resource for historical U.S. aggregate data.
• The project simplifies the process of using long-term, nationwide datasets.
• Enhanced capabilities for spatial and temporal analysis of demographic trends.

Conclusions:

• The ISTADS project is a significant advancement for historical demographic research.
• Improved data infrastructure will foster new insights through spatial and temporal analysis.
• Researchers will benefit from easier access to comprehensive U.S. historical data.