Research Guides: Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Social Explorer

Overview

With Social Explorer, you can:

Create maps using data sets provided by Social Explorer (e.g., carbon emissions data, U.S. historic census data, U.S. election data, World Development Indicators, etc.)
Upload data in .csv format to plot locations by address or by geocoordinates (i.e., latitude and longitude)
Create data reports and download select data sets from the site for use in other software

Create a Social Explorer Account

Brandeis Library provides access to Social Explorer through our campus network. You will need to sign up for a free user account if you'd like to access Social Explorer from off-campus, save/share your maps and projects, etc. The banner at the top of Social Explorer will display "Professional plan provided by Brandeis University" when you're logged into your account.

Sign in to Social Explorer

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Create maps and reports to illustrate, analyze, and understand demography and social change. Data sets include the US Census from 1790-2010, the American Community Survey, the Religious Congregations and Membership Survey, carbon emissions data from the Vulcan Project, and more.

Help Resources

Get Started with Social Explorer Maps
Help resource that covers how to find the right variables, customize the look and feel of your map, focus on specific area with masking tool, compare variables and notice trends, export and share your projects, etc.
Create a Report from a Map
How Do I Cite Information on Social Explorer?
Provides citation examples for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles.