Data and Mapping Tools
The data and mapping tools on the web pages linked below and in the left-navigational menu are meant to provide a high-level overview and guidance on resources that may be useful in writing a strong discretionary grant application and developing transportation projects that meet the needs of the community they serve.
Data can be a powerful tool to clearly and concisely describe a project’s anticipated impacts when preparing a grant application, designing a project, and engaging with the public. Do not assume that those reviewing your grant application know details about the demographics, socioeconomic status, or other important indicators of who resides, works, or travels through the project area. Use data to tell the story about community need and impacts.
Generally, you want to use the data that is available at a scale most aligned with your community or the project area, such as census block group or tract, and to utilize the most recent data available. When possible, provide a citation for your data (the source and year).
This is not an exhaustive list of tools but highlights some of the frequently used federal data resources and those aligned most with USDOT Policy Priorities that are referenced across all Department of Transportation discretionary grant programs.
General Dataset and Mapping Tools
General Dataset and Mapping Tools provides an interactive way to explore and analyze population characteristics of a geographic area to help identify the need for a project, including to identify populations that may be covered by Title VI and Civil Rights federal requirements.
Climate Change, Air Quality, and Sustainability Analysis Tools
Climate Change, Air Quality, and Sustainability Analysis Tools provides resources for measuring transportation greenhouse gas emissions and air quality impacts, and incorporating climate adaptation and resilience features as they relate to a proposed project.
Equity and Justice40 Analysis Tools
Equity and Justice40 Analysis Tools provides resources to identify a disadvantaged community that may face transportation burdens or be impacted by climate change, pollution, environmental hazards, and other social or economic impacts to analyze how a potential project may reduce those identified inequities. These tools can also be useful for analysis needed to address Title VI and Civil Right compliance.
Safety Analysis Tools
Safety Analysis Tools provides resources to help analyze and convey safety benefits and risks, demonstrate safety needs in a community, and communicate the overall impact of a proposed project.
Specialized Data Resources
Specialized Data Resources provides information often needed to prepare a benefit-cost analysis and examine recommended monetized values, and other resources specific to intelligent transportation systems.
Transportation Analysis Tools
Transportation Analysis Tools provides resources to better understand, plan for, and convey trends around efficiencies—including connectivity, access, and frequency—across a transportation system.
Disclaimer: This curated list of federal data and mapping tools is maintained on the DOT Navigator website as a secondary source and does not supersede primary materials issued by each USDOT Operating Administration. USDOT does not promote one resource over another. Accordingly, please work directly with the USDOT Operating Administration managing the BIL discretionary grant program for specific guidance.