# Presentation: 769964

## Census 2000 Data Engine

- Used for the Census 2000 DVDs and CD-ROMs
- Andrea Sevetson
- Marketing Services Office, U.S. Census Bureau
- 301-763-5207

**Notes:**
The initial screen allows you to select from the options: 

Install the software (either with the datasets, or allowing the dataset to be run from the CD/DVD)

View the Technical Documentation (pdf)

Explore the files on the CD-ROM

Launch the software and Data Set

Or Exit

## Assistance!

- User assistance is available:
- _SF1 Tutorial_:
- _[http://www.census.gov/mso/www/](http://www.census.gov/mso/www/)_ sf1dvd/index.htm
- _PowerPoint Walk-through_
- http://www.census.gov/mso/www/pres_lib/dataengine_files/v3_document.htm

**Notes:**
Created with the individual user in mind, the SF1 tutorial covers the software and data in SF1.  The software used is virtually identical for SF1 and SF3, so reviewing the Tutorial for SF1 may assist you in reviewing the software utility and give you tool for using the SF3 data in this software..  

The PowerPoint presentation was created for a complete walkthrough of the software with a group.  Individuals may also find this helpful.   

## Assistance -2

- _SF3 Slideshow_
- http://www.census.gov/mso/www/pres_lib/sf3_files/v3_document.htm
- _Technical Documentation_:
- _[http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/](http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/)_ doc/sf1.pdf
- SF3.pdf on the CD-ROM/DVD

**Notes:**
The SF3 slideshow is a review of the SF3 data – including the P (population) and H (housing) tables, the PCT (tables for population to the census tract) and HCT (tables for housing to the census tract) tables, and frequently asked questions about the data.

The Technical Documentation for SF3 is included on the disc, and is also on the Internet.  While voluminous, it can be valuable to know your way around it.
The following are frequently used:
Chapter 3 lists the tables by subject.
Chapter 5 lists the tables in table numerical order.
Chapter 6 lists the tables, and any data cells (e.g., vacant or occupied).
Appendix A explains Census Geography and gives diagrams explaining the relationships.
Appendix B explains subject terms (e.g., Age) and how they are used in this file.

If you are looking for a term and can’t find it, use the binoculars icon on the software menu bar and search through the documentation for the term.  

Note:  the same organization is used for the Technical Documentation for SF1 and SF2. 

## Workspace Tab 

**Notes:**
The workspace tab allows you:  
To select a data set, if you have more than one data set loaded.  Data sets are listed in the “Current Database Set” pulldown box. 
To save your workspace, using the “File” button.
To retrieve a previously saved workspace, using the “File” button.

## Pick Geography Tab 

**Notes:**
The Pick Geography tab allows you to:
Select multiple geographic areas, from all of the geographic levels.  Using the “Select Geographic Areas” box, you click on the plus signs (in boxes) to show the geographic areas that can be selected.

Note:  the numbers you see (050-State, etc.) are referred to as “summary levels.”  To get to block group level data, you scroll down to 150- Block Group by Census Tract and County; for Place data use 160, etc.

Use a longitude and latitude to create a radius-based dataset,  by using the “File” button.

## Output Tab - Report 

**Notes:**
The Output tab allows you to export data in two ways – Report and File – noted on the screen as “Output Modes.”  
You select by clicking on the radio button next to your choice.  

Report, the default option, creates html tables from preformatted data selections which are listed in the Report Template File.

## Output Tab - File 

**Notes:**
The File Output Option allows you to export data into 
Comma Delimited Files (.csv)
Excel (.xls)
Microsoft Access  (.mdb)
dBase III, dBase IV, dBase V  (.dbf)
Paradox 5x  (.db)
FoxPro 2.6
Html

To use the File option:
 -- Make sure the “File” radio button is selected.
 -- Click on “Save As” (circled in red)
 -- Type in the file name, and select the export format you need from the drop down menu
 -- Click on the “save” button.

## Simple Variables Tab 

## Simple Variables Tab 

**Notes:**
To select, highlight the desired table or folder and click on the “Select” button.

Simple Variables you have selected show up on the right side of the screen in the “Output Variables” box.

If you’ve made a mistake in selecting a variable and want to remove it, highlight the unwanted variable and click on the Delete button just below the Output Variables box.

After selecting the Simple Variables, you can hit the “Finish” button at the bottom of the page to follow prompts for the output or you can move the to “Next >” button if you want to create Custom Variables.

## Custom Variables Tab 

**Notes:**
The Custom Variables tab allows you to create datasets by putting together different data elements.  Users who are well-versed in their database or spreadsheet software may prefer to use that software, instead of this option.

Using this software, by highlighting a data element, and clicking on the “Var” button (in the red circle), the data element is added to the Formula Box.  

Then select the operator (addition, subtraction, etc.), and another input variable.

When the formula and the operators are complete (you have the input variables selected with an operator between each variable), type the variable name in the New Variable Name box and click on the select button, below.  

The newly-named formula will appear in the Output Variables box.

After creating the Custom Variables, you can hit the “Finish” button at the bottom of the page to follow prompts for the output. 

## Saving your Workspace

**Notes:**
One of the great time-savers of this software is the ability to save the Variables and Geographic selections you have made – known as your workspace.   This allows you to retrieve and reuse the selected geographies and Output Variables either together or separately.

The software will ask you if you want to save your workspace when you click on the “Close” button, or when you click on the “X” in the upper righthand corner of the workspace.  

Another alternative is to return to the Workspace tab, click on the “File” button, and then the “save as.”  A dialog box will open up.  Type the name of your choice into the “File Name” box.  You may save your workspace on any drive by putting the drive letter in front of the file name or using the “save in” pull-down menu.

To retrieve the file and re-use the workspace, click on the “File” button and then the “Open.”  A dialog box with a list of saved workspaces will appear.   If you saved the workspace on a different drive, use the “Look In” pull-down menu at the top of the dialog box to change drives or directories.