When will 2000 maps be updated with 2010 data?

[Answered by John Cromartie]

That process is currently underway. We’re aiming for the middle of next year, around September, to release that new data.

We’re not anticipating changing the criteria. So far in terms of feedback, we haven’t gotten any signals that we need any major shifts in the methodology. However we are using new data that we consider to show the picture a little better. One, we’re switching to these smaller grid cells (0.5 km cells, changed from 1 km). Two, we are using better posted speed limit data. Our initial analysis is showing that although it won’t change things out in the most remote areas, the dividing lines – the picture around cities – it’s giving us a little bit different maps.

We also hope to add Alaska and Hawaii to the current maps earlier, before we put out the updates in September. But there are some questions about how to proceed. There are data gaps for those two states and some definite considerations about slightly different methodology. But I think it may be the case that we can add Alaska and Hawaii to the current data sets that are based on 2000 census data.