Statistical geography

Statistical geography is a framework of geographic areas used to collect, organize, and publish statistical data, especially census and administrative statistics.

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Census tract: A small, relatively stable geographic area designed to support statistical reporting, especially in a census. Tracts show how statistical geography divides cities and regions into manageable reporting units.
Geocoding: The process of assigning geographic coordinates or areas to descriptions of locations. Geocoding assigns records to the geographic units used for statistical tabulation.
Population census: A systematic count and description of a population, usually conducted by a government. Censuses depend on defined areas to enumerate people and publish local totals.
Modifiable areal unit problem: The dependence of statistical results on how spatial observations are grouped into areas. Different statistical geographies can produce different patterns from the same underlying data.
Census block: A small census reporting area, usually bounded by streets or other visible features. Blocks are among the finest standard units used to aggregate census counts.
Data aggregation: The combination of detailed observations into summaries for larger groups or areas. Area-level statistics are produced by aggregating records within geographic boundaries.
Census geography: The set of geographic units and boundaries used to organize and release census data. It is the most direct application of statistical geography in national statistical systems.
Ecological fallacy: The error of inferring individual-level relationships from statistics aggregated for groups or areas. Area summaries can conceal variation among people within each statistical unit.
Administrative division: A territorial unit established for government, such as a province, county, or municipality. Statistical systems often publish results for boundaries already used by public agencies.
Geographic information system: A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data. GIS tools manage boundaries and connect them to statistical records.