This project seeks to facilitate access to census data at the tract and block level of geographic detail using Google Earth's Keyhole Markup Language, XML, and Javascript.
This paper describes the project in detail.
To see a mock up of the project download the ArlingtonTracts.kml file and drag it into Google Earth. The globe will zoom in to Arlington, Massachusetts, and you will see an outline of the 8 tracts within the town labeled with their census identification number. At the center of each tract is a gray box icon. Clicking on this icon opens a description which contains a link. Click on the link to open a comparative table of census data.
I am also working on illustrating data using choropleth maps. Download the KML file below to see an example.
These files show the potential for easing access and display of census data using Google Earth. I will soon be loading block level data, more tables, and more maps.