Census Feature Class
The U.S. Census Bureau uses the term divided to refer to a road with
opposing traffic lanes separated by any size median, and separated to
refer to lanes that are represented in the Census TIGER database as two
distinct complete chains.
The term, rail line in center, indicates that a rail line shares the road rightof-
way. The rail line may follow the center of the road or be directly next
to the road; representation is dependent upon the available source used
during the update. The rail line can represent a railroad, a streetcar line,
or other carline.
Road
Interstate highways and some toll
highways are in this category (A1) and are distinguished by the presence
of interchanges. These highways are accessed by way of ramps and have
multiple lanes of traffic. The opposing traffic lanes are divided by a
median strip. The TIGER/Line files may depict these opposing traffic
lanes as two distinct lines in which case, the road is called separated.
Primary Highway With Limited Access
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, unseparated
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, unseparated, in tunnel
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, unseparated,
underpassing
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, unseparated, with
rail line in center
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, separated
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, separated, in tunnel
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, separated,
underpassing
Primary road with limited access or interstate highway, separated, with
rail line in center
This category (A2) includes nationally
and regionally important highways that do not have limited access
as required by category A1. It consists mainly of US highways, but may
include some state highways and county highways that connect cities and
larger towns. A road in this category must be hard-surface (concrete or
asphalt). It has intersections with other roads, may be divided or undivided,
and have multi-lane or single-lane characteristics.
Primary Road Without Limited Access
Primary road without limited access, US highways, unseparated
Primary road without limited access, US highways, unseparated, in tunnel
Primary road without limited access, US highways, unseparated, underpassing
Primary road without limited access, US highways, unseparated, with rail line
in center
Primary road without limited access, US highways, separated
Primary road without limited access, US highways, separated, in tunnel
Primary road without limited access, US highways, separated, underpassing
Primary road without limited access, US highways, separated, with rail line
in center
This category (A3) includes mostly
state highways, but may include some county highways that connect
smaller towns, subdivisions, and neighborhoods. The roads in this
category generally are smaller than roads in Category A2, must be hard-
surface (concrete or asphalt), and are usually undivided with single-lane
characteristics. These roads usually have a local name along with a route
number and intersect with many other roads and driveways.
Secondary and Connecting Road
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, unseparated
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, unseparated, in tunnel
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, unseparated, underpassing
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, unseparated, with rail line
in center
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, separated
Secondary and connecting road, state highways, separated, in tunnel
Secondary and connecting road, state and county highways, separated,
underpassing
Secondary and connecting road, state and county highway, separated,
with rail line in center
A road in this category (A4) is used
for local traffic and usually has a single lane of traffic in each direction. In an
urban area, this is a neighborhood road and street that is not a thoroughfare
belonging in categories A2 or A3. In a rural area, this is a short-distance
road connecting the smallest towns; the road may or may not have a state or
county route number. Scenic park roads, unimproved or unpaved roads,
and industrial roads are included in this category. Most roads in the Nation
are classified as A4 roads.
Local, Neighborhood, and Rural Road
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, unseparated
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, unseparated, in tunnel
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, unseparated, underpassing
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, unseparated, with rail line
in center
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, separated
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, separated, in tunnel
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, separated, underpassing
Local, neighborhood, and rural road, city street, separated, with rail line
in center
A road in this category (A5) is usable only by four-wheel
drive vehicles, is usually a one-lane dirt trail, and is found almost exclusively
in very rural areas. Sometimes the road is called a fire road or
logging road and may include an abandoned railroad grade where the
tracks have been removed. Minor, unpaved roads usable by ordinary cars
and trucks belong in category A4, not A5.
Vehicular Trail
Vehicular trail, road passable only by 4WD vehicle, unseparated
Vehicular trail, road passable only by 4WD vehicle, unseparated, in tunnel
Vehicular trail, road passable only by 4WD vehicle, unseparated, underpassing
This category (A6) includes roads,
portions of a road, intersections of a road, or the ends of a road that are
parts of the vehicular highway system and have separately identifiable
characteristics.
Road with Special Characteristics
Special road feature, major category used when the minor category could
not be determined
Cul-de-sac, the closed end of a road that forms a loop or turn-around
Traffic circle, the portion of a road or intersection of roads forming
a roundabout
Access ramp, the portion of a road that forms a cloverleaf or limited-
access interchange
Service drive, the road or portion of a road that provides access to
businesses, facilities, and rest areas along a limited-access highway; this
frontage road may intersect other roads and be named
Ferry crossing, the representation of a route over water that connects
roads on opposite shores; used by ships carrying automobiles or people
A road in this category (A7) is not part of
the vehicular highway system. It is used by bicyclists or pedestrians, and
is typically inaccessible to mainstream motor traffic except for privateowner
and service vehicles. This category includes foot and hiking trails
located on park and forest land, as well as stairs or walkways that follow
a road right-of-way and have names similar to road names.
Road as Other Thoroughfare
Other thoroughfare, major category used when the minor category could
not be determined
Walkway or trail for pedestrians, usually unnamed
Stairway, stepped road for pedestrians, usually unnamed
Alley, road for service vehicles, usually unnamed, located at the rear
of buildings and property
Driveway or service road, usually privately owned and unnamed, used
as access to residences, trailer parks, and apartment complexes, or as access to
logging areas, oil rigs, ranches, farms, and park lands
Railroad
A railroad in this category is the primary track that
provides service between destinations. A main line track often carries the
name of the owning and operating railroad company.
Railroad Main Line
Railroad main track, not in tunnel or underpassing
Railroad main track, in tunnel
Railroad main track, underpassing
A railroad in this category is the track that leaves the main
track, ending in an industrial park, factory, or warehouse area, or forming
a siding along the main track.
Railroad Spur
Railroad spur track, not in tunnel or underpassing
Railroad spur track, in tunnel
Railroad spur track, underpassing
A railroad yard track has parallel tracks that form a
working area for the railroad company. Train cars and engines are
repaired, switched, and dispatched from a yard.
Railroad Yard
Railroad yard track, not in tunnel or underpassing
Railroad yard track, in tunnel
Railroad yard track, underpassing
A railroad or portions of a rail-
road track that are parts of the railroad system and have separately
identifiable characteristics.
Railroad with Special Characteristics
Railroad ferry crossing, the representation of a route over water used
by ships carrying train cars to connecting railroads on opposite shores. These
are primarily located on the Great Lakes.
A rail line that is not part of the rail-
road system. This category is for a specialized rail line or railway that is
typically inaccessible to mainstream railroad traffic.
Railroad as Other Thoroughfare
Other rail line; major category used alone when the minor category could
not be determined
Carline, a track for streetcars, trolleys, and other mass transit rail systems;
used when the carline is not part of the road right-of-way
Cog railroad, incline railway, or logging tram
Miscellaneous Ground Transportation
Source materials do not allow determination of the miscellaneous ground
transportation category.
Miscellaneous Ground Transportation With Category Unknown
Miscellaneous ground transportation, not road or railroad; major and
minor categories unknown
Enclosed pipe, carrying fluid or slurry, situated above ground, or
in special conditions, below ground when marked by a cleared right-ofway
and signage.
Pipeline
Pipeline; major category used alone
High voltage electrical line, on towers, situated on
cleared right-of-way.
Power Transmission Line
Power transmission line; major category used alone
A portion of a ground transportation system that has separately identifi-
able characteristics. This category is for specialized transportation, usually
confined to a local area, that is separate from other ground transportation.
Miscellaneous Ground Transportation With Special Characteristics
Other ground transportation that is not a pipeline or a power transmission
line; major category used alone when minor category could not be determined
Aerial tramway, monorail, or ski lift
Landmark
Landmark is the general name given to a cartographic (or locational)
landmark or a land-use area. A cartographic landmark is identified for use
by an enumerator while working in the field. A land-use area is identified
in order to minimize enumeration efforts in uninhabited areas or areas
where human access is restricted.
Source materials do not allow determination
of the landmark category.
Landmark With Category Unknown
Landmark; major and minor categories unknown
Base, yard, or depot used by the U.S. Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marines, the Coast Guard, or the National Guard. With the
exception of the Coast Guard which is administered by the Department of
Transportation, and the National Guard which is administered by states,
these areas are administered by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Military Installation
Military installation or reservation; major category used alone
Multihousehold or Transient Quarters
Multihousehold or transient quarters; major category used alone when the
minor category could not be determined
Apartment building or complex
Rooming or boarding house
Trailer court or mobile home parkM
Marina
Crew-of-vessel area
Housing facility for workers
Hotel, motel, resort, spa, hostel, YMCA, or YWCA
Campground
Shelter or mission
This category includes institutions that have personnel
such as guards, nurses, and caretakers to preserve the welfare of those
individuals resident in the facility.
Custodial Facility
Custodial facility; major category used alone when the minor category
could not be determined
Hospital
Halfway house
Nursing home, retirement home, or home for the aged
County home or poor farm
Orphanage
Jail or detention center
Federal penitentiary, state prison, or prison farm
Educational or Religious Institution
Educational or religious institution; major category used alone when the minor
category could not be determined
Sorority or fraternity
Convent or monastery
Educational institution, including academy, school, college, and university
Religious institution, including church, synagogue, seminary, temple, and mosque
The facility where transportation equipment is
stored, the destination for travel on the transportation system, or the
intermodal connection facility between transportation systems.
Transportation Terminal
Transportation terminal; major category used alone when the minor
category could not be determined
Airport or airfield
Train station
Bus terminal
Marine terminal
Seaplane anchorage
Airport-Statistical Representation used as part of urban area delineation
where major airports are contiguous with urban areas
This category includes locations with high-density
employment.
Employment Center
Employment center; major category used alone when the minor category
could not be determined
Shopping center or major retail center
Industrial building or industrial park
Office building or office park
Amusement center
Government center
Other employment center
Tower
Tower; major category used alone when minor category could not be determined
Lookout tower
This category contains areas of open space with no inhabitants, or
with inhabitants restricted to known sites within the area.
Open Space
Open space; major category used alone when the minor category could
not be determined
Golf course
Cemetery
National Park Service land
National forest or other Federal land
State or local park or forest
This category includes landmarks not otherwise classified.
Special Purpose Landmark
Special purpose landmark; major category used alone when the minor
category could not be determined
Post office
Urbanizacion, an identifiable community development in Puerto Rico
Fire Department
Police Station
Library
City/Town Hall
Physical Feature
Source materials do not allow determination of the physical feature category.
Physical Feature With Category Unknown
Physical feature, tangible but not transportation or hydrographic; major and
minor categories unknown
This category describes a fence that separates property. For
example, a fence around a military reservation or prison separates the
reservation from civilian land. Thus, a fence line is a property line marked
by a fence.
Fence
Fence line locating a visible and permanent fence between separately
identified property
This category refers to topographical features that
may be used as boundaries or as a reference for an area. The Census
TIGER database contains topographic features used to define the limits
of statistical entities in locations where no other visible feature
can be identified.
Topographic Feature
Topographic feature; major category used when the minor category could
not be determined
Ridge line, the line of highest elevation of a linear mountain
Mountain peak, the point of highest elevation of a mountain
Island, identified by name
Levee, an embankment, as of earth or concrete, used to prevent a river or other
body of water from overflowing
Nonvisible features are used to delimit tabulation entities, property areas,
and legal and administrative entities. The U.S. Census Bureau separately
identifies nonvisible boundaries only when they do not follow a visible
feature such as a road, stream, or ridge line.
Nonvisible Features
Nonvisible Boundary With Classification Unknown or Not Elsewhere Classified
Nonvisible boundary; major and minor categories unknown
Nonvisible Legal Entity Boundary
Nonvisible current boundary of a legally defined entity
Offset boundary of a current legally defined entity
Corridor boundary of a current legally defined entity
Nonvisible superseded 2000 legal boundary
Nonvisible superseded 1990 legal boundary
Nonvisible superseded 1990 legal count question resolution boundary
Nonvisible superseded legal boundary, that was current at the time of the 1997
Economic Census
Nonvisible current State Legislative District boundary
Nonvisible current Congressional District boundary
Nonvisible superseded 2000 legal count question resolution boundary
This category contains various
types of nonvisible lines used to maintain the topology in the Census
TIGER database.
Nonvisible Features for Database Topology
Nonvisible feature for database topology; major category used when the
minor category could not be determined
Automated feature extension to lengthen existing physical feature
Irregular feature extension, determined manually, to lengthen existing
physical feature
Closure extension to complete database topological closure between
extremely close features (used to close small gaps between complete chains and
create polygons to improve block labeling on cartographic products)
Nonvisible separation line used with corporate offset and corridor boundaries
Nonvisible centerline of area enclosed by a corporate corridor boundary
Point-to-Point Line
Point-to-point line, follows a line of sight and should not cross any visible
feature; for example, from the end of a road to a mountain peak
Property Line
Property line, nonvisible boundary of either public or private lands,
e.g., a park boundary
ZIP Code Tabulation Boundary
ZIP Code tabulation area boundary, used in delineating ZIP Code
Tabulation Areas
Nonvisible Statistical Boundary
Statistical boundary; major category used when the minor category could
not be determined
Superseded tabulation boundary
Superseded tabulation boundary
Internal U.S. Census Bureau use
Superseded tabulation boundary
Nonvisible other tabulation boundary; major category used when the minor
category could not be determined
School district boundary
Internal U.S. Census Bureau use
Census 2000 collection block boundary; used to hold Census 2000
collection block boundaries not represented by existing physical features
Census 2000 statistical area boundary; used to hold Census 2000
statistical area boundaries not represented by existing physical features
Census 2000 tabulation block boundary; used to hold Census 2000
tabulation block boundaries not represented by existing physical features
Internal U.S. Census Bureau use
Oregon urban growth area boundary
Current statistical area boundary
Hydrography
This category includes shorelines of all water regard-less
of the classification of the water itself.
Basic Hydrography
Water feature, classification unknown or not elsewhere classified
Shoreline of perennial water feature
Shoreline of intermittent water feature
Naturally Flowing Water Features
Perennial stream or river
Intermittent stream, river, or wash
Braided stream or river
These features are used for purposes
such as transportation, irrigation, or navigation.
Man-Made Channel to Transport Water
Perennial canal, ditch, or aqueduct
Intermittent canal, ditch, or aqueduct
Inland Body of Water
Lake or pond; major category used when the minor category could not
be determined
Perennial lake or pond
Intermittent lake or pond
Man-Made Body of Water
Reservoir; major category used when the minor category could not be determined
Perennial reservoir
Intermittent reservoir
Seaward Body of Water
Bay, estuary, gulf, sound, sea, or ocean; major category used when the minor
category could not be determined
Bay, estuary, gulf, or sound
Sea or ocean
Body of Water in a Man-Made Excavation
Gravel pit or quarry filled with water
The U.S. Census Bureau digitizes nonvisible definition boundaries to
separate named water areas; for instance, an artificial boundary is drawn
to separate a named river from the connecting bay.
Nonvisible Definition Between Water Bodies
Nonvisible water area definition boundary; used to separate named water areas and
as the major category when the minor category could not be determined
USGS closure line; used as a maritime shoreline
Census water center line; computed to use as a median positional boundary
Census water boundary, international in waterways or at 10-mile limit; used
as an area measurement line
Census water boundary separating inland from coastal or Great Lakes;
used as an area measurement line
Census water boundary separating coastal water from territorial sea at the
3-mile limit; used as an area measurement line
Includes area covered by glaciers or snow fields.
Special Water Feature
Special water feature; major category used when the minor category could
not be determined
Glacier