Geographic Information System (GIS)

Essentials

GIS is a computer-based tool that offers an alternative way of looking at data by displaying information on maps. Many data sets contain information about location which can be used to visualize unrelated data together on a map. This visualization allows users to uncover patterns and identify trends otherwise hidden in spreadsheets and tables.

The California Department of Education (CDE) staff create maps that combine school and district information with data from other sources to answer spatially related questions such as:

Where are school performance levels higher or lower?
Who are the legislators that represent my school district area?
Which districts are transfer students coming from?

GIS analysis helps us better understand data relationships and provides actionable results that can inform education policy decisions.

Data Requests

The CDE GIS team develops GIS data solutions that support individual program goals that advance department-wide initiatives. The GIS team fulfills external GIS related information requests received through the department’s Data Request page.

Geo Hub

The Geo Hub is a new online data sharing platform that provides the public and researchers with a single point of access to the CDE’s mapping resources

• Geographic Data Files with Demographics
  The CDE’s statewide collection of authoritative GIS data is available for public use and is accessible through the Geo Hub. The school and district layers include the most current student demographic and performance data elements from the CDE’s data collections. The available content can be previewed within the Geo Hub and downloaded in GIS compatible formats or as spreadsheets for non-GIS users.
  
  
• GIS Web Maps and Applications
  The web maps and interactive applications showcased through the Geo Hub highlight the various ways in which the CDE uses GIS technology and spatial analysis to better understand the condition of public education in California.
  

Projects

The following GIS projects were accomplished through cross-divisional collaboration and outside partnerships with state and federal agencies.

• California School/District Dashboard Navigator
  An interactive online mapping tool for sharing school and district accountability data.
  
  
• Emergency Response Mapping & Support
  The CDE partners with the California Office of Emergency Service (CalOES) during emergency events to provide critical mapping support by identifying school facilities under threat of evacuation.
  
  
• School District Review Program
  A federal initiative and joint effort between the CDE, U.S. Census Bureau and local government focused on maintaining accurate school district boundaries in order to guarantee the equitable allocation of Title I funds.
  
  
• Systems of Support
  A series of maps showing the distribution of Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) support to facilitate resource coordination.