Sources of Environmental Data, Maps & Geographic Information
Use the following resources to find data, statistics, maps and other geographic information relating to environmental health, pollution, natural resources or climate--including the research programs and collaborations that collect it.
Another great way to find environmental data, statistics and geographic information is through searches of databases, such as those listed in the "Articles" section of this guide (Ask A Librarian for assistance if needed).
Local Sources of Environmental Maps, Data, Statistics
- Array of Things (University of Chicago, City of Chicago)City-wide system of nodes and sensors collecting data on specific pollutants and other environmental and atmospheric parameters in different Chicago neighborhoods.
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment (University of Chicago & University of Illinois Chicago)Find out about local research into relationships between human diseases and air, water and soil pollution in Chicago.
- Chicago Health Atlas (Chicago Dept. of Public Health & University of Illinois Chicago)Find and visualize data for a wide variety of health indicators associated with specific Chicago community areas, zip codes, place names and other geographic identifiers.
- City of Chicago: Environment and SustainabilityFind out about local environmental programs, plans, goals, policies, performance, and responsibilities in and around Chicago.
- Climate Action Plan (City of Chicago)Find out about City of Chicago's climate goals seeking to reduce carbon emissions while also increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice, and improving community health.
- Encyclopedia of Chicago Maps (Chicago History Museum)Historical and modern maps indicating the location and extent of industrial and commercial premises in the Chicago area.
- EPA in Illinois (Environmental Protection Agency)Find useful EPA news, topics, contact information, and information on air and water quality, and cleanup.
- Environmental Issues in Southeast Chicago (U.S. EPA)Updated list of companies investigated by the U.S. EPA in SE Chicago, including data and maps, and links to additional information sources.
- Healthy Chicago (Chicago Dept. of Public Health)Chicago’s five-year community health improvement plan and report focusing on racial and health equity; assessing the current status of Chicago communities and organizations; and developing approaches to strengthen neighborhood vitality and system coordination.
- Illinois Environmental Protection AgencyUse topic-based links and 'info center' resources to find information on state level environmental issues, programs, responsibilities and legislation.
- Proximity to environmental health hazards in Chicago (University of Illinois Chicago)Dashboard providing links to interactive maps and data visualizations showing the distribution of environmental burdens and benefits in different Chicago community areas, and with respect to specific locations and sensitive populations.
National Sources of Environmental Maps, Data, Statistics
- Climate.govFind timely and authoritative scientific data and information about climate, collated and provided by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Data.govProvides descriptions of U.S., State and some municipal datasets (metadata) and information about how to access and download statistical and data sets from open governmental sources.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency GatewayDiscover and find information and documents relating to key environmental issues affected the United States, and the science, research, technology, policy and legislation behind those issues.
Data & Statistics - More Resources & Help!
Click the following link to get additional guidance and resources for finding statistics and data sets--including links to Chicago community & neighborhood data (e.g. demographics, housing, income, transportation habits, land use), and contact information for DePaul Library's Data Literacy Librarian: