Social Explorer AI allows you to explore demographic data through visual formats that make patterns, comparisons, and trends easier to understand. You can create maps, charts, and tables directly from your questions and continue refining them through follow-up requests.
The sections below describe the visualization options available in Social Explorer AI, followed by advanced features and practical tips.
Creating Maps
Transform data into interactive maps:
Single Maps: Visualize one demographic variable across a geography (e.g., population density across all counties).
Side-by-Side Maps: Compare two maps directly:
Different variables (income vs. poverty)
Different time periods (2010 vs. 2020)
Different demographic groups (Hispanic vs. Asian population)
Advanced Mapping Features:
Multiple variables: Display up to 5 variables on one map (must be from the same table)
Geographic masking: Focus on specific areas like a single county or state
Custom zoom and centering: Highlight your area of interest
Interactive exploration: Click on regions to see detailed data
Different map views: Ask for a satellite map
Geographic Considerations for Mapping: When mapping small geographies like census tracts or block groups, specify the county or state for best results.
Creating Charts
Generate visual comparisons and trends:
Chart Types Available:
Line charts (ideal for trends over time)
Bar charts, vertical or horizontal (great for comparisons)
Area charts (show cumulative trends)
Pie charts (display proportions)
What You Can Visualize:
Time series: Track changes over multiple years (e.g., population growth 2000-2020)
Group comparisons: Compare different places or demographic groups side by side
Multiple variables: Display several measures on one chart for easy comparison
Custom axes: Choose what appears on the X and Y axes
All charts are interactive and include proper data source citations.
Creating Tables
Present data in a structured, readable format:
Default View: The chatbot shows a preview (typically 5-10 rows) so you can quickly review results.
Full Tables: Request the complete dataset, presented with pagination for easy navigation.
Table Features:
Multiple variables and geographies: Combine data from the same dataset
Data from multiple surveys: Combine data from multiple surveys or tables in the same dataset
Calculated columns: Add percentages, growth rates, ratios, and other calculations
Sorting and ranking: Order by any variable
Export options: Download as CSV or Excel for further analysis
Data attribution: Every table includes source citations
Advanced Features
Exploring Variables Within Tables
Tables often contain dozens of variables. Use variable discovery to:
Browse all available measures within a table
Select exact demographic breakdowns you need
Find race/ethnicity-specific variants using ACS naming conventions
This is especially useful when you need precise control over which data points to analyze or visualize.
Adjusting for Inflation (CPI)
When analyzing income, rent, or other dollar-based variables over time, inflation matters. The AI can:
Access Consumer Price Index (CPI) data
Adjust dollar values to a consistent year
Enable accurate comparisons across different time periods
Understanding Your Results
Data Source Attribution
Every output includes clear citations showing:
Which survey does the data come from
What year(s) does the data represent
Any relevant methodology notes
This ensures transparency and helps you cite sources in your own work.
Methodology Explanations
Results include information about:
How the data was collected
Known limitations
Reliability considerations
Margins of error (for ACS data)
Understanding these details helps you interpret results accurately.
Quick Action Buttons
After receiving results, you'll see quick action buttons to:
View alternative tables
Explore different geographies
Create additional visualizations
Modify your current view
These shortcuts help you explore data more efficiently.
Tips for Success
Be Specific When Needed
While the chatbot understands natural language, being specific helps:
Vague: "Show me income."
Better: "Show me the median household income in California counties."
Use Correct Geographic Combinations
Remember that census tracts, block groups, and zip codes should be requested by county, not by city:
Works: "census tracts in Cook County."
Doesn't work: "census tracts in Chicago."
If you're unsure which county a city is in, ask the AI: "What county is Chicago in?"
Request the Format You Want
Tell the SE AI how you want to see results:
"Create a map of..."
"Show me a chart comparing..."
"Give me a table with..."
Explore Step by Step
You don't need to know everything upfront:
Start with a table search to find relevant data
Explore variables to see what's available
Request specific visualizations once you know what you want
Ask Follow-Up Questions
The SE AI remembers your conversation context:
"Now show that as a side-by-side map."
"What about for 2010?"
"Include margins of error."