Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my CensusCD working ?!!??
First, take a deep breath: Next, read the line written in the blue bar in the bottom left-hand side of the screen, it will often prompt you for the steps that are missing when you are running a report. If you followed the instructions and it says "you can now run a report", then check: Did I install the software with the correct serial number? Did I install the software into a directory and/or subdirectory with 8 characters or less (if unsure, try reinstalling and using the default settings)? Is the correct disk in the computer when I run a report?

How do I save a report that I just ran?
When you run a report it is automatically saved to your computer. When you save your request you name the file and set the path. If you don't save your request, it is given the default name of "Noname" and it's path defaults to the directory and subdirectory where you installed your CensusCD Product

How do I find a report that I just ran?
When you save your request you name the file and set the path. If you don't save your request, it is given the default name of "Noname" and it's path defaults to the path that you installed the program under. Additionally, the path name is recorded in the blue bar along the top of your screen.

What are the real names of the variables (counts) I selected?
When you run a report an additional file is created called "filename.doc" and it has the same path as the file you ran. When you open this (in Word) it tells you the conditions you selected for your report. The area and all of the variable names are listed. The variables list their code as well as the full descriptive name.

How do I select a gray scale for my map?
When you are looking at a map on the screen and you want to change it to a gray scale, simply go to View (one of the choices along the top bar) and using the drop down menu select gray scale. To have the image revert back to multi-color, go to View and un-select gray scale.

How do I change the colors of the map?
When looking at the map, to the right is a column heading with 5 tabs (area, record, legend, layers, log). Select the Legend tab. You will then see the ranges and the color bars. If you select the colored circle next to each range and click on it a palette with lots of color choices will appear, make your selection and click OK. To save the map with these colors go to Statistics and select Save Colors.

How do I change the number of ranges of my data shown on the map?
When looking at the map, to the right is a column heading with 5 tabs (area, record, legend, layers, log). Select the Legend tab. You will then see 3 fields: 5 ranges, equal ranges, and no rounding. Select 5 ranges. This will have a pull down menu where you can select the number of ranges that you want to see your data broken into. Your map will be updated instantly.

How do I find the mean, median, and standard deviation of my data?
When looking at the map, to the right is a column heading with 5 tabs (area, record, legend, layers, log). Select the Legend tab. You will then see ranges in colored bars, under that are the mean, median, and standard deviation.

How do I label the different areas on my map?
When looking at the map, to the right is a column heading with 5 tabs (area, record, legend, layers, log). Select the Layers tab. The bottom line has 2 colored squares (color and borderclr) between them is an icon that looks like a book and is labeled "More". Select More. A new window will pop up and you can then select the second field. It defaults to Never (show labels). If you select "When Possible" it will label only those areas that are not too close to each other so that you can see the label easily. If you select "Every Object" it will label all areas regardless of whether the labels are superimposed upon each other.

I don't see the names of the variables. How do I tell which variable is which?
There are two ways to do this. Either you can open Word and go to the document that is affiliated with the map that you just produced and print it out. This will indicate which variables are included in the correct order.

Alternatively, you can move the map viewer screen. If you place your cursor on the column between the map and the column with the counts names you will get the parallel lines sign and you can then drag the column bar over. This will give more screen space to the counts names. However, it will also make your map look smaller.