LSNC alum John Gianola just turned us onto a nifty dataset of HUD subsidized projects. The dataset can be used to create accurate point features for all HUD subsidized housing (excluding HCV units). You can also use the dataset to map all HUD subsidized housing (including HCV units) at the census tract summary level (this data is in the aggregate and is not geocoded at the street level). HUD has taken their customer service to a new level by publishing a “how-to” on mapping the dataset using ArcGIS.

I tested HUD’s “how-to” and it worked well. Initially, I was unable to import the txt. file into a personal geodatabase but inexplicably the problem didn’t occur on my third attempt (ArcGIS is such a fickle friend). I can only assume that I should have followed the HUD “how-to” more carefully. In the end, I was happy with the point feature class of HUD subsidized developments and intend to conduct proximity and concentration analysis using it. This data can be used in more contexts than can be named here and I strongly suggest that advocates take the time to create a point feature class of developments in their service area using this HUD dataset.

I also tried creating a dbf. file from the HUD txt. file because my familiarity with the personal geodatabase is limited. First, I opened the txt. file with Excel and followed the normal procedure for opening a comma-delineated file. After dealing with these initial formating issues, I saved the file as a DBF IV and then added the dbf. to ArcMap. After adding the file, I defined the coordinate system as GCS North American 1983. This alternate method failed completely and gave me one strange point feature class. My advice, follow the HUD “how-to”. Feel free to contact us if you need some help.