The ASC2DBF software is used to convert Census 2000 ASCII files, freely available on the Census Web server, to dBASE structure. A freeware version of ASC2DBF is available for non-business (see definition) downloading and use. There are no restrictions placed on use or redistribution of data developed using the software. This section summarizes features of ASC2DBF, how you can download and use it, and benefits.

New Version. ASC2DBF Version 2, released in June 2001, handles processing of the Census 2000 Summary File 1 data. ASC2DBF Version 2.1 (July 2002) also handles processing of the Census 2000 Summary File 3 data. ASC2DBF Version 1, an earlier version, processes only the P.L. 94-171, and is the freeware version.

Purpose/Benefits. The purpose of the ASC2DBF software is to provide the easiest and least costly way to organize Census 2000 data into a transportable structure ready to use with a wide range of programs. The Census Bureau provides free access to the demographic data from Census 2000 via the Census FTP server. ASC2DBF translates the raw ASCII data into database structures that can be processed by any software that can process dBASE structured files. Guarantee ease of data transportability in a highly useful structure with a wide range of application software.

ProximityOne Component. ASC2DBF is a standalone, integratable, component of the ProximityOne software suite. Use ASC2DBF to develop basic data files that can be processed by other ProximityOne components.

Ordering Information. To order ASC2DBF, use the Proximity Registration and Order Form.

Census 2000 Data Access and Use. ASC2DBF is used to process any of the Census 2000 demographic data downloadable from the Census Web server (freely accessed data). ASC2DBF will be progressively extended as new types of Census 2000 files become available.

Convert Summary File 1/3 ASCII to DBF. ASC2DBF Version 2.1 software converts the Summary File (SF) ASCII data, downloaded free from the Census Web server, to dBASE structure for use on your computer. Options include:

1. select entire, individual SF segments (corresponding to 39/76 data segments),
2. select only individual data fields or tables that you need,
3. select (using a button option) the "demographic profiles" data items, or
4. convert the entire SF data for a state.

Option 1 enables you to get only those segment of interest to you. For example, if you are interested in the detailed race ("PCT") tables you can select only these segments, rather than all 39 (76 for SF3) segments.

Option 2 enables you to quickly get just the data that you need for analyses. For example, you might only want the total population and the total number of housing units for all census tracts in one metropolitan area.

Option 3 enables you to access the most widely used set of SF data that correspond to the same set of data released by the Census Bureau as Demographic Profiles. You can then integrate the demographic-profile files, for say census tracts, with national scope demographic-profiles already in dBASE structure and downloadable from the Proximity website. This feature enables you to easily obtain the smaller area demographic-profile data and compare/analyze with other pre-existing demographic-profile data. Why the demographic-profile data group? Because this set of approximately 100 subject matter items are thought to the most popular set of data from all of the SF1 (approximately 500 for SF3) data.

ASC2DBF Version 1 and P.L. 94-171 Data. The first set of Census 2000 detailed data, the P.L. 94-171 redistricting files, provide data down to the census block level of geography for more than 8.5 million geographic areas. See P.L. 94-171 description for more information on these data.

ASC2DBF Version 1 incorporates a feature to develop of a single table (rather than three connected larger tables) housing all of the most widely used P.L. 94-171 data for a state. More information on the "PL321" database structure and processing features are available on the PL321 web page.

Note -- The features of the PL321 software, also available as a standalone routine, have been integrated into ASC2DBF. It is no longer necessary to convert the files from ASCII to dbASE4 and then run PL321. The PL321 can still be used as described, but for most applications ASC2DBF will be easier and faster.

Using the P.L. 94-171 Data. See the P.L 94-171 overview for a description of data available and how to use the Census FTP test site. Anyone having the appropriate computer and communications can access these data. There is no fee. By using the Census FTP site, you will have the fastest available means of acquiring these data and putting the data on your computer for analysis and integration with your own data.

As described in the above link, the data downloadable via the FTP site are in raw ASCII form. That is, the data are not organized for use with any particular software. The data can be restructured for use with any software. The challenge that the user of these data is faced with is -- how do I get the data into a form that I can use with minimal expense and time expenditure? The Census Bureau does not provide any software to convert or process the FTP accessible data. The ASC2DBF software is a solution -- a response to this need.

Using the ASC2DBF Version 1 Software. The ASC2DBF is a software resource that has been developed by Proximity. It is used with the Census Bureau FTP accessible P.L. 94-171 data (and subsequently the other summary data) in the following manner.

1. The ASC2DBF is downloaded and installed on your computer (see below).
2. Download the data files on a state by state basis from the Census FTP site. Unzip the data file.
3. Start the ASC2DBF program.
4. The P.L. 94-171 dbase files are generated automatically (along with indexes).

The P.L. 94-171 files generated by ASC2DBF are dBASE IV structure and lend themselves to use by a wide range of software. Open the converted files directly, for example, in Excel. Use the same table and cell names as used by the Census Bureau in the P.L. 94-171 file documentation.

Disclaimer of Warranty. The ASC2DBF software made available through this Web site is provided on an "AS IS" basis, without warranty of any kind, including without limitation the warranties of software and/or files being free of defects, merchantable, fit for a particular purpose or non-infringing. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the software and/or files is borne by you. Should the software or a file be defective in any respect, you alone agree to assume the entire risk and responsibility associated with use of the software and/or file and/or its contents. In addition, the process of acquiring files via the Internet is inherently risky and the entire risk associated with data transfer is borne by you.

Get Started Now! Download the ASC2DBF Version 1 zip file. Unzip the file into the folder c:\pl (recommended, not required). The downloadable file is set to work immediately with the files that are on the Census FTP site.

Installation and Use. Refer to the ASC2DBF installation and use Web page for instructions and reference. If you have questions, send e-mail to support@proximityone.com.

Definition of Non-Business Use. The term "non-business use" means use of the software a) for evaluation or b) by an individual (user) who is not using the software for purposes of generating income and where the user is not using the software to meet the requirements of an entity that employs the user directly of indirectly.

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