Mapping Files from the US Census Bureau

Looking to create your own map? The Census Bureau offers mapping files in three distinct products:

Which files should I use?
Product	Best For...	File Format	Type of Data	Level of Detail	Descriptive Attributes
TIGER/Line Shapefiles	Most mapping projects--this is our most comprehensive dataset. Designed for use with GIS (geographic information systems).	Shapefiles (.shp) and database files (.dbf)	Boundaries, roads, address information, water features, and more	Full detail (not generalized)	Extensive
Cartographic Boundary Files	Small scale (limited detail) mapping projects clipped to shoreline. Designed for thematic mapping using GIS.	Shapefiles (.shp)	Selected boundaries	Less detail (generalized)	Limited
KML Prototype Files	Viewing data or creating maps using Google Earth, Google Maps, or other platforms that use KML.	KML (.kml)	Selected boundaries	Less detail (generalized)	Limited