Finding and Using GIS Data

Business Database

Data Axle Reference Solutions

Homepage: https://ezproxy.lib.uwm.edu/login?url=http://www.referenceusa.com/UsBusiness/Search/Quick/616add384a2143f789ccf79274e221bc

About: "Data Axle Reference Solutions provides profiles for over 16 million U.S. businesses, including publicly-traded companies, private companies and branches of these companies. The database also includes other types of entities, such as home-based businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Each profile includes contact information, business description, corporate linkage/subsidiaries (if applicable), management listing, and more. Use the Advanced Search to generate company lists based on geography, industry, ownership type, and more" (UWM Libraries).

Data Available: Data can be downloaded as Heat maps, Charts, and CSV/Excel files

Topics Include: Company Name, Executives, Business Type, Geography, Phone, Business Size, Ownership, and Financial Data

How to use Data Axle Reference Solutions

This tutorial shows you the steps to download data from Data Axle Reference Solutions. In this example, I will be downloading shopping centers in Milwaukee County. 

1. Navigate to https://ezproxy.lib.uwm.edu/login?url=http://www.referenceusa.com/UsBusiness/Search/Quick/616add384a2143f789ccf79274e221bc

2. Click "Advanced Search"

3. "Business Type" and "Geography" are the most useful categories for our purposes.

4. First, lets filter by location and choose Wisconsin and Milwaukee County.

5. Next, we can look for shopping centers. To do this click "Keyword/SIC/NAICS" under the "Business Type" section.

6. After selecting Shopping Centers, you can view results on the top right. This will give you all shopping centers in Milwaukee County.

7. Click "Download"

In order to get data that can be used in ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro we have to get latitude and longitude.

1. After clicking "Download", you will presented with this page:

2. Click "Detailed" to include all the business data; however, if you want specific columns you can choose "Custom" and select "Latitude" and "Longitude".

3. Click "Download Records" to receive your data.

Still Stuck?

If you are having trouble finding the data you are looking for, the AGS Library may be able to help.

• Use the buttons below to view our Geospatial Data homepage, request data from our collection, or e-mail us with questions.
• You can make an appointment for an in-person or virtual consultation, just e-mail gisdata@uwm.edu
• We are located in the Golda Meir Library at UWM on the 3rd floor of the East Wing. Phone: (414) 229-6282.