San Diego County covers an area of 4,526 square miles making it larger than Delaware or Rhode Island and 82% the size of the state of Connecticut. With a 2010 population of 3,095,313, it is the fifth most-populous county in the United States giving it a population greater than 21 states. The people of San Diego County live in 18 incorporated cities, 18 Indian reservations, 16 significant naval and military locations or 64 unincorporated areas. Over 480 species of birds have been observed in San Diego County, more than any other county in the United States. Public agencies or districts own over 60% of the land in the County.
The City of San Diego was founded in 1769 and chartered in 1850. It covers 342 square miles (8 % of the County), has a 2010 population of 1,307,402 (42% of the County), and includes 52 planning areas. It is the 2nd largest city in California and the 8th largest city in the United States. The City of San Diego was rated the fifth-best place to live in the United States by MONEY Magazine in 2006.
The SanGIS database is extensive and covers every incorporated and unincorporated area in the County. Following are a few facts about the volume of GIS data available to SanGIS' JPA members and the general public.