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Beautiful Public Data
@beautifulpublicdata.com
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A curated selection of visually interesting datasets collected by local, state and federal government agencies. By @Jonkeegan.com

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✨📊 Highway Photologs

Highway departments all around the country had "photolog" programs, some dating back as early as 1961. Each year, specially tricked out vans would drive each mile of state road snapping photos to…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/highway-photologs
Two people are walking on a sidewalk alongside a street with a house and trees in the background, with red numerical data displayed at the top of the image. A busy urban street with multiple vehicles and a person on a motorcycle, overlaid with red numerical data at the top. A car is stopped at a rural intersection on a sunny day, with data overlaid at the top of the image. A person is walking along a rural road under a display with red numerical data.
November 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 FAA Aviation Maps

Among all of the visual information published by the U.S. government, there may be no product with a higher information density than the Federal Aviation Administration's aviation maps.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/faa-aviation-maps
An instrument approach chart for ILS or LOC RWY 34 at Asheville Regional Airport, detailing procedures, altitudes, and navigation aids. This image displays an instrument approach chart for Asheville Regional Airport's ILS or LOC RWY 34, featuring navigational and procedural information. An aviation chart showing airways, navigation aids, and restricted zones in Texas, including Houston and surrounding areas. Instrument landing system (ILS) approach chart for runway 17L at Orlando International Airport (MCO), detailing navigation and approach instructions.
November 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Nuclear Weapon Test Films

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories has an archive of an estimated 10,000 films of nuclear weapons tests from the 1940's - 1960's.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/nuclear-weapon-test-films
A mushroom-shaped cloud emerging from the horizon in a dark, monochrome image. A grayscale image showing a glowing, ethereal shape with a bright center and soft edges against a dark background. A bright, circular light source is seen rising or setting above a bed of clouds in a black and white image. A black and white image of a large, bright dome-like shape in the sky above dark cloud formations.
November 21, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 1,000 Photos of Dolphin Fins

Scars, scratches and wounds abound in these photos as encounters with unknown creatures and boat propellers leave their marks, imprinting a story of close escapes and cheatin…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/1000-photos-of-dolphin-fins
A close-up of a shark's dorsal fin above the water's surface, with splashing water around it. A dolphin's dorsal fin is visible above the water, showing distinctive notches and markings. Close-up of a dolphin's dorsal fin with distinctive markings, emerging from the water. A close-up of a dolphin swimming in the water with its dorsal fin and part of its face visible.
November 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 The Army and Navy Style Guides

These fascinating Army and Navy brand style guides define the look, feel and voice of our armed forces.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/army-navy-style-guides
Collage of U.S. Army soldiers engaging in various training and camaraderie activities, illustrating community and connection. A yellow star with a black center is next to the text "U.S. ARMY" on a black background. Navy logo featuring an eagle with wings spread, holding an anchor, alongside the text "AMERICA'S NAVY" in bold letters against a white background. The image features a U.S. Army brand guidelines page discussing the historical and cultural significance of the U.S. Army star, accompanied by images of an early U.S. flag, a World War II tank, and the modern U.S. Army star
November 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 US Government UFO (UAP) Footage

For decades, the public suspected that the US Government was hiding secret intelligence about UFOs — (now known as UAPs). Turns out…it kind of was.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/us-government-ufo-uap-footage
A small rock fragment is placed next to a measuring scale with black and white markings in centimeters.
November 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Photologging Vans

These sequences are from New York and Connecticut's state photolog archives, which I obtained through public records requests. Almost every state's hi…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/photologging-vans
A black and white image of a photolog van with its doors open, used by the Maryland Department of Transportation. A microprocessor-based photolog system control unit is shown on the left and an automatic exposure control unit is on the right. A black and white photo of a road with large superimposed numerical data at the top, labeled as a second-generation photolog frame from Techwest Enterprises Ltd. A black and white image of an intersection with a lone car in the distance and a visible control section banner at the bottom.
November 12, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 1,000 Photos of Dolphin Fins

Scars, scratches and wounds abound in these photos as encounters with unknown creatures and boat propellers leave their marks, imprinting a story of close escapes and cheatin…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/1000-photos-of-dolphin-fins
Close-up of a dolphin's dorsal fin with distinct markings, emerging from the water. Close-up of a dolphin's fin with distinctive markings above the water. A dolphin's dorsal fin with distinctive notches rises above the water's surface. A dolphin swimming in the ocean, partially emerging from the water with waves around it.
November 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Mapping the Sea Floor

USGS research vessels equipped with cameras, sonar and scanners created a map of 125 square miles of the sea floor off Cape Ann, MA.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/mapping-the-sea-floor
A small, camouflaged fish blends into the sandy ocean floor. A camouflaged flounder blends into the sandy ocean floor. A lobster is sitting on a sandy seabed surrounded by scattered shells and debris. A lobster with large claws is lying on a sandy ocean floor.
November 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Aerial Glacier Photographs

A collection of 100,000 striking high-resolution aerial photos of glaciers, photographed over 40 years with a 63-pound WW II surveillance camera.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/aerial-glacier-photographs
An aerial black-and-white image showing a rugged coastline with rocky cliffs and a glacier meeting the ocean. Aerial view of a glacial landscape with blue ice and green forested areas on rugged terrain. Aerial view of a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and a turquoise lake. Aerial view of a glacier surrounded by rugged terrain and mountains, with flowing ice formations.
November 5, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 US Government UFO (UAP) Footage

For decades, the public suspected that the US Government was hiding secret intelligence about UFOs — (now known as UAPs). Turns out…it kind of was.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/us-government-ufo-uap-footage
A small fragment of reddish-brown rock is placed on a surface with L-shaped measurement scales in centimeters surrounding it.
November 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 The Army and Navy Style Guides

These fascinating Army and Navy brand style guides define the look, feel and voice of our armed forces.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/army-navy-style-guides
Image displaying the America's Navy logo featuring an eagle with an anchor beneath the words "America's Navy" against a marbled background. A page titled "Look and Feel" features text about image treatment and photography style, alongside two images: one of a person with headphones at sunset, and another of a diver underwater. A presentation slide titled "Dynamic perspective" features U.S. Army photography guidelines and a grid of action-packed images showcasing soldiers, landscapes, and equipment in various engaging scenarios. A yellow star with a black center next to the text "U.S. Army" on a black background.
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Mapping the Sea Floor

USGS research vessels equipped with cameras, sonar and scanners created a map of 125 square miles of the sea floor off Cape Ann, MA.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/mapping-the-sea-floor
A large lobster with prominent claws sits on the sandy ocean floor. A lobster rests on the sandy ocean floor surrounded by scattered shell fragments. A shark swims near the ocean floor in murky water. A crab is walking on a sandy seabed.
October 27, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 1,000 Photos of Dolphin Fins

Scars, scratches and wounds abound in these photos as encounters with unknown creatures and boat propellers leave their marks, imprinting a story of close escapes and cheatin…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/1000-photos-of-dolphin-fins
Close-up of a dolphin's dorsal fin and head above the water's surface. Close-up of a dolphin's dorsal fin with markings, emerging from the water. A dolphin's dorsal fin breaks through the water surrounded by splashes. A dolphin's dorsal fin with a distinctive notch swims partially submerged in the water.
October 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management wants to pay you $1,000 to adopt a wild horse. But the program has been criticized by animal rights advocates and subject to scrutiny by Congress.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/wild-horses
A brown horse with a dark mane is standing in a narrow pen under a clear blue sky. A black horse with numbers shaved into its neck stands against a rural background. A brown horse with a black mane and a white spot on its forehead stands in a trailer, facing the camera. A dark-colored horse with a shaggy mane stands in a fenced area, facing the camera.
October 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Vehicle Crash Test Films from the 1970's and 1980s

Deep in the public archives of the NHTSA, there are thousands of films of some classic (and some ugly) 70's and 80's cars being smashed into…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/vehicle-crash-test-films-from-the-1980s
A damaged white car with visible crash test markings is parked outdoors in a snowy environment. A diagram and text on a "Part 572 Dummy In-Vehicle Position Recording Sheet" for a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, detailing the positions of driver and passenger crash test dummies. A red hatchback car with testing equipment is parked on a snowy surface, labeled "BASELINE EST 4 CAR 10" with people and equipment in the background. Two crash test dummies are seated inside a damaged vehicle, with one dummy leaning forward and another facing right.
October 13, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Aerial Glacier Photographs

A collection of 100,000 striking high-resolution aerial photos of glaciers, photographed over 40 years with a 63-pound WW II surveillance camera.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/aerial-glacier-photographs
An aerial black and white photograph of a glacier, showing intricate ice formations and surrounding mountainous terrain. Aerial view of a glacier winding through mountainous terrain, showing distinct layers and textures. Aerial view of a mountainous landscape with a turquoise lake surrounded by rocky terrain and patches of snow. Aerial view of the Malaspina Glacier in Alaska, showcasing its swirling, layered patterns.
October 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Cold War Military Slides

A reporter stumbled upon a treasure trove of Department of Defense slides from the 1970s and 1980s depicting data from missile systems, Soviet capabilities and America’s nuclear ars…

🔗

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/cold-war-military-slides
Text "MISSION AND ORGANIZATION" is overlaid on a fragmented map with a blue grid and multicolored sections. A dynamic painting depicting U.S. Air Force and Navy missiles and aircraft in flight against a colorful sky background. A pie chart from the 323D Flying Training Wing displays FY 1979 graduate assignments, with SAC at 46%, TAC at 36%, MAC at 15%, and other at 3%. A pie chart from AFSC FY 80 showing the distribution of total funds managed, totaling $17.4 billion, with sections for procurement (43%), RDT&E (25%), foreign military sales (21%), and other (11%).
October 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 US Government UFO (UAP) Footage

For decades, the public suspected that the US Government was hiding secret intelligence about UFOs — (now known as UAPs). Turns out…it kind of was.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/us-government-ufo-uap-footage
A rough, triangular rock fragment is placed on a white surface with a black-and-white scale ruler beside it for size reference.
October 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 US Government UFO (UAP) Footage

For decades, the public suspected that the US Government was hiding secret intelligence about UFOs — (now known as UAPs). Turns out…it kind of was.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/us-government-ufo-uap-footage
A small, rough stone fragment is placed on a surface with black and white rulers arranged in an L-shape for scale.
October 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management wants to pay you $1,000 to adopt a wild horse. But the program has been criticized by animal rights advocates and subject to scrutiny by Congress.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/wild-horses
A black horse standing in a fenced area with sunlight casting shadows on its face. A brown horse with a black mane stands in a trailer, looking towards the camera, with another horse partially visible behind it. A black horse with a braided mane stands in a sunny outdoor setting. A brown horse stands between metal bars, with sunlight casting shadows across its face.
September 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Cold War Military Slides

A reporter stumbled upon a treasure trove of Department of Defense slides from the 1970s and 1980s depicting data from missile systems, Soviet capabilities and America’s nuclear ars…

🔗

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/cold-war-military-slides
Illustration depicting Soviet strategic offensive forces, featuring a submarine, missile, aircraft, and the text "Soviet Strategic Offensive Forces" on the side. An emblem with an eagle and sword surrounded by stars is above the text "Readiness is Our Profession." A stylized image shows a vintage telephone with the words "Automatic Secure Voice Communications" and "AUTOSEVOCOM" against a blue background. Stylized illustration of a military aircraft with the word "THREAT" above it, accompanied by images of tanks and artillery.
September 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 Mapping the Sea Floor

USGS research vessels equipped with cameras, sonar and scanners created a map of 125 square miles of the sea floor off Cape Ann, MA.

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/mapping-the-sea-floor
A shark is swimming underwater in murky, dark green water. A group of small, translucent shrimp swim underwater over a sandy seabed scattered with shells. A lobster lies on a sandy seabed surrounded by scattered shell fragments. A flatfish camouflaged against the sandy sea floor with a small white shell nearby.
September 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
I have a story about how researchers are using LiDAR to measure the damage from the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles in the September/ October issue of MIT Technology Review (@technologyreview.com) on newsstands now!
Photo of a magazine spread How lidar measures the toll of climate disasters By creating 3D scans, assessing infrastructure, and monitoring impacts, this tech allows researchers to be better informed The Eaton fire: Red indicates lost elevation (like when a building burns), while blue shows a gain (such as tree growth or new construction) between 2016 and 2025. Cover of MIT Technology Review magazine
September 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
beautifulpublicdata.com
✨📊 All of the 8,331 License Plates in America

States now offer a vast menu of personalized plate options for a dizzying array of organizations, professions, sports teams, causes and other…

https://beautifulpublicdata.com/all-of-the-license-plates-in-the-united-states
Tennessee license plate design featuring an illustration and the text "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library." Arizona license plate featuring "Alice Cooper's" branding and promoting Solid Rock Teen Centers, with a red background and placeholder zeros. A Louisiana license plate featuring dolphins against a sunset background with the text "Protect Wild Dolphins." California license plate featuring the tail of a whale emerging from the ocean, with text "Protect Our Coast & Ocean."
August 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM