This description of the Census DIME (dual independent map encoding) file is directed toward school administrators and their staffs rather than to computer analysts. DIME can be used as the central component for a geographically based management information system. It provides the mechanism for the spatial display of data and for the determination of accessibility on either a vehicular or pedestrian network. The system can be extended to include other information available from the Census Bureau that could be used for a variety of socioeconomic studies such as to project student population changes at the block level and to analyze those areas most affected by the local school taxing scheme. (Author/IRT)