Each *.zip directory listed here contains shape files for the time period given. These shape files were created using ArcView, and are best viewed using one of the ESRI products ArcView, ArcInfo, ArcGIS.
Another option is ArcExplorer – a free software from ESRI that lets you see the Shapefiles and print them, as well as do queries, zoom in, create multiple layers, etc. Download ArcExplorer from http://www.esri.com/software/arcexplorer/index.html.
The file Land and Legends contain land mask and legend key files for use specifically with ArcView. Other GIS software products may also be used, but will require separate Land and Legends files. To download the data, right click and save the link. The file sizes vary from 18 to 41 MB. Land and Legends.zip
For more detailed information, please consult the User Guide.
NOTE: Please consider file size when downloading. Sizes vary from 18-41 MB and may take a while to open.