OBJECTIVE: Large epidemiology studies using population databases are in high demand in the current healthcare environment. Simultaneously, the number of healthcare databases available for research has risen considerably. Increasingly complex research questions require population researchers to be more aware of the availability and details of databases worldwide. To address this growing need, a web-based directory with detailed profiles of population research databases was developed. METHODS: B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM (Benefit-Risk Information for Drug Evaluations) is an advanced version of the original R.A.D.A.R. (Risk Assessment of Drugs Analysis & Response) books (1990s; 200+ database profiles), and the subsequent BRIDGE On-Line version (1999-2003). Over a 20-month period, we convened an advisory board, re-branded the website, and updated content. A web development firm built the infrastructure of bridgetodata.org. Content was developed by assessing existing database profiles and performing extensive literature reviews. A database profile template was created with 75 common fields covering the following categories: population type, demographics, physician, drug, diagnosis, procedure, economic, validation, linkage, and administrative data. We received advisory board feedback at multiple stages, and database managers were contacted for listing authorization and content approval. A quality assurance process involved systematic review of each profile by the primary editor, DGI staff, and database managers. RESULTS: The site was launched in November 2009 with 50 database profiles from USA, Europe, and Asia. It features a web interface designed to perform database searches by field type and to allow side-by-side comparison of multiple databases. Limitations included a short timeline and budgetary constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Development of a web-based directory of population research database profiles will enable the identification of appropriate databases for pharmacoepidemiologic, economic, and health services research. Other applications may include serving as an educational tool and as a model for developing new healthcare databases.