PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Overview of the Presentation Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection and Processing Moving to PDA/Handheld-based Data Collection and Processing PDAs: Key Features/Other Optional Features Internet-based Census Data Collection Benefits/Issues Recommendations - Conclusions Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Paper-based Data Collection Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection/ Processing Slow and time-consuming Re-keying information is inefficient and increases chance of error Paper-based forms increase chance of error Submitting multiple forms for a single process Cannot capture value-added data – GIS Data Integrity and Authenticity Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

PDA and Handheld Computer Personal digital assistant: “A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld computer, also known as small or palmtop computers.” (Wikipedia) PDA vs Handheld computer: Handheld computer offers more features than a PDA (larger than a PDA; smaller than a Laptop!) Used interchangeably Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Paper-based Approach vs PDA’s Approach Data Collection Data Entry Data Coding/Editing Paper-based Approach Manual Key entry/computer-assisted OMR/OCR/ICR Manual Computer-assisted Data Coding/Editing (partial) Data Collection/Entry/Coding/Editing Automated/built-in Manual Computer-assisted PDA ‘s Approach Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

PDA: Way of Functioning Simultaneously data entering and data coding Possibility to enter data in two ways: with selection from the offered list of answers (or from classification in hierarchical order ) or with typing a text The next question could not be answered if the current one is not answered To have report of enumerated units (cumulative) in each moment To measure the time needed for enumeration of each separate enumeration unit Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 PDAs - Key Features Works like a “Pocket Computer” Processor, RAM, ROM, Operating System Applications can we loaded on the device Device has processing power Increases Productivity “on the move” Data can be collected in digital format in the field Data can be directly uploaded into the server Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Cont… Connectivity Options Data connectivity using GPRS /CDMA Data Connectivity options using Wi-Fi (Wireless) Data can be transferred by “syncing” with Computer: wired connectivity via USB cable (PDAs connect to computer) Enhanced data storage Increase storage capacity through add on SD cards Optional features Camera, Biometric, GPS, Add on Smart Card reader etc Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Two Types of Handheld devices: Pen Based Pocket PC’s Stylus based input Data transfer through “sync” Converged Pocket PC with Connectivity Connected via GPRS / CDMA Options of Camera, GPS Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Three forms of data transfer (from HP) Collect data in the field Sync and transfer data Using PDA with data sync option Option 1 Collect data in the field Send data via Inbuilt GPRS Using PDA inbuilt GPRS capability Option 2 Collect data in the field Send data via phone Using PDA in connection with Bluetooth Phone / connected cable Option 3 Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Selection Criteria: Data Input Method Stylus, On device keyboard, Off Device Keyboard Memory capacity RAM:64-128 MB ROM: Inbuilt ROM, Additional ROM via SD Card Connectivity Options Sync through computer, In-built GPRS/CDMA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Ruggedness Regional Language Support Arabic, English plus additional languages Other Options GPS, Camera, etc. Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Other Decision Making Criteria: Real time data upload Vs Batch data upload Recurring costs for data connectivity Ease of data entry/Ease of holding device in one hand Battery Life / Battery Charging Options Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Managing devices in the field: Some Considerations How do we manage the devices in the field? Data security? Device security? Application version on device? Troubleshooting on device? Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Measures for data protection Ensure protection from: Loosing of already entered records Ex-post data correction in entered records Unauthorized using of data Measures: Biometric Security Security for Wireless and GPRS Encrypting Data Make it “solid” (rugged?) Make it “ugly”! Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Optional Features The device can be enabled with GPS to: geo-reference units visited (urban and rural) track location of data entry Positioning and guidance of the enumerator With Cellular, camera and OS applications Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 PDAs Costs Pocket PCs: $300-$1200 Cost dependent on User Interface Upgrading Economy of scale Deployment issues Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Summary of Key Features Integrated field platforms with GPS, cellular, camera and OS applications Real-time task management from office Manage field time, expenses, etc. Geographical and map processing Data synchronization and management Secure applications, procedures and protocols Ability to encrypt data for secure transmission Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Self-administrated Questionnaire Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Internet-based Census Data Collection (eCensus) Why? Requested by the population (e.g. France) E-Government Policy (e.g. Canada) Some benefits Accurate and timely data collection Processing time reduced Rapid availability of clean data for statistical analysis Enhanced analytics Reuse and consumption by multiple Departments Enhanced Efficiency: eliminating layers, reducing staff and costs Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Example: Canada Experience Government On-Line (GOL) initiative Census 2006: 73% Mail-out via Canada Post Development and integration of Internet application and processing was outsourced to private sector Target: 20% of initial response from the Internet Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Example: European Census Organization Pilot for 2011 The pilot includes two key aspects: eCensus (census online) and Handheld devices. They want to equip census takers with hand-held devices to update addresses nationwide, and for non-response follow up or to input information during a canvass of homes whose residents fail to submit paper census surveys. From “RGI Conference on Technology Options”, IBM Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Recommendations for the use of PDAs Think Integration – People, Process, Technology Build Partnership with: Application development partner Device Manufacturer Connectivity provider Capacity building supporter Nodal Agency: Operationalize the whole process Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Summary-Conclusions The qualitative as well as quantitative benefits of handheld devices have been proven in field in many countries (Australia, Canada, Brazil, Malaysia, New Zealand, etc…) Various Options are available for selecting handheld devices Clear identification of objective is required for selecting best device Important to have extensive training prior to deployment Post implementation support – technical as well as hardware support ensures project success Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008

Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008 Thank You Regional Workshop on the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International standards, contemporary technologies for census mapping and data processing Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008