How to Structure, Design and Evaluate Capacity for the use of GIS for Census Activities

Summary Project goals related to the Census Selection of a Methodology Census Data and Map Inventory Analysis and Accuracy assessment of the Census Mapping Procedure Presentation and Dissemination of Results Evaluate the needs list for Census Mapping activities to be conducted

Project goals related to the Census Selection of a Methodology Census Data and Map Inventory Analysis and Accuracy assessment of the Census Mapping Procedure Presentation and Dissemination of Results Evaluate the needs list for Census Mapping activities to be conducted (according to the previous evaluation above) Redesign and re-evaluation of these suggestions and procedures at various stages of the census will help avoid hours of unnecessary work and redundant tasks the next time census mapping activities are carried out.

Project goals related to the Census What is the purpose of the census in relation to spatial analysis? What is the spatial extent (total area) and grain size (ground resolution) currently and what is preferred? Identify the information needs for census mapping: What type of spatial data do you need to achieve your goals? What are the sources of these data, and what are the appropriate types of data to enhance census mapping activities?

Selection of a Methodology Constructing a logical spatial analysis flow chart that details the project steps will make the success of the census more likely. What types of collection (enumeration process), processing (pre & post enumeration) and analyses (data dissemination) is needed and what will be performed? The spatial analysis flow diagram should include: An outline of the procedures required for the collection of data and integration of possible existing data A logical sequence of census mapping procedures to be performed A list of all the existing data & needed data required for each step

Census Data and Map Inventory Conduct an inventory of the census data requirements and sources of relational information. Widespread availability of digital data on the Internet, many GIS projects does not ensure efficient data collection, input, and integration. Check for data are already in digital format. What are the requirements for census data conversion (scan paper maps. input data from statistical yearbooks etc.)

Analysis and Accuracy assessment of the Census Mapping Procedure Make the initial census mapping methodology as flexible as possible. There is often a need to revise the procedures originally intended. Consider that once the census mapping is complete or executed in the field, you should evaluate the accuracy and validity of the results which may require more fieldwork.

Presentation and Dissemination of Results Evaluate the results that have to be presented What formats best suit the audience (poster-sized map in electronic or paper form, journal, PowerPoint presentation, etc.) Are any advanced analysis of the results needed? (Overlays, Multivariate regressions, Spatial interpolations)

Evaluate the needs list for Census Mapping activities to be conducted What are the costs for Upgrades of hardware or/and existing software? Is a LAN configuration needed? What are the staff training needs/ Is the existing workforce adequate? What is the ease and difficulty as far as installation of hardware/software as well as maintenance? What infrastructure documentation, manuals, Help-line, and vendor support (patches etc.)?

Issues to be considered in system selection Cost Upgrades LAN configuration Training needs/Workforce Ease of installation Maintenance Documentation and manuals Help-line and vendor support Means of making patches for support Complex and Confusing Process: Savvy GIS consumer should research, select, test, and question systems before a purchase is made.

Redesign and re-evaluation of these suggestions and procedures at various stages of the census will help avoid hours of unnecessary work and redundant tasks the next time census mapping activities are carried out.

Discussion & Questions