1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Minsk, Belarus, 8-12 December 2008
Selection Criteria:
Data Input Method
Stylus, On device keyboard, Off Device Keyboard
Memory capacity
RAM: 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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