1. GOOD PRACTICES FOR DATA DISSEMINATION
Juraj Riecan Director, UN-ESCWA Statistics Division

2. Overview of dissemination practices
Traditional databases
Front-ending
Process-oriented architecture
From recordsets to data cubes

3. Current dissemination practices
Static file formats
Spreadsheets
National databases

4. √ X > Static files Fully controlled presentation
Combine data, text, charts
Quick, easy, cheap √
Only a snapshot
Data not downloadable
Manual updates X
Key indicators
Highlights
>

5. √ X > Spreadsheets Easy format for data analysis
Downloadable, Customizable √
Users have to download all
Manual updates X
Data files for further analysis
>

6. √ X > National databases Customized queries Flexible downloads
Easy updates √
Important implementation costs
IT infrastructure
System maintenance X
General data dissemination
>

7. Traditional databases

8. Front-ending
Database 3
Database 2
Database 1

9. Process oriented architecture
Production Database
Database 3
Dissemination
Database
Database 2
Database 1

10. Statbank SuperWEB DevInfo New Chronos Beyond 20/20 PC-Axis OECD.Stat
Dissemination
Database
DevInfo
New Chronos
Beyond 20/20
PC-Axis
OECD.Stat

11. From recordsets to hypercubes
Relational databases
Hypercubes

12. Evolution from paper records Record = data item & metadata
Recordsets
Evolution from paper records
Sequential reading
Record = data item & metadata

13. Standard Query Language (SQL) Generic database tools
Relational Databases
Reporting country
Trade Volume
Importing country
Flexibility
Exporting country
Standard Query Language (SQL)
Generic database tools

14. Data Cube (Hypercube) Age Country 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year 65+ 16-64
0-15
Country C
Country
Country B
Country A
2001
2002
2003
2004
Year

15. Combining multiple classification Easy cross-tabulation
Data Cube (Hypercube) √
Most common approach √
Flexible √
Expandable √
Combining multiple classification √
Easy cross-tabulation

16. Conclusion – Summary Process oriented Architecture
Dissemination databases
Hypercube data model

17. THANK YOU