CENSUS AND TECHNOLOGY Presented by Dr. Muhammad Hanif 1

INTRODUCTION The population and housing census is vital for providing information about the population in order to present a full and reliable picture of the population in the country in terms of its size and spatial distribution, its demographic, social and economic characteristics, as well as its housing conditions. The census is the source for detailed information on the population at the level of small areas and small population groups. 2

Cont…. The census provides essential information for policy development and planning, for managing and evaluating programme activities across a broad range of sectoral applications, and for monitoring overall development progress. As a source for evidence-based decision making, census data have many uses, including in the demarcation of constituencies and the allocation of representation on governing bodies. 3

Cont…. Census data also play an indispensable role in ensuring equitable allocation of national funds and services. The census also provides data for the calculation of social indicators, particularly those that are needed for small areas or small population groups as well as those that may be observed infrequently in the population. 4

Technology This could be described as a set of tools both hardware (physical) and software (algorithms, philosophical systems, or procedures) that help us to act and think better. Technology includes all the objects from basic pencil and paper to the latest electronic gadget. The use of technology has been evolving over previous rounds of censuses. The advent of computers and software has transformed data processing, analysis, presentation, storage and communication. 5

Cont… There has been an increasing use of interactive databases with web-base and GIS applications. Websites, warehousing, archiving, database and spatial analysis software such as: Web-based, GIS and database software etc., has facilitated data exchange, data repository, analysis and better understanding of census results. However, despite these achievements, there is need to further improve access to data. 6

Cont… Innovations in internet and mobile-based sharing technological tools have also brought information to the door steps of many through the social media such as social networking websites, blogging, twitter, SMS. These tools allow groups or individuals to generate content and engage in peer-to-peer conversations and exchange of content. This opens-up new possibilities for dissemination; particularly when they are integrated in interactive databases 7

Cont…. At present a number of organizations are attempting to help bring innovation to census and statistical operations. Among the concerns regarding new technology are these: How to choose appropriate technology? How to maintain the integrity of existing statistical systems? How to deal with outsourcing certain tasks and how to maintain confidentiality of data? 8

Important technologies Some important technologies, such as: CAPI (Computer Assisted Portable Interview), Computer Assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) Census mapping Geographic information system (GIS) and Data-processing software for census can be used to reduce labour, cost and time involved population and housing census. 9

Computer Assisted Portable Interview Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) involves the use of a portable computer to collect, store and transmit data related to a personal survey interview. It is hoped that the information shared in this presentation provides key insight for those national statistical offices that may be considering using CAPI as an alternative method for data collection 10

Cont…. United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Oman had experimented with CAPI in the administering of surveys. Their experiences reported three common benefits in survey operations: Better data quality Improved timeliness Cost effectiveness 11

Computer Assisted telephone interviewing Computer Assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) system is combination of computer and telephone system, its main functions are providing: Questionnaire content enquiries from house-holds; Verification of identity of enumerators ; On-line data entry and real time data validation; 12

Cont…. Reservation of enumeration / scheduling for interviews by house-holds; Callers can leave a message in non-office hour; Conversation recording; Conversation play back and message play back; Send SMS messages feature can be added. 13

Pencil and Paper Interviewing Pencil and Paper Interviewing (PAPI) has been remained an effective method of collecting data in field surveys but CAPI, however, had the capacity to increase the quality and efficiency of data collection and processing. 14

Census data mapping Many users with different technical abilities are using Census data to ensure local services are being commissioned in the most cost-effective way. That means Census data mapping requires software that is straightforward to work with and at the same time produces reports that are easy to understand. 15

Instant Atlas Instant Atlas is now being used by a number of organizations in the UK to present Census data in a visual format. Many have already updated their websites to include the first release of the 2011 Census data which was recently made available online and in tables through the Office for National Statistics. 16

Recommendations It has been realized that interactive nature of approaches and technological tools foster better understanding of census data and information through user/producer communication or exchanges. Along with the teachers, the local scholars may also be employed (most of them having their own laptops). In these days the computer experts are also available in schools, union councils and basic health units. 17

. Thank You 18