Population Census Data Dissemination through Internet H. Furuta Lecturer/Statistician SIAP 1 Training Course on Analysis and Dissemination of Population and Housing Census Data with Gender Concern October 2011, Dili, Timor-Leste

Outline Censuses and technological tools Dissemination challenges Technological tools used in dissemination Challenges and opportunities Guidelines for discussion 2

Censuses and technological tools  Technological tools used in virtually all phases of the census operation: —pre-enumeration stage (mapping, GIS) —enumeration stage (OMR/OCR/ICR, e-Census) —post-enumeration stage (data processing, dissemination, archiving) 3

Dissemination challenges  Timely release ensure the most recent and correct data are disseminated  Accessibility enhance visibility and usability of data  User-friendliness/orientation  Present relevant data and metadata that meets users’ actual needs that helps turn statistics into knowledge  Assist data users  Add spatial dimension to statistical data 4

Technological tools used in dissemination Computer media (CD-Rom/DVD) Internet dissemination  Static web pages (html, PDF, excel, ASCII text)  Interactive online tools (queryable databases, tabulating/graphing/mapping tools, etc) Geographic information systems (GIS) Mobile technology (SMS, etc.) Social media (Facebook, Twitter) 5

Internet dissemination has become the primary means of data dissemination allows for quicker release of detailed data brings large volumes of data more easily and cheaply to users allows the creation of systems where users could service themselves (allow users to specify the content and form of output, manipulate and generate results themselves) same facility could cater for the needs of different types of users, both internal and external users allows presentation of data from multiple sources at one site 6

Interactive web-based tools orient users to the available body of data provide interface for interacting with the data and tools for self-service help users anticipate, interpret and evaluate results design considerations: —functionality to satisfy different levels of users —adopting a layered approach —contextual linking of metadata 7

Dissemination systems  Software packages consisting of: database and internet enabled user interface easy access to data, rich features, functionality to manipulate and download, flexible structure, analytical tools, support for users) —CensusInfo/DevInfo —CSPro —Redatam —others 8

Highlights from Survey on census methodologies used in 2010 round Report on results of Survey available at: 2010 World Programme website (  Dissemination: —Almost all countries (132/138) use a combination of print and electronic media for dissemination —5 developed countries indicated that they ceased disseminate via print publications —Most commonly used electronic media of dissemination : Statistic web pages – 128 (95%) countries; CD- ROM/DVD -108 (80%) countries —Over 70 (50%) countries use online databases and GIS web- based mapping tools 9

Challenges and opportunities Manage innovations due to shifts in demand, methods, technology Establish effective means of communication with users to stay current with changing user expectations and to support users Continuously develop effective data presentation tools with input from statisticians, IT experts and data users Develop cooperation with other institutions and statistical organizations, nationally and regionally Adopt data and metadata standards, including for international data exchange and comparability 10

Group Work Assignment: Dissemination system through internet  Participants are divided into four groups.  Assume that you are designing census data dissemination system through internet.  Each group will be given a set of target audiences to focus on.  Select a group leader who will lead discussion and assign roles to group members.  Compile presentation material  Make presentation  Play a role of salesperson/promoter  Play a role of audience for other group 11

Target audiences/stakeholders  General public  Business  Academia  Media  Local government  Women’s group  Government/Line ministries  International organizations 12

Task 1 – Put yourself in their shoes  For that target audience, please discuss the following: 1. Why should this audience use statistics? What is in it for them? 2. Which census data could be useful for them? 3. How would they prefer to receive the data; in what format? (e.g. brochures, newsletters, factsheets, printed publications, websites, newspaper) 4. When do they need the data; how often? 5. What functions/services do they need for dissemination system through internet? 6. How should the NSO website be organized and operated? 13

Task 1 – Put yourself in their shoes  Discuss, summarize and prepare presentation material in parallel (30 minutes)  Make presentation by each group in plenary (40 minutes) 10 minutes for each group including Q&A 14

Task 2 – Become a salesperson/promoter for your dissemination system through internet at a dissemination workshop  Discuss and prepare a short presentation for your target audience, convincing them to use the census results through internet.  You could mention: How census data can meet their information needs Where they can find the data Any services you offer to help them understand it How they can ask questions and give you feedback on their experience using data 15

Task 2 – Become a salesperson/promoter for your dissemination system through internet at a dissemination workshop  Discuss and prepare a short presentation material for your target audience in parallel (40 minutes)  A salesperson/promoter of each group will make presentation at mock dissemination workshop in plenary, convincing them to use the census results through internet.  A participant from other group play a role of a target audience and make feedback after the presentation.  10 minutes for each group including feedback from a target audience. 16