1. UNSD Census Workshop Data Capture: Optical Mark Recognition
Day 2 - Session 7
Data Capture: Optical Mark Recognition
Andy Tye – International Manager
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

2. Data Capture Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)
2 methods to automate Mark data capture
OMR from image
Dedicated OMR scanners
Forms design, Hardware, Software, Advantages, Disadvantages for each method are different
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

3. Data Capture OMR from image Scan Database Image Storage
Processing
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

4. Data Capture Dedicated OMR Scanners Database Scan
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

5. Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Forms Design
Typical stock grade paper (90GSM)
Corner Stones advised
Dropout colour is recommended but not essential
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

6. Data Capture - OMR Dedicated OMR Scanners Forms Design
CBS2 Standard Paper
Layout of form designed using grid system
Dropout colour is mandatory
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

7. Data Capture - OMR Forms Design
Whichever OMR method chosen make sure you:
Design your form in collaboration with technology
provider
Finalise the form design in good time, well in advance
of census
Prove your forms design with a Pilot exercise
Census forms need to be designed precisely and with
enumerator task in mind
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

8. Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Dedicated OMR Scanners Hardware
Image Scanners
TWAIN or ISIS
Database Server
Storage Server
Network
Administrator PC
CS-Pro PCs
Key correction PCs
Scanner PCs
Image interpretation PCs
Dedicated OMR Scanners
Hardware
OMR Scanners
Database Server
Network
Administrator PC
CS-Pro PCs
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

9. Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow OMR from image
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

10. Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow OMR from image
Dedicated OMR Scanners
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

11. Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Dedicated OMR Scanners Software
Software for Scanner PCs
Software for Administrator PC
CS-Pro PCs
Software for Key correction PCs
Software for Direct Data Entry PCs
License per Image interpretation PCs
MS-SQL or other database
Data Storage, Archive and Retrieval
Dedicated OMR Scanners
Software
Software for OMR Scanners
Software for Administrator PC
CS-Pro PCs
MS -SQL or other database
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

12. Data Capture - OMR Dedicated OMR Scanners OMR from image Accuracy
Typically 16 levels of discrimination
OMR from image
Accuracy
Typically tolerance level applied
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

13. Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Dedicated OMR Scanners Advantages
No specialist hardware required
An Image archive is automatically produced of every form
Very high speed scanning can be achieved
Dedicated OMR Scanners
Advantages
Very accurate time proven technology
A guaranteed accuracy of data from properly shaded forms
‘Problem’ forms are identified at point of scanning and can be ‘out-sorted’
Validated data is produced immediately as forms are accepted
Overall a low cost option for paper based data capture
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

14. Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Dedicated OMR Scanners Disadvantages
Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc.
Need trained enumerators to complete the form.
As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence
Accuracy suffers from image technology
Significant hardware/software and trained IT staff will be required
Accuracy dependant on manual intervention
Dedicated OMR Scanners
Disadvantages
Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc.
Need trained enumerators to complete the form.
As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence
Accurately printed forms are required.
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

15. Cost Comparisons (A general guide)
Data Capture - OMR
Cost Comparisons (A general guide)
OMR from Image
Dedicated OMR Scanner
Forms Design
Same
Forms Production -
Higher
Enumerator Training
Scanners PC
PC Operators
Servers
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

16. Data Capture - OMR ‘the forms are filled in correctly and
Summary
For both methods
The single most important factor for timely and
accurate data capture is to make sure
‘the forms are filled in correctly and
are returned in good condition’
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

17. UNSD Census Workshop Thank you for listening
Day 2 - Session 7
Thank you for listening
Andy Tye – International Manager
DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture