Title: UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
1PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data
Collection
2Overview 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
3Paper-based Data Collection
Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing
Handheld devices
Paper-based Data Collection
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Internet
4Challenges 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
5PDA 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
6Paper-based Approach vs PDAs 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
Manual Computer-assisted
Automated/built-in
PDA s Approach
7PDA 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
8PDAs - 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
9Cont
- 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
10Two Types of Handheld devices
- Pen Based
- Pocket PCs
- Stylus based input
- Data transfer through sync
- Converged
- Pocket PC with Connectivity
- Connected via GPRS / CDMA
- Options of Camera, GPS
11Three forms of data transfer (from HP)
12Selection Criteria
- Data Input Method
- Stylus, On device keyboard, Off Device Keyboard
- Memory capacity
- RAM64-128 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.
13Other 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
14Managing 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?
15Measures 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!
16Optional 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
17PDAs Costs
- Pocket PCs
- 300-1200
- Cost dependent on
- User Interface
- Upgrading
- Economy of scale
- Deployment issues
18Summary 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
19Self-administrated Questionnaire
Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing
Handheld devices
Paper-based Data Collection
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Internet
20Internet-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
21Example 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
22Example 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
23Recommendations 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
24Summary-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
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