UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

About This Presentation
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

Description:

PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection Overview of the Presentation Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection and Processing Moving to PDA ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

Number of Views:176
Avg rating:3.0/5.0

less

Transcript and Presenter's Notes

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


1
PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data
Collection
2
Overview 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

3
Paper-based Data Collection
Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing
Handheld devices
Paper-based Data Collection
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Internet
4
Challenges 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

5
PDA 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

6
Paper-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
7
PDA 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

8
PDAs - 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

9
Cont
  • 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

10
Two 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

11
Three forms of data transfer (from HP)
12
Selection 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.

13
Other 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

14
Managing 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?

15
Measures 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!

16
Optional 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

17
PDAs Costs
  • Pocket PCs
  • 300-1200
  • Cost dependent on
  • User Interface
  • Upgrading
  • Economy of scale
  • Deployment issues

18
Summary 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

19
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing
Handheld devices
Paper-based Data Collection
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Internet
20
Internet-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

21
Example 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

22
Example 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

23
Recommendations 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

24
Summary-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

25
  • Thank You
Write a Comment
User Comments (0)
About PowerShow.com