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PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection

The UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop, held from May 18-22, 2008, in Doha, Qatar, focused on modernizing census data collection methodologies through the adoption of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and handheld devices. This presentation addressed challenges associated with paper-based data collection, highlighting inefficiencies, errors, and limitations in data integrity. Key features of PDAs, including their ability to streamline data entry and processing in the field, were discussed. Recommendations were provided to facilitate the successful transition to digital methods, enhancing productivity and data accuracy.

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PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection

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  1. PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  3. Paper-based Data Collection Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  6. Paper-based Approach vs PDA’s 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 Automated/built-in Manual Computer-assisted PDA ‘s Approach UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  10. Two Types of Handheld devices: • Pen Based • Pocket PC’s • Stylus based input • Data transfer through “sync” • Converged • Pocket PC with Connectivity • Connected via GPRS / CDMA • Options of Camera, GPS UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  11. Using PDA with data sync option Option 1 Sync and transfer data Collect data in the field Option 2 Using PDA inbuilt GPRS capability Collect data in the field Send data via Inbuilt GPRS Option 3 Using PDA in connection with Bluetooth Phone / connected cable Collect data in the field Send data via phone Three forms of data transfer(from HP) UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  12. Selection Criteria: • Data Input Method • Stylus, On device keyboard, Off Device Keyboard • Memory capacity • RAM:64-128 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. UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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? UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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”! UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  17. PDAs Costs • Pocket PCs: • $300-$1200 • Cost dependent on • User Interface • Upgrading • Economy of scale • Deployment issues UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  19. Self-administrated Questionnaire Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  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 UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

  25. Thank You UNSD-ESCWA Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing in the ESCWA region: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Doha, State of Qatar, 18-22 May 2008

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