PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection

1. PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for Census Data Collection UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

3. Paper-based Data Collection Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

17. PDAs Costs • Pocket PCs: • $300-$1200 • Cost dependent on • User Interface • Upgrading • Economy of scale • Deployment issues UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

19. Self-administrated Questionnaire Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing Handheld devices Paper-based Data Collection Self-administrated Questionnaire Internet UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 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 Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

25. Thank You UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008