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The Census Accessing and mapping British Census Data. Nigel James Bodleian Library. The UK Census. A census is normally taken every ten years. The UK Census. A census is normally taken every ten years
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The Census Accessing and mapping British Census Data Nigel James Bodleian Library
The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years
The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M)
The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M) • The first “modern” census ( name, age, occupation and where born ) was in 1841
The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M) • The first “modern” census ( name, age, occupation and where born ) was in 1841 • Records from 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831 have been lost
Everyone was included… From writers . . . Source: 1851 Census - National Statistics
Everyone was included… . . . to Royalty Source: 1851 Census - National Statistics
The 1881 census . . . The 1881 Census is available online at the CHCC Historical Census Collection http://ahds.ac.uk/history/collections/chccaccess.htm (ATHENS registration is required)
The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting
The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting • 1920 – The Census Act enabled a census to be held at any time, but not less than 5 years after the previous census (up to 1911 a new act was required each time)
The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting • 1920 – The Census Act enabled a census to be held at any time, but not less than 5 years after the previous census (up to 1911 a new act was required each time) • 1961 – Computers first used. Data recorded on magnetic tapes
Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth)
Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included
Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included • Religion by various categories down to ward level
Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included • Religion by various categories down to ward level • Religion by sex and broad age group only at output area level
Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets)
Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . .
Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . . • . . . and second was Oxford with 2.0%
Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . . • . . . and second was Oxford with 2.0% • … but Easington had only 0.16%
Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years
Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release
Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release • Thresholds for the release of data are 40 households and 100 persons for Census Area Statistics, and 400 hh and 1,000 persons for Standard Tables
Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release • Thresholds for the release of data are 40 households and 100 persons for Census Area Statistics, and 400 hh and 1,000 persons for Standard Tables • Data which could risk identification of individuals is only available in standard tables
The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced
The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced • Output areas (based on postcodes) replaced enumeration districts. They are smaller and more homogenous so statistics are better
The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced • Output areas (based on postcodes) replaced enumeration districts. They are smaller and more homogenous so statistics are better • Each census area unit (OA, ward, district, county etc.) “nests” within the higher level unit
Census geography areas Ward Output area Postcode Source: National Statistics
How much data is there ? (2001) Source: National Statistics
Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders)
Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data
Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data • 1991 Northern Ireland Small Area Statistics
Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data • 1991 Northern Ireland Small Area Statistics • 1981 GB Small Area Statistics
Download the data Preview the selection: Data is downloaded in plain text format This can be used in Excel, Access or other software
Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns
Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data
Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data • A simple mapping tool is available on CASWEB (currently 1991 data only)
Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data • A simple mapping tool is available on CASWEB (currently 1991 data only) • Census data can be mapped and combined with other features (roads, railways etc) in a GIS (Geographic Information System)
Visualising data in a GIS Table view Map view
Choosing an appropriate style Raw counts can be misleading . . .
Choosing an appropriate style Raw counts can be misleading . . . . . . So use proportional values
All data values for a selected area can be viewed with the Info Tool The Info Tool can also be used to modify values