Data Collection Planning | Generic Statistical Business Process Model

Planning for a census or data collection activity is key to the success of the overall effort. Understanding where to count and how to conduct a count in a short, defined time frame requires careful planning. Mapping is generally recognized as one of the most crucial activities in the generic statistical business process model, playing a critical role in providing the geographic basis of information used during the actual process of enumeration. An authoritative and up-to-date basemap is essential to success. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) with GIS, referred to as GeoAI, is rapidly changing the way we can update our basemaps and plan our work.

Imagery classification

Through imagery classification, you can create thematic classified rasters that can be used to better understand changes on the physical landscape. Train, classify, and assess accuracy to then create data for decision-making.
Feature extraction

Feature extraction and image analysis continue to improve the ability to rapidly extract key geospatial information needed to perform a modern national census.
Change detection

Change detection is critical to understand differences on the landscape. Comparing imagery from different time periods lets enumeration planners focus efforts based on areas that have had the most change.

Administrative data
Automation
Enumeration area planning

Integration of administrative data

Statistical organizations facing many new challenges can use GIS to integrate administrative data and other nontraditional sources.

Examples of administrative data that can be integrated with ArcGIS include the following:

Administrative register
Postal units
IRS or tax data
Social Security data
Education data

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Map production automation

In any large census operation, map production is a key task. Statistical organizations often need printed or PDF maps or mobile map packages for use in computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) work in the field. ArcGIS provides tools that automate the production process from beginning to end. This includes tools for producing high-quality cartographic production and Web GIS integration.

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Optimize your enumeration areas

Setting up well-balanced enumeration areas is a key activity in any census. Using ArcGIS tools, you can optimize, edit, and validate enumeration areas (EAs). Using a rules-based approach, ArcGIS allows you to select either custom boundaries or utilize geographic layers of the built environment, including features such as roads or rivers, to create barriers or help define EA boundaries.

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CENSUS

Esri on location: 2020 Census

Learn how the US Census Bureau modernized its entire census process with GIS.

AUTOMATION

Tunisia automates census work

The National Statistical Institute (NSI) in Tunisia automates its census work with web, mobile, and enterprise GIS.

Read the article

CENSUS

Mapping the country for census

How Zambia enabled 1,000 mobile workers to capture over 2 million structures for the 2020 national census using ArcGIS.

Read the case study

ENUMERATION

Geospatial tools in enumeration: Jordan case study

Learn how Jordan ran a census at a national level for the first time using a digital system, reducing a two-year process to just two months.

Read the case study

ENUMERATION

Economic census: Nepal case study

Nepal conducted its first economic census to count all entrepreneurial units in the country, using ArcGIS.

Read the case study

CENSUS

How the US Census Bureau is using GIS

GIS has helped streamline common workflows, allowing staff more time to collect, verify, and share data.

Products for official statistics

ArcGIS Enterprise

Build your foundation with the software that started it all—ArcGIS Enterprise, the complete system for all your geospatial needs.

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ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro supports data visualization, advanced analysis, and authoritative data maintenance in both 2D and 3D.

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ArcGIS Image Analyst

ArcGIS Image Analyst provides tools for advanced image interpretation, exploitation, and geospatial analysis on an array of imagery modalities.

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ArcGIS Data Interoperability

The ArcGIS Data Interoperability extension provides a simple solution for complex integrations.

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ArcGIS Production Mapping

ArcGIS Production Mapping is a configurable extension that optimizes GIS production and tailors it to the way your organization works.

More on Production Mapping

Official statistics phases

Related official statistics industries

Statistics touches many parts of your life. From policy and decision-making to electoral boundaries, public safety, and sustainability, official statistics and GIS are making communities smarter.

National Mapping

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Elections

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Science

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Nonprofit

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State and Local Government

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Planning

Imagery classification

Feature extraction

Change detection

Optimize data collection planning

Integration of administrative data

Map production automation

Optimize your enumeration areas

Esri on location: 2020 Census

Tunisia automates census work

Mapping the country for census

Geospatial tools in enumeration: Jordan case study

Economic census: Nepal case study

How the US Census Bureau is using GIS

Products for official statistics

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Image Analyst

ArcGIS Data Interoperability

ArcGIS Production Mapping

Official statistics phases

Planning

Field Data Collection and Operations

Data Science

Dissemination and Collaboration

Related official statistics industries

National Mapping

Elections

Science

Nonprofit

State and Local Government

Contact sales

Learn more about Esri

Contact us

Connect with the Esri official statistics team