Planning

Optimize your planning with GIS

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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.

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Optimize data collection 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.

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

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