Dissemination Challenges
Present relevant and appropriate information that meets users’ needs
Provide information that is timely, accurate, and accessible
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Topics to be Discussed
Integrating data from multiple sources
Allowing users to access, manipulate, and generate results themselves
Points for discussion
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Integrating Data from
Multiple Sources
TheDataWeb – U.S. Census Bureau
– Open source system – handles different kinds of data and datasets in the same system framework
– Empowered by statistical intelligence
• Documentation, statistical usage rules, data integration rules
– Stores data one time, uses them many times
– Software infrastructure that makes HotReports and DataFerrett work
– Collaborating with ABS since 2005
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U.S. Census Bureau’s HotReports
Target decision makers who have limited time and statistical background
Features
– Bring together relevant variables for local areas
• Maps, charts, simple tables, and short text boxes
– Focus on one topic using information from many data sources
• Such as economic development or emergency response
– Update the information dynamically
– Support decision making through guided use of statistical data
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Local Employment Dynamics Program
U.S.Census Bureau
A collaboration between the U.S. Census
Bureau and almost all the states
– Integrates workers’ characteristics with their employers’ characteristics
– Labor force information available quarterly and longitudinally for small geographic areas and by industry
– Pre-defined and user-defined tables
OnTheMap software
– Easy visualization of massive amount of data
– Strict protection of respondents’ confidentiality
– First released in 2006 – latest version 3.2 released in December 2008
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Integrating Data – Other Countries
Two innovations (Sweden)
– Aggregated statistics – SSD
• Access data from Statistics Sweden and other agencies
• Combine data with different structures on same topic
• Transmit selected tables to the user
– The Planning Portal – integrates geographic information from various sources for planning purposes
Interactive databases (Brazil)
– Dynamic graphs that allow adding a time variable
Layered approach (Australia)
– Headlines, simple stories, detailed stories, data cubes, and related data, as well as metadata
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Allowing users to access, manipulate, and generate results themselves
Public-use products, including microdata
Statistical data enclaves
User-defined tables while protecting confidentiality
Licensed access to confidential data
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Public-Use Microdata
DataFerrett is an analytical tool developed by the U.S. Census Bureau
Features
– Targets sophisticated analysts who are now able to access many public-use microdata files at once
– Data manipulation, including advanced tabulations
– Maps and business graphics using statistical rules
– Data extracts in popular statistical package formats
– Adding regression and other advanced statistical tools
Provides context with the variables
– The universe, variable values, and the definition
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More on Public-Use Products
Anonymised micro data files (Ireland)
– No identifiers, and data suppressed if reidentification would be possible
Output Database (Lithuania)
– A specialized web site of Eurostat products
• Developed for national users, free of charge
• Launched with 820 datasets
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Statistical Data Enclaves
The U.S. Census Bureau
– Research Data Centers allow users to obtain special sworn status to access confidential data in controlled locations for approved purposes
Also used in Canada, New Zealand and the
Netherlands
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User-Defined Tables and Analyses
While Protecting Confidentiality
On-line statistical database (Ireland)
– Users can create customized tables
– Access to software for downloads
Microdata Analysis System (US)
– A remote access system to create tables and execute regressions using confidential data is in development
– Based on the Advanced Query System developed for Census 2000 data
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Licensed Access to Confidential Data
Microdata on line (Sweden)
– Approved researchers access confidential data on line
Licensed access to confidential data (Australia)
– Restricted information when access is broader, and more detailed variables only for trusted users
Research Microdata Files (Ireland)
– Only authorized people can access them, under the Statistics Act of 1993
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Points for Discussion
If we build it, will they come?
Are statistical agencies best equipped to satisfy users needs?
Targeted versus enterprise-wide systems?
Can innovative, targeted systems be adapted for the enterprise?
How can we leverage each other’s initiatives?
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