Amor Laaribi - GIS and the 2020 Census: Modernizing Official Statistics

Cover credits: Income variable data provided by Michael Bauer Research GmbH.

Esri Press, 380 New York Street, Redlands, California 92373-8100

Copyright 2019 Esri

All rights reserved.

The Library of Congress has cataloged the print edition as follows:

Names: Laaribi, Amor, author. | Peters, Linda.

Title: GIS and the 2020 census : modernizing official statistics / Amor

Laaribi, Linda Peters.

Description: Redlands, California : Esri Press, 2019.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018060051 (print) | LCCN 2019007152 (ebook) | ISBN

9781589485051 (electronic) | ISBN 9781589485044 (pbk. : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: CensusMethodology. | CensusGeographic information systems.

Classification: LCC HA179 (ebook) | LCC HA179 .L33 2019 (print) | DDC 352.7/50285dc23

LC record available at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lccn.loc.gov_2018060051&d=DwIFAg&c=n6-cguzQvX_tUIrZOS_4Og&r=qNU49__SCQN30XC-f38qj8bYYMTIH4VCOt2Jb8fvjUA&m=N9LDm816lpUOSrnLbGNLKNGC9sSQOOxCGez3LIoTHM&s=IU2vJ0BdojtLU_0AhLGaxkrJaFhjH2348dHKCFbJlUA&e=

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Contents

Foreword

Timothy Trainor, former chief geospatial scientist, US Census Bureau; former co-chair, UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management

Having worked on five decennial censuses in the US for a large and diverse population within a varied landscape, I have experienced many challenges, difficulties, successes, and celebrations in census taking. In the US, each decade provided opportunities for change and advancement. The 1980 Census experienced inconsistencies between changed boundaries, an outdated road network, and miscoded addresses. There also were demands for data at lower levels of geography to help local and state governments in their responsibilities. In response, the 1990 Census saw the development of a single database with GIS applications from which all geographic products were derived so that changes could be applied consistently. Changes also included a nationwide geographic framework for small areas. To address calls for a more complete statistical frame, the 2000 Census focused on creating a national address list that helped assure a more complete count. The next logical requirement, knowing and using the location of the addresses, was a major focus of the 2010 Census and was made possible by the growing use of GPS technology. As the 2020 Census nears, the use of satellite imagery to aid in address verification and the correct alignment of roads (and thereby many boundaries) is helping to assure solid geospatial information in support of the census.

A census is a primary source of data for each country. The data collected is usually part of a full census in which every household participates in the count. It is not a sample survey, it is not secondary or tertiary data; rather, it is the raw data that is then tabulated and aggregated to levels that are important to data users, leaders, decision-makers, and, in many cases, the law. The framers of the US Constitution outlined the importance of a census by calling for an enumeration every ten years in Article I, Section 2. Its importance was further acknowledged by assigning responsibility as the director for the first census in 1790 to Thomas Jefferson. For many countries, a census is foundationalit provides data and information on current conditions as well as future opportunities and challenges.

However, the numbers on their own are not relevant without an association to location. This is where geography plays its vital role. It answers the question where for a summary of people within a household, their age, their gender, their relationship to each other within the household, their health, economic condition, employment, and whatever other question may be included in a countrys census count. Knowing the where of a populations characteristics offers an important and interesting view on a communitys conditions and trends.

A census provides the data that allows us to begin the determination of a cause-and-effect relationship to important questions posed by why. Why so many people in this area and so few in that area? Why are there greater health issues in this area? Why is employment high or low here? Why are schools here and not there where school-age children live? Why is crime more prevalent in this one particular area? Why does this area appear healthy while that area doesnt? The questions are boundless, and the answers are enlightening. Based on these realizations, more where questions can lead to solutions, growth, and planning. Where are new or better transportation facilities in demand? Where is a new hospital or health-care unit required? Where are the best building locations for new schools or refurbishing of existing schools?