In 2006, the Australian Census counted 20 million people and 7 million households. A total of 116 household and personal questions were asked.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in partnership with Space‐Time Research embarked on an ambitious dissemination strategy for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings, one that would provide unprecedented online access to census data. A key aspect of the strategy was the use of on‐the‐fly tabulation to overcome the limits set by pre‐canned reports and data ‘cubes’.
This area outlines the SuperSTAR technology that was used to deliver this census results and describes the various products that were developed to cater the various Census users requirements.
User Types
The differing user types (personas) requirements were addressed by a range of products. The SuperSTAR suite caters for both Internal and External users as shown below.
The ABS developed six key products to cater for the needs of these three external users personas. The products overlap somewhat, however are broadly designed with each
user persona in mind.
The following users types were identified:
- Public (Information tourists)
- Business & Government analysts (Knowledge workers)
- Researchers & Academics (Prosumers)
The products’ functionality and data granularity matched the different users requirements and skill sets. It created a suite of tools that offered increasing levels of sophistication and
capability.
Confidentiality
A key component in the more sophisticated products, CDATA Online and Table Builder, is the use of microdata. ABS perturbation and routines are plugged into the SuperSTAR architecture to provide on‐the‐fly confidentiality.
GIS
The detailed level of geographic coverage that the Census offers makes geospatial representation another key component on the ABS Census Dissemination project. Area selection for all products can be undertaken from maps and many of the results can be displayed as thematic maps created on the fly.
SuperSTAR Software
The census products use the latest tabulation, mapping, and confidentiality techniques to offer a wide range of interfaces accessing the most detailed data, ensuring respondent privacy protection.
The rich content of the Census and level of geographic detail available, offers users many choices in terms of data and geography and poses many usability and technical issues.
The geographic nature of the Census and large number of Census collection areas in Australia warrant the requirement of navigation via tree controls and maps.
The SuperSTAR software is embedded and customized to fit ABS requirements and business processes.
"Using SuperWEB, CDATA Online gives our clients access to more data and more flexibility than ever before. It represents a fundamental step forward in the way we communicate our statistics to the world. The ABS is proud to have partnered with STR to produce thisinnovative on‐line application that is delivering real business benefits to clients worldwide."
Paul Lowe, Head Population Census Branch, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Case Study
Download the ABS Census Dissemination paperA4 Letter
Try Out
Try out the census data tools at the Australian Bureau of Statistics or learn more about the underlying technology, see SuperWEB.