Household Survey Frame Service - Global Positioning System (GPS) and digital mapping pilot test

Detailed information for 2016-2017

The SRGD is conducting a Global Positioning System (GPS) and digital mapping test to improve Statistic Canada's rural dwelling inventory by collecting dwelling identifiers to be used by field collection staff. In rural areas dwelling identification can be difficult where there is an absence of civic style addresses. The test is evaluating alternative methods for dwelling identification including the collection of GPS coordinates and digital photos using a mapping application and a digital tablet

Data release - This is a test, no data will be released.

• Description
• Data sources and methodology
• Data accuracy

Description

Statistics Canada is mandated to conduct many surveys, including the census and many other surveys that cover topics such as Canada's population, economy and health. In rural and remote parts of the country and where there is an absence of civic addresses, dwelling identification can be difficult. Using an electronic mapping strategy to collect dwelling location, this pilot test is being conducted to improve Statistics Canada's rural dwelling inventory so that we can collect high-quality data representative of the entire Canadian population. The data collected during this test will only be used by Statistics Canada for the purpose of research and analysis and will not be release to the public.

Subjects

• Collection and questionnaires
• Frames and coverage
• Statistical methods

Data sources and methodology

Target population

Dwellings located in rural areas of Eastern Ontario.

Instrument design

This methodology does not apply to this statistical program.

Sampling

This is a sample survey with a cross-sectional design.

The sampling unit is private dwelling.

The dwelling sample selection was done using the 2016 Census collection units (CU) where the collection method of these dwelling has been categorized as "list leave" (an area that is designated as a census collection method where an enumerator is instructed to list addresses and leave a census questionnaire) or "seasonal" areas (an area that is designated as a list-leave census collection method where the majority of dwellings are seasonal or cottages). The total sample is composed of 12 CUs located in Eastern Ontario.

Data sources

Data collection for this reference period: 2016-12-21 to 2017-02-28

Responding to this survey is voluntary.

Data are collected from other Statistics Canada surveys and/or other sources.

No data is collected directly from the respondents. Data collected are dwelling's geographic location with descriptors information. Data are captured using a mapping application and a digital tablet.

Error detection

For the purpose of this test, no specific data processing process has been used to edit the data.

Imputation

No imputation was done.

Estimation

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.

Quality evaluation

Different aspects of the data is assessed to determine the accuracy of the GPS point coordinates. Data is compared and overlaid with Statistics Canada's National Geographic Base (NGD) to determine the precision and location of the coordinate points. Dwelling address information is also validated and compared against the Address Register database to evaluate dwelling coverage and accuracy.

Disclosure control

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Various confidentiality rules are applied to all data that are released or published to prevent the publication or disclosure of any information deemed confidential. If necessary, data are suppressed to prevent direct or residual disclosure of identifiable data.

The data collected during this test are only used for the purpose of research and analysis. No information will be released that could identify an individual or a dwelling.

Revisions and seasonal adjustment

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.

Data accuracy

For the purpose of this test, coverage error is identified by comparing the field test collected dwellings against the Dwelling Universe File from the Address Register and the National Geographic Database (NGD). The GPS coordinates accuracy is identified by integrating the collected points with current databases and known coordinated locations.