PDA Handheld Devices Internet For Data Collection

PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for
Census Data Collection
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries:
Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008
Overview of the Presentation
Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection and

Processing
Moving to PDA/Handheld-based Data Collection and
Processing
PDAs: Key Features/Other Optional Features
Internet-based Census Data Collection
Benefits/Issues
Recommendations - Conclusions
Paper-based Data Collection
Paper-and-Pencil Handheld
Interviewing
devices
Paper-based
Data Collection
Self-administrated
Questionnaire
Internet
Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection/ Processing
Slow and time-consuming

Re-keying information is inefficient and
increases chance of error
Paper-based forms increase chance of error
Submitting multiple forms for a single
process
Cannot capture value-added data GIS
Data Integrity and Authenticity
PDA and Handheld Computer
Personal digital assistant:

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld
computer, also known as small or palmtop computers.
(Wikipedia)
PDA vs Handheld computer:

Handheld computer offers more features than a PDA
(larger than a PDA; smaller than a Laptop!)
Used interchangeably
Paper-based Approach vs PDAs Approach
Data Collection Data Entry Data Coding/Editing

Paper-
based Manual
-Key entry/computer-assisted Manual
Approach - OMR/OCR/ICR Computer-assisted
Data Coding/Editing
Data Collection/Entry/Coding/Editing (partial)
PDA s Manual
Approach Automated/built-in Computer-assisted
PDA: Way of Functioning
Simultaneously data entering and data coding

Possibility to enter data in two ways: with selection from
the offered list of answers (or from classification in
hierarchical order ) or with typing a text
The next question could not be answered if the current
one is not answered
To have report of enumerated units (cumulative) in
each moment
To measure the time needed for enumeration of each
separate enumeration unit
PDAs - Key Features
Works like a Pocket Computer

Processor, RAM, ROM, Operating System
Applications can we loaded on the device
Device has processing power
Increases Productivity on the move
Data can be collected in digital format in the
field
Data can be directly uploaded into the server
Cont
Connectivity Options
Data connectivity using GPRS /CDMA
Data Connectivity options using Wi-Fi (Wireless)
Data can be transferred by syncing with Computer:
wired connectivity via USB cable (PDAs connect to
computer)
Enhanced data storage
Increase storage capacity through add on SD cards
Optional features
Camera, Biometric, GPS, Add on Smart Card reader etc
Two Types of Handheld devices:
Pen Based
Pocket PCs
o Stylus based input
o Data transfer through sync
Converged
Pocket PC with Connectivity
o Connected via GPRS / CDMA
o Options of Camera, GPS
Three forms of data transfer (from HP)
Using PDA with data sync

option Option 1
Collect data Sync and
in the field transfer
data
Option 2
Using PDA inbuilt GPRS
capability Collect data Send data
in the field via Inbuilt
GPRS
Option 3
Using PDA in connection
with Bluetooth Phone /
Collect data Send data connected cable
in the field via phone
Selection Criteria:
Data Input Method

Stylus, On device keyboard, Off Device Keyboard
Memory capacity
RAM:64-128 MB
ROM: Inbuilt ROM, Additional ROM via SD Card
Connectivity Options
Sync through computer, In-built GPRS/CDMA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ruggedness
Regional Language Support
Arabic, English plus additional languages
Other Options
GPS, Camera, etc.
Other Decision Making Criteria:
Real time data upload Vs Batch data upload
Recurring costs for data connectivity
Ease of data entry/Ease of holding device in one hand
Battery Life / Battery Charging Options
Managing devices in the field: Some Considerations
How do we manage the devices in the field?
Data security?
Device security?
Application version on device?
Troubleshooting on device?
Measures for data protection
Ensure protection from:

Loosing of already entered records
Ex-post data correction in entered records
Unauthorized using of data
Measures:
Biometric Security
Security for Wireless and GPRS
Encrypting Data
Make it solid (rugged?)
Make it ugly!
Optional Features
The device can be enabled with GPS

to:
geo-reference units visited
(urban and rural)
track location of data entry
Positioning and guidance of the
enumerator
With Cellular, camera and OS
applications
PDAs Costs
Pocket PCs:
$300-$1200
Cost dependent on
User Interface
Upgrading
Economy of scale
Deployment issues
Summary of Key Features
Integrated field platforms with GPS, cellular, camera and

OS applications
Real-time task management from office
Manage field time, expenses, etc.
Geographical and map processing
Data synchronization and management
Secure applications, procedures and protocols
Ability to encrypt data for secure transmission
Self-administrated Questionnaire
Paper-and-Pencil Handheld
Interviewing
devices
Paper-based
Data Collection
Self-administrated
Questionnaire
Internet
Internet-based Census Data Collection (eCensus)
Why?
Requested by the population (e.g. France)
E-Government Policy (e.g. Canada)
Some benefits
Accurate and timely data collection
Processing time reduced
Rapid availability of clean data for statistical analysis
Enhanced analytics
Reuse and consumption by multiple Departments
Enhanced Efficiency: eliminating layers, reducing staff and
costs
Example: Canada Experience
Government On-Line (GOL) initiative

Census 2006:
73% Mail-out via Canada Post
Development and integration of Internet
application and processing was outsourced to
private sector
Target: 20% of initial response from the
Internet
Example: European Census Organization Pilot for 2011
The pilot includes two key aspects:

eCensus (census online) and
Handheld devices.
They want to equip census takers with
hand-held devices to update addresses
nationwide, and for non-response follow up
or to input information during a canvass of
homes whose residents fail to submit
paper census surveys.
From RGI Conference on Technology

Options, IBM
Recommendations for the use of PDAs
Think Integration People, Process, Technology
Build Partnership with:

Application development partner
Device Manufacturer
Connectivity provider
Capacity building supporter
Nodal Agency:
Operationalize the whole process
Summary-Conclusions
1. The qualitative as well as quantitative benefits of handheld
devices have been proven in field in many countries
(Australia, Canada, Brazil, Malaysia, New Zealand, etc)
2. Various Options are available for selecting handheld devices
3. Clear identification of objective is required for selecting best

device
4. Important to have extensive training prior to deployment
5. Post implementation support technical as well as hardware
support ensures project success
Thank You

PDA Handheld Devices Internet For Data Collection

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PDA Handheld Devices Internet For Data Collection

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PDAs-Handheld Devices/Internet for

Census Data Collection

Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection and

Slow and time-consuming

Personal digital assistant:

PDA vs Handheld computer:

Data Collection Data Entry Data Coding/Editing

Simultaneously data entering and data coding

Works like a Pocket Computer

Using PDA with data sync

Data Input Method

Real time data upload Vs Batch data upload

Recurring costs for data connectivity

Ease of data entry/Ease of holding device in one hand

Battery Life / Battery Charging Options

How do we manage the devices in the field?

Application version on device?

Ensure protection from:

The device can be enabled with GPS

Integrated field platforms with GPS, cellular, camera and

Government On-Line (GOL) initiative

The pilot includes two key aspects:

From RGI Conference on Technology

Think Integration People, Process, Technology

Build Partnership with:

3. Clear identification of objective is required for selecting best

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