‘Space Time Research’ software to assist in disseminating the 2006 Census Statistics!
The ABS has chosen Space-Time Research (STR) to provide the software to power the online products for the 2006 Census.
Currently, both parties are involved in designing the user interface for the 2006 Census product suite. Next year the products will undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can effectively meet the needs of all users of Census data. Several key aspects of the testing process include: functionality testing, accessibility testing, end user acceptance testing, and usability testing. This is the final stage in the products development before release, which is scheduled for mid-2007 onwards.
The 2006 Census represents the second time the ABS has joined forces with STR to create innovative Census products. The two organisations previously worked together in 1986 to produce CDATA, the first ABS product to provide Census statistics on CD-ROM. This new electronic dissemination method represented a major technological shift for the ABS, just like the current suite of products which is being developed for the 2006 Census.
For more information, see the December 2005 edition of Census Update, available at the following url link;
Census Update 37 - Dec 2005
Projecting Beyond CDATA
As you would be aware, the ABS has decided to deliver the 2006 Census online and will not produce another desktop version of CDATA. MapInfo Australia, the joint developer and promoter of CDATA for over 15 years, is now working cooperatively with the ABS to ensure CDATA users get access to the right sort of analysis tools to complement the Census 2006 data and online products.
Several months ago MapInfo began a market research program to better understand what the evolving needs for demographic data, statistical data, and analytics for CDATA users might be.
To date this has involved direct interviews with many of our customers. The next step in this research program is to conduct an online user survey to obtain broad market validation of the findings. This survey will help MapInfo better understand the needs of the current CDATA user base and what may be needed in a future desktop-based offering.
The survey is available at http://www.mapinfo.com.au, and closes on the 28th February 2006. Participants that complete the survey can enter into a draw to win an iPod® Shuffle. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
ABS Data Freely Available
The ABS reached an important milestone in dissemination of statistics in Australia with the Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello, announcing that the entire content of the ABS website will be accessible free of charge via the Internet from Monday 12 December 2005.
This continues the improved availability of official statistics to all Australians which started with all ABS publications becoming accessible free of charge on 1 July 2005.
Now you will have access to an expanded range of free data on the ABS web site, including:
- electronic publications (PDF and HTML based content);
- Census Community Profiles down to Collection District level;
- time series spreadsheets; and
- other spreadsheets and data cubes.
Printed copies of publications and Census maps are still available and can be purchased either:
- online using our e-commerce facility or
- by calling 1300 135 070
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