PROCESSING
Key goals
Key goals for 2011 Census processing are to:
- improve the integration and timeliness of initial form reconciliation activities. This will allow more time to validate data, and improve the quality of small area dwelling counts important for the full implementation of mesh blocks (MBs) as an output variable
- enhance the performance of processing systems and their integration with the field collection systems to accommodate an expected large increase in the number of eCensus and mail-back returns
- investigate processing and imputation solutions to accommodate increased data outputs that would arise from the introduction of thematic forms, or an increased number of data items needing to be fully imputed
- develop strategies to optimally validate and quality assure mesh block data in the context of new collection and output geographies, within resource constraints.
To achieve these key goals, the ABS will undertake a review of processing methodology.
Processing outline
A data processing centre (DPC) will be established to undertake the processing of the 2011 Census. Data will be captured and processed using similar technologies to those used successfully in 2006, namely imaging, intelligent character recognition (ICR), and automatic coding (AC).
Processing of data will proceed as follows:
- Receipt and registration of forms: a check will be undertaken to ensure that all completed Census forms have been received at the DPC. Follow-up of missing forms will be rigorous, and will occur during, or as soon as possible after, the enumeration period to ensure coverage is complete.
- Data capture: forms will be scanned and a reconciliation process conducted to ensure that all forms have been captured. Much of the data will be captured directly from responses on the forms and coded automatically. Other data will require on-line coding for responses which cannot be automatically captured or coded.
- Imputation: Improvements to the accuracy of the current imputation methodology for missing values for sex, age, marital status and usual residence will be explored. In addition, a methodology for imputing Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander origin (and possibly other characteristics) will be explored, taking into account the possible introduction of thematic forms.
- Editing: Some editing will be undertaken as part of the DPC validation strategy. The kinds of error which editing procedures can detect are limited to responses and/or codes which are invalid, or which are in conflict with Census definitions. Some responses which are inconsistent with others will not be edited where it is not possible to determine the true response from the information on the Census form.
- Quality Assurance: Quality assurance processes will be implemented at the DPC to maximise the accurate and consistent processing of information from the Census form.
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