Supporting CDATA 2001
CDATA 2001 is a software package which combines the most recent and comprehensive information on Australian society from the 2001 Census with powerful mapping software from MapInfo. Released in September 2002, CDATA 2001 provides access to a wide range of social and demographic data. The package enables the mapping of data at small geographic areas, provides report generation facilities and an option enabling data to be imported (Full GIS only) and/or exported according to individual user needs.
To help users of the package gain maximum benefit from CDATA 2001 - Full GIS or CDATA 2001 - Quickbuild, the ABS has made a range of support available.
CDATA User Group
For those clients interested in obtaining and sharing information about the CDATA product, the ABS has established a CDATA User Group. Membership to the Group is free and since the inception of the User Group in June 2001, the number of members has continued to grow.
To use CDATA 2001 - Full GIS or CDATA 2001 -Quickbuild, clients must obtain their registration code so they can access the information. Clients can register by contacting the Census Technical Helpline or via the CDATA User Group. Clients who don't obtain their registration code will not be able to utilise the CDATA product.
Prior to submitting your CDATA 2001 software registration request via the CDATA User Group, you will need to become a member of the Group.
CDATA User Group members have access to the CDATA User Group Messageboard. This is a 'client interactive' facility where members can create their own topics and questions for discussion. The Census Technical Helpline team will respond appropriately to issues and queries as they are raised by members on the Messageboard. Users also have the opportunity to respond to what is posted on the Messageboard at their convenience.
The Census Technical Helpline
The Census Technical Helpline number is 1800 676 646. It operates from Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) from 9am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5pm (AEST).
Based in Canberra, the Census Technical Helpline consists of a team of six people. It provides assistance on all 2001 Census electronic products and services such as the CDATA 2001 suite of products (including Add-On Datapacks), CLIB 2001, Census Basics, the Census Guide and SEIFA 2001.
The number and nature of the calls to the Helpline varies. The team regularly provides referrals to relevant documentation and assistance with error messages. Every effort is made to resolve all requests for assistance to the Helpline by close of business on the following day. Clients with more complex queries which take more time to resolve will be kept informed of progress.
Queries or requests for assistance can also be emailed to the Census Technical Helpline at census.software@abs.gov.au. Again, a reply can be expected by c.o.b. on the next business day.
The Technical Helpline team also maintains the CDATA User Group database and performs testing on all electronic census products prior to release. Technical support for all 2001 Census products and services is free to ABS clients and is ongoing for the life-cycle of that product.
Training
The CDATA 2001 products feature improved on-line help including tutorials clearly showing how particular functions are performed. However, if clients require additional training, a range of in-depth courses are available.
This training is especially geared to client's needs and is being conducted in all States and Territories throughout Australia.
Training modules have been developed to cater for people with little or no experience or for those advanced CDATA 2001 users. Some of the topics that can be covered in training include: selecting census data and geographic areas, understanding Structured Query Language functions and how to modify a thematic map.
In consultation with the client, the ABS will select the modules that are most suitable. As the purchase price of CDATA 2001 does not include training, costs are incurred for the course. The length of the course will vary according to the number of modules chosen.
More information on CDATA training, including timing and availability of courses, can be obtained by contacting the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.
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