Getting Maximum Value out of CDATA - Join the CDATA Group
The ABS recognises the strong support of the general public, government and business organisations for our tabulation and mapping software package, CDATA. A recent example of the use of CDATA96 was by SOCOG in creating hundreds of maps for the longest Torch Relay in the history of the Olympic Games. Using the mapping software and demographic information, SOCOG was able to ensure more than 85% of the Australian population lived within a one hour drive of the chosen route, which took in 1000 towns across every state and territory. The use of CDATA96 by SOCOG is covered further in the Census Update article CDATA & Mapinfo show the way for the Olympic torch relay.
Over the past year, the ABS has been consulting extensively on our proposed strategies and the products and services for the 2001 Census Output Program. In addition to widely distributed questionnaires, user consultation workshops were also held in each capital city seeking input from major clients. An identified need resulting from these consultations has been to improve the communication channels between the ABS and CDATA users. To facilitate this, the ABS is establishing a CDATA User Group.
The ABS will have a national CDATA User Group network which will effectively communicate information on CDATA2001 developments and provide a forum for users to share knowledge and expertise in the use and application of CDATA96, and later CDATA2001.
Internet facilities will be established with specific web pages for the CDATA User Group. It will allow more timely access and response - 24 hours, 7 days-a-week to a User Group Messageboard. A quarterly newsletter is planned and will be e-mailed to members and posted to the User Group Messageboard. The first is expected in the first quarter of 2001.
There are a number of benefits in becoming a member of the User Group:
- Direct e-mail notification of software upgrades, hints and tips, census conceptual and data issues;
- Direct notification via quarterly newsletter of items of interest such as useability/prototype testing and progress reports on CDATA development issues;
- Active participation in the Internet chatroom which will facilitate the exchange of commonly shared ideas.
- Attendance at locally run CDATA user workshops; and
- Invitation to exclusive CDATA2001 prototype demonstration workshops.
How to register
Membership is free and open to anyone who has an interest in gaining the maximum value out of this product. Personal invitations to join the User Group will be sent to all current CDATA users . However, you need not wait for your invitation. To register to become a member of this group simply send an e-mail containing your name and organisation to census.users@abs.gov.au with 'CDATA User Group' in the subject field.
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