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Mapping the Census - Census maps coming soon

A Census Collector’s map is not just a navigational tool. It is the definitive description of the area, known as the Collection District (CD), for which the Census Collector takes personal responsibility. He or she must deliver a census form to every household in that area and only in that area.

Production of the 37,209 full colour CD maps was completed in March 2001, five months in advance of the 2001 Census. Most CD maps are in A3 landscape format but approximately 4,000 were printed in A2 size. Another 2,784 smaller scale maps were produced to help Group Leaders manage their Collectors. Maps were produced using the Public Sector Mapping Agency dataset and a highly automated map production system developed by the ABS specifically for the task.

Although CD maps are primarily designed for the collection phase, they will be available for sale to the public from the end of January 2002. However, each CD map depicts only one CD (approx. 220 households) and its immediate surrounds. Anyone working with census data and wanting to understand the areas to which that data relates needs a map showing groups of CDs within their neighbourhood or region. GIS users can of course use digital boundaries for this purpose but for clients who do not have GIS technology, the ABS is currently producing a series of maps which show all the Collection Districts within a Statistical Local Area (SLA). For each SLA, there is a map showing the whole of the area covered by the target SLA. For many SLAs, there are additional mapsheets showing enlargements of more densely populated areas.

Each CD within the SLA is labelled with a seven digit CD code. Also shown on the map are the SLA boundaries and SLA Codes, Local Government Area boundaries and State borders. Topographic features such as roads, rivers, lakes, railways, pipelines, national parks and place names are also displayed. The most convenient method for clients to order small numbers of maps will be via the ABS web site www.abs.gov.au/census from late January 2002 where a map-based ordering system will assist users to locate the SLAs they require and to place an order. Prices are expected to be similar to those charged for 1996 Census maps.