Context
The Central Statistics Office of Ireland recognised the persistent lack of comprehensive community information and the importance of accurate and up-to-date census data for informed decision-making. Various government programmes and initiatives rely on census data to allocate resources, plan infrastructure and address social needs. Therefore, taking advantage of the wealth of census data covering the years 2011, 2016 and 2022, the Central Statistics Office developed the ‘Census Interactive Mapping Application’.
Objectives
The Census Interactive Mapping Application aims to provide comprehensive and detailed demographic information including gender, age, marital status, families, housing, education, commuting and occupation, as well as new additions such as volunteering and childcare. The application allows users to explore census data at different geographical levels. It also offers versatile download and export options, in various formats, for easy integration into users’ analyses. The impact of the application extends to the education sector, providing valuable resources for teachers and students, since it can be used to promote a deeper understanding of social dynamics. One of its distinctive features is the ability to generate summary data for selected areas on the map, to help decision-makers, entrepreneurs and community leaders. For example, if someone is considering opening a business or setting up a service in a particular location, this tool provides demographic information and key statistics for the selected area, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about where to locate. The application also allows data to be presented through visualisations such as charts and graphs.
Implementation
The project was delivered successfully through a strategic and collaborative approach. The team consisted of data analysts, software developers and geographic information system experts. They tested the interactive mapping application on various web-based devices and platforms such as desktops, smartphones, tablets and other accessible interfaces. This ensured the reliability and accuracy of the information for the users and the adaptability of the application to different user groups and technological preferences. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) recently adopted the application, showing that the model can be applied and transferred to other statistical agencies.