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Algorithms for reengineering 1991 census geography.
Environment & Planning A
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital census boundaries enable custom census geography design. Three algorithms and case studies show results using 1991 UK census data.
Area of Science:
- Geographic Information Science
- Spatial Analysis
- Demographic Data Management
Background:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has advanced significantly.
- Digital boundaries for census output areas are now widely available.
- Traditional census geography may not meet specific user needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce algorithms for user-defined census geography.
- To demonstrate the application of these algorithms using 1991 UK census data.
- To showcase the benefits of custom zoning systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of three distinct algorithms for census geography design.
- Implementation of algorithms within an Arc/Info software environment.
- Application of methods to 1991 UK census data for case studies.
Main Results:
- Successful creation of custom census zoning systems.
- Demonstration of algorithm efficacy through practical case studies.
- Validation of user-designed geography for census data analysis.
Conclusions:
- GIS technology empowers users to create bespoke census geographies.
- The described algorithms provide a viable method for custom zoning.
- Explicitly designed zoning systems enhance the utility of census data.