Household Survey Frame Service – Global Positioning System (GPS) and digital mapping pilot test

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Phone:

1-877-949-9492
(TTY: 1-800-363-7629)
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Email:

infostats@statcan.gc.ca

 

This pilot test is being conducted to improve Statistic Canada's rural dwelling inventory by collecting dwelling identifiers to be used by interviewers. In rural areas dwelling identification can be difficult where there is an absence of civic style addresses. The test is evaluating alternative methods for dwelling identification including the collection of GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates and digital photos using an electronic tablet.

The information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Collection periods:
December 2016 to February 2017
Collection methods:
Electronic tablet (using a mapping collection tool)
Survey participation:
Voluntary

  • Block Information Confidentiality

    Confidentiality

    This test is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which ensures the information collected will be kept confidential.

  • Block Information on Topics covered in the survey

    Topics covered in the survey

    This survey asks questions about listing and dwelling location information.

  • Block Information on Survey-specific questions

    Survey-specific questions

    Why does Statistics Canada need to know the location of my dwelling?

    In rural and remote parts of the country dwelling identification can be difficult due to the absence of civic addresses (i.e. street numbers and names). These areas create challenges for efficient data collection. By assigning GPS (global positioning system) coordinates, along with a digital picture, we can locate and travel to these dwellings when they have been selected for a Statistics Canada survey.

    Will the information collected for my dwelling be kept confidential?

    Yes. This pilot test is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which ensures the information collected will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. We will not release any information that could identify you or your dwelling. Please note that all Statistics Canada employees carry official photo identification.

    How will my dwelling information be used after it's been collected?

    The data collected during this test will only be used for the purpose of research and analysis. This test will be used to evaluate alternative methods for dwelling identification through the collection of GPS (global positioning system) coordinates and digital photos. This will help Statistics Canada to improve the quality of its rural dwelling lists.

    What is a pilot test, and why was my property selected for this test?

    This test is being referred to as a “pilot test” since it is conducted for research purposes only. Statistics Canada selected a small sample of dwellings located in rural areas of Ontario to assess the technical feasibility of collecting GPS information. Your property was selected as part of our sample. This test is being conducted to improve Statistics Canada's rural dwelling inventory so that we can collect high-quality data representative of the entire Canadian population.

    What is GPS technology and how does it works?

    GPS stands for “Global Positioning System”. GPS can capture the exact location (i.e. latitude and longitude coordinates) in real time. It receives broadcasts from a constellation of over 24 satellites, and calculates the operator's position from the satellites' signals.

    How is this test being conducted?

    A Statistics Canada interviewer will visit your property between the months of December 2016 and February 2017. They will collect the geographic location of your dwelling and may take a digital photo using a handheld computer (tablet). If warranted, the employee may ask if there are other units (e.g., a basement apartment) attached to your main residence or elsewhere on the property. Please note that all Statistics Canada employees carry official photo identification.

    What if I don't want your interviewer on, or near, my property?

    We rely on the voluntary participation of the Canadian population for this important pilot and we ask for your cooperation in conducting this test.

  • Questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 5241
 
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