Integration of statistics and geography: Statistics Canada's use of geostatistical data and GIS technology in policy and program development

Abstract

Integration of socio-economic statistics and geographical data provides essential information to meet a variety of development challenges. This combination of information, particularly when married with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has proven extremely useful in helping development managers make decisions affecting education, health, environmental protection, municipal services, economic development and location of essential infrastructure. This paper discusses the geographic dimension of statistical data and its role in economic and social development. The topics of discussion include: the importance of geostatistical data for social and economic development, how geographic representation of statistical data have been applied to a variety of development challenges, options for disseminating geostatistical data to users, and mechanisms for GIS implementation and training. Specific examples of Statistics Canada's experiences in Canada and in other countries will be presented to illustrate the themes in this paper.