Designing zoning systems for flow data

S. Alvanides, Stan Openshaw, Oliver Duke-Williams

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

It is now accepted wisdom that the geography used to report census and other spatially aggregated data affects the results to some degree. The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) is a fact of life and it is important to discover how best to manage it rather than just ignore it and hope (Openshaw, 1996). One way of managing the MAUP is by designing appropriate small areas for data collection and dissemination. A move in this direction is the reporting of the 2001 UK Census of Population for census output areas based on a carefully and explicitly designed zoning system which will replace the census Enumeration Districts (EDs) as the most detailed spatial unit (Martin, 1998). However, the output areas designed for reporting household and person based data are inherently unsuitable for reporting flow data (journey to work and migration tables). These flow data types also require special data structures in order for the flows to be handled efficiently. In addition, developments in georeferencing technologies create the prospect of increasing levels of geographical precision.


Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGIS and GeoComputation
Subtitle of host publicationInnovations in GIS 7
EditorsPeter Atkinson
PublisherCRC Press
Pages115-134
ISBN (Print)9780429180828
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes
Event7th National Conference on the GIS Research UK - University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
Duration: 14 Apr 199916 Apr 1999

Conference

Conference7th National Conference on the GIS Research UK
Abbreviated titleGISRUK 99
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CitySouthampton
Period14/04/9916/04/99

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