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CASA Seminar: Effective use of geospatial data in official statistics

12 February 2020, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm

Developing statistical frameworks for new data sources – the good, the bad, and the unknown

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

Andrew Maclachlan

Location

G03
26 Bedford Way
London
WC1H 0DS
United Kingdom

The quantity of data created, stored and processed in the world has grown exponentially over recent years, but the statistical theory to support its use in official statistics has not. That’s not to say that within the analytical community we are not using or investigating of a wide variety of new sources and new techniques, but the methods used are not based on well-established theory like we have for surveys. ONS is transforming to make much more use of alternative sources – with location and geospatial data at the heart of our statistics. However, using this data involves addressing a range of statistical challenges as identified in “Statistical challenges of administrative and transaction data” (Hand, 2018).

ONS has established a methodological research programme to address these challenges, and is growing capability in geospatial analysis. This talk will share some of the challenges, and highlight some of the geospatial products and analysis that we have recently developed. We will then facilitate a wider discussion with the audience, to discuss the challenges of using this data in official statistics, consider some potential solutions, and explore how you can contribute to this exciting area of work! ONS has established a methodological research programme to address these challenges. We aim to develop statistical frameworks for using and integrating new data sources to produce official statistics and analysis. The key themes of the programme include statistical quality and uncertainty, linkage, privacy, estimation, statistical design, analysis and innovative techniques. This talk will share progress on the plans and achievements to date and explore how you can contribute to this important theoretical research and development.

About the Speakers

Hannah Finselbach

Head of Admin Methods Research at Office for National Statistics

Hannah is currently Head of Service for Admin Data Methods at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a role established in August 2018. She is responsible for initiating and leading a corporate research programme to develop admin and non-survey data statistical methods. Hannah has worked as a methodologist and statistician in the ONS since 2006, working in a variety of areas within the Methodology Division, as well as leading the production and development of several economic outputs.

Chris Gale

Head of Geospatial Analysis and Capability at Office for National Statistics at Office for National Statistics

Chris Gale
Chris is currently Head of Geospatial Analysis and Capability at the Office for National Statistics (ONS). He leads the research and analysis programme of the Geospatial team and is responsible for developing the geospatial architecture and technology strategy for ONS. Chris has worked at ONS since 2017. Previously he was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southampton and UCL. Prior to this he successfully completed a PhD at UCL creating the 2011 Output Area Classification. 

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