The Central Statistical Office will undertake a nationwide Geospatial Data Update Exercise, as part of preparations for the upcoming Population and Housing Census.
It says trained field staff will visit communities to collect geo-located and attribute data on every building, household, business, institution, and agricultural holding.
It will use digital technology, marking a major step in transitioning the CSO from a primarily paper-based system of mapping and data collection to a fully digitized approach.
In a statement it says, “The GDUE is a critical component of the CSO’s modern, bimodal digital census strategy. It ensures that all dwellings are accurately mapped and included in the Census, allowing the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) or “Self-Enumeration,” system which allows individuals to complete the census questionnaire online at their convenience using their own devices to function effectively for each location. Following the CAWI phase, the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) method will be used, with trained Field Enumerators visiting households and businesses to assist individuals who are unable to complete the census online, securely capturing data on tablet devices.”
The exercise is scheduled to begin on January 26th in various communities across Trinidad.
Fieldwork in Tobago is scheduled to begin at a later date.
As for field personnel, the CSO says they can be identified by their Employee ID Badge and blue, CSO-branded high-visibility vest.
Anyone needing to verify the identities of field staff or obtain additional information regarding this exercise can contact the CSO at 226-0180 or send a message via WhatsApp using 252-9899.
