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Transformation of Census Cartography from a conventional
paper map system to an integrated Geographical Information
Technology based system in African Countries – A private
sector perspective with specific reference to Namibia
Hennie Loots
Director
GeoSpace International (Pty) Ltd
1. Introduction
Although the use of Geographical Information Technology (GIT) is common in census
cartography in more developed countries, it has only emerged in recent years as a viable
alternative in a number of African countries. South Africa and Namibia are probably the most
advanced in this respect, at least in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this paper is firstly to
touch on the role that GIT can play in census cartography in developing countries, specifically
Africa. The paper furthermore gives a broad overview of how GIT was used in the pre-enumeration
cartographic project for the 2001 census of population and housing in Namibia.
Lastly, the paper provides perspectives and highlights issues that need to be taken into
account when GIT is being utilised in census and related projects in developing countries,
with specific reference to the role of the private sector.
2. Basic concepts related to census practise
A population and housing census can be defined as the total process of collecting, compiling
and publishing socio-demographic and housing data pertaining, at a specific time, to all the
inhabitants of a country or delimited geographical area broken down to the smallest
geographical area.
A census consists of three distinct phases, namely the pre-enumeration phase, the
enumeration phase and the post-enumeration phase. During the pre-enumeration phase the
planning and systems required for a census are being developed, tested and implemented. The
cartographic sub-project forms part of the pre-enumeration phase. During the enumeration
phase the actual data collection takes place. Data from each household and individual within a
country or delimited geographical area is collected. This can either be done through door-tot-door
visits or by mail. In developing countries this is usually done through door-to-door
visits. During the post-enumeration phase of a census the completed questionnaires are being
coded, captured, analysed, reports and other data products are being prepared, and the data is
disseminated.
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