Official statistics shall become more detailed

Background and Objective

Together with the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) the Federal Office of Statistics (StBA) plans to develop and implement a small-scale raster-database (GZDB) for statistical data with a cell size of 100 x 100 meters in the long term. The raster-database is meant for storing and providing small scale statistical data for internal purposes of the StBA, for federal purposes as well as for other authorities working with and needing detailed small-scale statistical data on a spatial basis.

The objective of the project is the development of a conceptual design for the GZDB and its technical implementation. As there exists an increased demand for data on the accessibility of pharmacies, physicians and other infrastructures of basic needs by different federal and regional authorities another part of the project attends to the development of a model for the statistical analysis of accessibility. The results of selected accessibility analyses are meant to be integrated as first exemplary content in the raster-database. The  BKG and StBA decided to cooperate with the Thünen-Institute of Rural Studies as we already attend to accessibility modelling since 2012.

As to modelling accessibility it is planned to compare and assess different modelling methods and workflows for its applicability for statistical purposes. This comprises the statistical evaluation as well as conceptual and technical considerations. The Thünen-Institute of Rural Studies will be responsible for the scientific support and counseling with regard to accessibility modelling.

Target Group

Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy, Federal Office of Statistics, interested scientific community

Approach

1. Advice/discussion with StBA, BKG about the hosting of big raster-based databases;
2. Advice/discussion with StBA, BKG about accessibility modelling methods;
3. Supporting the development and implementation of the subproject “accessibility model for statistical purposes”;
4. Comparison of different accessibility modelling approaches and assessment of their suitability for the envisaged statistical purposes;

Our Research Questions

Which accessibility modelling method should be favored taking into consideration the available technical resources and the envisaged application area?