Discussion Document May 2004
Geographies
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1. Introduction
Data collection tends, quite rightly, to focus on what information is required for specific purposes, but nowadays, with the advent of more sophisticated technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we must consider how the data can be used, singularly and in combination with other data sets. It is particularly in the area of combining data sets that the spatial unit of data collection becomes important. If the data are not available at comparable levels they cannot provide useful progress in the process of data analysis, never mind using GIS capabilities. This paper gives a brief outline of some of the issues in relation to the use of Scottish data sets when carrying out any spatial analysis
2. Geographic Information System
It could be said that a map is worth a thousand words. A map allows data to be interpreted in a spatial context and the increasing use of GIS allows results to be visually displayed n a very accessible manner. Over 80% of data used have spatial elements and a GIS can use these for quite sophisticated analysis, but the data must be available in a manner that allows it to be downloaded into the GIS. Within a single data set this is mostly possible - there are many boundary files available, from points on a map through parishes, wards, regions to countries - but problems arise when you try to use data from different datasets that are incompatible or try to use time series data where the boundaries have changed over time. Many GIS functions rely on data being entered in layers, building up a map or a profile, but if the boundaries do not match, this can be very complicated or ultimately impossible.
3. On-Line Access to SEERAD Data
SEERAD data can be accessed through the following site:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/ERAD/ESI/00015631/page407506847.aspx
However, not all data are accessible at the same level, even within sites. Also, more data are available at much smaller units if SEERAD are contacted personally, and they will create files in response to specific requests. Mostly this works well, but there may be issues relating to:
- Requirement for payment;
- Confidentiality - some parish data for example is suppressed
- Time series data
- Whether someone is available to respond to the query, depending on other work commitments.
What follows is a brief explanation of the geographies of the data available on line.
i. Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture
Includes different geographies, but the main spatial units are the Agriculture Regions:
- North East
- North West
- South East
- South West
In some tables these are broken down:
- North East - North East Scotland
- North West - Shetland; Orkney; Western Isles; Highland
- South East - Tayside; Fife; Lothian; Scottish Borders
- South West - East Central; Argyll & Bute; Clyde Valley; Ayrshire; Dumfries & Galloway
Other tables use entirely different geographies including:
- Scotland
- LFA/non-LFA/HIE
- Parish
Appendix 1 shows the maps that are also available, but again, these cannot be used for further analysis as they are bit maps, and cannot be used in a GIS
ii. Abstract of Scottish Agricultural Statistics
These are produced for the whole of Scotland, which is expected for an abstract.
iii. Scottish Agricultural Census Summary Sheets
These use the same breakdown as some of the tables in the Economic Report on Scottish agriculture i.e. North East Scotland; Shetland; Orkney; Western Isles; Highland; Tayside; Fife; Lothian; Scottish Borders; East Central; Argyll & Bute; Clyde Valley; Ayrshire; Dumfries & Galloway
iv. Final Results of the June Census
This provides time series data, but only at national level
v. Agriculture Facts and Figures
Mostly available at national level, though there is some LFA/non-LFA split.
vi. Scottish Agriculture Output, Input and Income Statistics
Results are presented by farm type, and business size, so there is no geographic differentiation.
4. Compatibility with other datasets
It can be seen that the data collected by SEERAD varies considerably and when the discussion is extended beyond that to include other data sets, the problems becomes immense. There are a whole variety of detests compiled and more and more of these are becoming available on-line, which is a step forward. However, they are often incompatible for geographic analysis. For example, different data are available at the following levels:
- National;
- Regional;
- Local authority;
- Ward;
- Settlement;
- Parish;
- Health board;
- Tourist board;
- Travel to work; and
- NUTS levels.
This raises a whole set of issues that need to be addressed, and some of these could be resolved if data gatherers consulted data users. We need to be aware that data analysis can be a powerful tool, and combining datasets allows this, not just from a GIS perspective, but for any analysis. Some of the issues are as follows:
- Boundary changes - e.g. ward boundaries have changed over time, even between the last two censuses. In the UK, even the NUTS boundaries have changed;
- If data are available at small enough units, they can be amalgamated into larger ones, but this may raise questions of confidentiality;
- Compatibility with other countries. The obvious solution is to use NUTS areas, which are compatible across Europe, and some are moving towards this, but it must be at a sufficiently low level e.g. NUTS 5, comparable to Scottish wards;
- Make Geo-referenced data available on the Internet. There are various mechanisms that can be used to control access, such as licences, passwords etc.
Appendix 1: Maps used in Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture and in Scottish Agricultural Census Summary