Geography and data
The importance of having a local view
Detailed information on the socio-economic characteristics of the population living in local areas is a valuable research source. It can help to determine how resources should be allocated between areas, the nature of service provision within an area and to identify areas that would benefit most from specific policy interventions.
Updateable subnational population information is an essential source to assess the impact of policies to tackle area-based issues, such as neighbourhood deprivation, crime and poor health.
We have developed a number of guides on generating local survey estimates and mapping data from key data, such as the census and the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS).
Small area estimation using key UK surveys – an introductory guide
This guide introduces methods that can be used to generate local survey estimates by combining information from key UK surveys with other aggregate data.
Small area estimation using key UK surveys guide (PDF).
Mapping 2011 Census Microdata using R
This guide aims to show the strength of using Census Microdata via a worked example taken from real-life research. Some familiarity with microdata, mapping and statistical software is assumed.
Mapping 2011 Census Microdata using R guide (PDF).
Mapping Census data in QGIS
This guide shows how to create a choropleth map showing the percentage of males who work in the manufacturing sector using the QGIS package.
Mapping Census data in QGIS guide (PDF).
Webinar: Geography and longitudinal data
This webinar focusses on issues related to geography in both the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and the UK Longitudinal Studies (UKLS).