Doha: The Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) is using the state-of-the-art technologies, systems and software in Qatar 2020 Census to ensure the smooth flow of work in this national project, to facilitate data acquisition and to ensure its accuracy and speed of classification and analysis, in accordance with the best internationally-recognised standards.
Since 2010 Census, the State of Qatar has important experience in using cutting edge census techniques, which are similar techniques to those used in this year’s Census. However, 2020 Census has introduced new additions to such technologies that facilitate the census process and make it more accurate.
As well, all programs, systems, technologies and networks employed in Qatar 2020 Census are among the most recent globally adopted developments in a bid to make use of modern-day technologies to provide a pioneering model in the region in implementing a modern census in the best and easiest way.
Moreover, the latest tablets are used in the process of data collection by field researchers. Such devices are provided with the coordinates of the locations of the establishments and houses, as well as maps applications that enable researchers to reach the desired home.
In this census, PSA allows household and individual data to be recorded electronically, and by self-enumeration as “the household head can enter PSA website and record his data accurately, easily and safely without the need to receive field researchers, which provides him with full privacy in providing the required data in the online form”.
For the purpose of this census, two communication rooms were set up and equipped with the latest devices to respond to all public inquiries via PSA’s hotline number, and to report information to researchers in the field, with working hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
In the very first days after launching the online form, the two communication rooms received a lot of calls via the hotline number. Most inquiries were about some fields in the form and how to save data for each individual and the whole family. Also, there is the operation room that includes a group of auditors who examine and verify the data to ensure its quality and inclusiveness.
Furthermore, the census took advantage of the geographic information systems (GIS) deployed in PSA, which are equipped with the latest programs and systems that serve the census process in all fields, whether in the preparatory stage or the field stage, down to the results stage, while making state atlases, whether electronic or paper atlases.
It is worth noting that PSA is keen to achieve a high degree of full confidentiality of data which will not be published according to the measures in place in PSA, and as stipulated in the Official Statistics Law of 2011.
On December 1, PSA resumed the final phase of Qatar 2020 Census, which was postponed as part of the precautionary measures to combat COVID-19. This phase began with the online Census, which is currently available through PSA’s electronic platform (www.psa.gov.qa/census2020.aspx) and will continue until 7 January 2021, while the field work by field researchers will resume from 13 December 2020 to mid-January 2021.
PSA called on citizens and residents to electronically fill out the census form. First, they shall self-complete the statistical form through the link: www.psa.gov.qa/census2020.aspx. Then, they need to register the ID number and mobile number (provided that the mobile number is registered in the name of the owner of the ID card), so that a special code will be sent to the registered phone number that allows access to and filling in the census online statistical form. PSA confirmed that these steps are important to ensure accuracy and full confidentiality of data, in accordance with the Official Statistics Law of 2011.
PSA has allocated the toll-free number 800-8000 to answer public inquiries about the Census, along with PSA website.
