Geographical information systems for the analysis, presentation and dissemination of statistical data – the Swiss experience

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Humbel, Rainer

Affiliations: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Spatial Data Section, Fellerstrasse 21, CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland

Abstract: The Federal Statistical Office maintains with its GIS infrastructure a specialized user communications team which concentrates on data dissemination, advice and information in this field. Its GEOSTAT project concentrates on a federal GIS database of geocoded, spatially relevant data sets coming from various, mostly governmental sources. Services offered to official, research as well as private customers include dissemination of raw, digital data in various formats, custom analyses of specific data and data combinations, presentation of data and of analysis results in the form of customised computer plots as well as generation of statistical data tables for specific, but traditionally unresolvable spatially defined and related questions. This data preparation and delivery center meets an increasing demand and tries hard to complement, update and improve the existing data sets within its GIS. Further significant enhancements may include innovative data like satellite imagery or environmental information.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1994-11102

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 19-33, 1994