Spatial Data and National
Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)
Introduction
The
decennial Population and Housing Census is the largest statistical undertaking
of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Since 2001 the then Central Bureau of
Statistics under the National Planning Commission has been using modern
Geographical Information technologies (GIT) in the following ways:
1.Mapping and
demarcating of Enumeration Areas (EAs) for census enumeration and other
surveys;
2.Data cleaning and
management;
3.Linking of EA
polygons (shape files or other file formats) to census data; and
4.Spatial
presentation of census results (i.e., displaying results on maps and atlases).
By
virtue of the power held by the Statistics Act, Act No. 9 of 2011, the Central
Bureau of Statistics was transformed into a newly established Namibia
Statistics Agency.
Capturing
of Infrastructural data for planning
The
Namibia Statistics Agency also maintains geographic databases of infrastructure
(dwelling units) use for residential, commercial and public services such as agriculture,
hospital and clinics, schools, police stations, filling stations, transport,
water points, etc. These databases also includes data-layers on vital
geographical referenced features such as roads, rivers, dams, among many other.
Aerial
Photographs
In
the course of demarcating, revising and updating the National Sampling Frame,
constituting of over 6160 enumeration areas. The Spatial Data and NSDI
(National Spatial Data Infrastructure) Division make use of high quality aerial
photographs of urban areas and SPOT images for rural areas. Past images
acquired between 2001 till date are also available for the general public for
reuse in planning, monitoring and evaluation of national developments and
researches.
Surveys
and Censuses
A
lot of data collected in Namibia are based on sample surveys. In order to
ensure that the selected households represent the population to be studied,
this sub-division is responsible for construction and maintenance of the Master
Sample Frame and estimation of sampling errors.
In
population censuses and sample surveys, it is important that the right
population is surveyed without omissions or duplications. Therefore, this
sub-division is also responsible for the preparation of maps of primary
sampling units and population census enumeration areas, as well as the
maintenance of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Specialised
Spatial Analysis and Geo-data Services
The
Spatial Data and NSDI (National Spatial Data Infrastructure) Division of the
NSA also provides direct assistance upon request to other ministerial
institutions, private and public entities, academic institutions, researchers
and spatial planning consultants, NGOs with geographic data capturing and
updating, sampling frames for various socio-economic surveys, and spatial
analysis and planning works that are not covered during the main censuses and
survey activities.
How
to request for Geo-data and other services
The
NSA proudly announces that our data and services are available for public use
upon request and completion of a formal agreement form specifying your needs
and intended use of the data.
You
can access an online request form by clicking here –
click here to access and complete the form
WebGIS
Alternatively,
as a valuable end-user and producer, you are at liberty to access for analysed
geo-statistical on the website through a web-based GIS enabled application. To
access the WebGIS applications on the following specific subjects, namely, 2011
Census highlights, 2011 Census Enumeration Areas and 2011 Census Migration,
return to our home-page and explore our WebGIS applications.
Researches,
Reports, Atlases and Publications
- Namibia Statistics Agency. 2011. An atlas of poverty in
Namibia. Namibia Statistics Agency, Windhoek
- Namibia Statistics Agency. 2010. An atlas of Namibia’s
population: monitoring and understanding its characteristics. Namibia
Statistics Agency, Windhoek.
- Namibia Statistics Agency. 2011. Namibia 2011 Census Atlas. Namibia Statistcs Agency, Windhoek (clickhere to download
digital copy).
