United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Statistical Division The Importance of Databases in the Dissemination Process Steven Vale, UNECE.

United Nations Economic Commission for EuropeStatistical DivisionUnited Nations Economic Commission for EuropeStatistical Division

The Importance of Databases in the Dissemination Process

Steven Vale, UNECE

Steven Vale - UNECE Statistical Division Slide 220 April 2023

Contents

How are data currently disseminated? Advantages and disadvantages of

different approaches Introduction to data cubes Good practices


Dissemination Practices

Web sites of statistical agencies for all 56 UNECE member countries checked during spring 2008.

Data dissemination systems and formats recorded.

Not possible to check all national language versions of websites.


Results

Internet Dissemination ToolsNumber of Countries

%

Static html / pdf / word pages 29 51.8%

Excel spreadsheets 12 21.4%

National database software 17 30.4%

PC-Axis 12 21.4%

Statbank / PC-Axis 3 5.4%

SuperWEB 2 3.6%


Static html / pdf / word Pages


Static html / pdf / word Pages

Advantages• Quick, easy and cheap to prepare• Data at a glance• Possible to combine tables, graphics and text• Html and pdf viewers are free

Disadvantages• Only a picture - users can not easily download

or manipulate data• Manual updates


Excel Spreadsheets


Excel Spreadsheets

Advantages• Users can download and customize data• Most common format for basic data analysis

Disadvantages• Excel software is not cheap!• Manual updates• User has to download the whole file


Output Databases


Output Databases

Advantages• Interactive with flexible outputs• User friendly (usually!)• Can be tailored to national requirements• Some generic systems available

Disadvantages• Can be expensive to develop and maintain,

particularly if you develop your own system


What Do Users Want?

Depends on the type of user Quick access to key figures Options to select and manipulate data Easy export to own analysis packages Graphic visualizations (maps, charts, ..) Appropriate metadata Multiple languages


What is a Data Cube?

A multi-dimensional structure containing data points that represent unique combinations of several classifications

A flexible way of storing and disseminating data


Two-dimensional Cube

Year

Country 2000 2001 2002 2003

AAA 123 456 124 567 125 678 126 789

BBB 987 654 988 654 989 654 999 654

CCC 35 789 36 789 37 789 38 789


Three-dimensional Cube


More dimensions are possible,

but not easy to display!


Why Data Cubes are Important

Many statistical data management models and systems are based on cubes

Users can select just those data that are of interest

Cubes can easily be expanded, e.g. for extra years, countries, or other categories

At least in theory, cubes can have an infinite number of dimensions


Good Practices

Static tables can be useful for key figures For detailed or large datasets, allow users

to create and manipulate their own tables Store data as multi-dimensional cubes Offer graphic visualizations Allow users to download data in a range

of formats (including SDMX)


Good Practices (2)

Link data and metadata Share development in an open-source

environment or network, with an electronic forum for discussions and questions

Don’t try to re-invent the wheel!


Thank you for listening

Questions?

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Statistical Division The Importance of Databases in the Dissemination Process Steven Vale, UNECE.

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