Interact with State and County Data from the 1997 Census of Agriculture
This research is divided into two parts based on the type of data
displayed
and the purpose of the display. One part involves displaying
micro-level
data in a way to aid analysts in identifying unusual data values.
Another
part involves displaying macro-level data as an analysis tool, with the
added
benefit of exposing patterns in the data that typically remain
unnoticed
using traditional methods.
With the potential use
of an automated edit and imputation system, analysts would have minimal
contact with the micro-level data. However it is important for them to
understand how the data are distributed in order to identify anomalies
or changing trends. This project would explore the use of graphical
displays, such as scatter plots, box plots, and dot plots to achieve
this. Such display methods could be part of, or supplemental to, the
Interactive Data Analysis System (IDAS), which is a SAS-based system
developed by statisticians in NASS. Succinct
training materials on the interpretation of these graphics may be
needed
for analysts to get maximum benefit from the graphics.
With large volumes of
data to review, such as with the Census of Agriculture, analysts need
quicker, easier, and more efficient ways to understand inherent
patterns or structure of aggregate level or summary data. To achieve
this, this project explores how such data can be more effectively
displayed and disseminated using specialized "row plots", time series
plots, and concepts such as small multiples and panel
displays. The ability for NASS analysts to create these graphics
dynamically and for their own customized applications via the Intranet
will also be explored. The research can be extended to allowing data
customers an enhanced ability to view, analyze and interact with summary data via the Internet.
Historically, such customers have had access to these data, primarily
in tabular form only, with some limited graphics displays.
Interact
with State and County Data from the 1997 Census of Agriculture
