Download ESCWA: 6-Good practices for data dissemination

GOOD PRACTICES FOR
DATA DISSEMINATION
Juraj Riecan
Director, UN-ESCWA Statistics Division
Overview of dissemination practices
Traditional databases
Front-ending
Process-oriented architecture
From recordsets to data cubes
Current dissemination practices
Static file
formats
Spreadsheets
National
databases
Static files
√
•Fully controlled presentation
•Combine data, text, charts
•Quick, easy, cheap
X
•Only a snapshot
•Data not downloadable
•Manual updates
>
•Key indicators
•Highlights
Spreadsheets
√
•Easy format for data analysis
•Downloadable, Customizable
X
•Users have to download all
•Manual updates
>
•Data files for further analysis
National databases
√
•Customized queries
•Flexible downloads
•Easy updates
X
•Important implementation costs
•IT infrastructure
•System maintenance
>
•General data dissemination
Traditional databases
Database 3
Database 2
Database 1
Front-ending
Database 3
Database 2
Database 1
Process oriented architecture
Database 3
Database 2
Database 1
Production
Database
Dissemination
Database
Dissemination
Database
From recordsets to hypercubes
Recordsets
Relational databases
Hypercubes
Recordsets
Evolution from paper records
Sequential reading
Record = data item &
metadata
Relational Databases
Reporting
country
Trade
Volume
Flexibility
Standard Query Language
(SQL)
Generic database tools
Importing
country
Exporting
country
Data Cube (Hypercube)
Country
Country C
Country B
Country A
2001
2002 2003 2004
Year
Data Cube (Hypercube)
√
√
√
√
√
Most common approach
Flexible
Expandable
Combining multiple classification
Easy cross-tabulation
Conclusion – Summary
Process oriented Architecture
Dissemination
databases
Hypercube data model
THANK YOU
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