Vesna
Luzar-Stiffler
University Computing Centre and CAIR Research Centre, Zagreb,
Croatia
Marijan
Gredelj
Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb,
Croatia
Charles
Stiffler
CAIR Research Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Dubravko
Skrlec
Central Bureau of Central Bureau of Statistics, Zagreb, Croatia
This article describes
how the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of the Republic
of Croatia adapted existing SAS Institute software modules
in order to cost-effectively achieve the aim of moving Croatia
toward “digital government” by providing the world
with administrative data results from the 2001 Census in GIS/map/graph
form.
As featured at some other government web sites (see e.g.,
US Census Bureau, Statistics Sweden), CBS decision makers
and CAIR Center researchers implemented an effective data
visualization application (for use by citizens, institutions,
government, international agencies, etc.) consisting of 4000+
HTML-linked graphs ( including maps, bar/pie charts, pin-charts,
and “age pyramids”) presenting “in a right
and simple way” nationality data, education, age/gender,
and household level data by county and municipality. (On the
first day of availability, 80,000+ hits occurred at the CBS’
site.)
The application was developed using SAS base and graph modules
with intensive use of ODS (Output Delivery System) and macro
programming, thus enabling rapid application development (17
days) and allowing for easy modification and upgrades as new
statistical survey data become available.
The CBS is fast becoming a critical new source of fresh digital
information for social institutions, government decision makers,
and curious international investment/funding audiences.
