Population Enumeration on a Grid Square Basis: The Census of Scotland, a Test Case

Abstract

After examination of the existing Census organisation, the problems of making full use of the data are investigated, in particular the disparity of units on the ground, changes over time, and variations in the nature of the published information. Proposals are made and explained for the adoption of a grid square enumeration system, which in this case is tested by application to an urban and a rural area. The problem of conflict between grid square and local authority boundary is examined. The more general usefulness of a grid square enumeration system is demonstrated in relation to comparability of data, mechanisation of processing and graphic output, and the data bank concept. Further testing by means of a sample census is being currently undertaken.