• Login
  • Join Us
Royal Geographical Society with IBG
  • About us
  • Geography
  • Schools
  • Professionals
  • In the field
  • Research
  • What's on

Search the Society

Enter keyword or phrase...
Find
Royal Geographical Society with IBG
Back to Impact of geography

Census geographies

As well as using census data in their work, geographers have been central to census design. Find out more in our case studies and resources.

  • Citizen engagement and service delivery,
  • Health and social care,
  • Better decision-making and governance,
  • Geospatial

Understanding the geography and the people within whichever geographical area you’re looking at, at whatever resolution, is incredibly important"

Donna Clarke, Senior Spatial Researcher, Office for National Statistics

 

A census is inherently geographical - geography gives the raw data of the census structure and meaning. See our census-related articles and resources below to learn more about how geographers are playing a leading role in how Census 2021 is designed, delivered and interpreted.

The geographers making sense of Census 2021

Census 2021 takes place in England and Wales on Sunday 21 March, with the data collected providing a unique resource for understanding population characteristics and distributions across England and Wales.

  • Geography news,
  • Professionals

Revolutionising the census with new methods for population data in the UK

Improved techniques for gathering and structuring data about local areas has enhanced the usefulness of the census and enabled better use of population data.

  • Citizen engagement and service delivery,
  • Combining systems or data,
  • Better decision-making and governance,
  • Geospatial

How others use census data

Learn how census data is used across a range of sectors and groups, including case studies from the Office for National Statistics

The Census on Geography Directions

Read articles by geographers on a wide range of census-related topics.

The Census on PopGRG

The Society's Population Geographies Research Group (PopGRG) has shared a number of Census-related articles on their website

Census teaching resources

See our range of Census-related teaching resources

Small area data: Looking towards a 2021 census

This 2014 collection of short case studies demonstrates the value of small area census data, and advocates for retaining the method in the the 2021 Census

  • Citizen engagement and service delivery,
  • Combining systems or data,
  • Better decision-making and governance

The future of small area population statistics

This event drew together experts to understand key issues in small area population data and promote informed responses to the ONS consultation on the census and the future provision of population statistics in England and Wales

  • Property, land and planning,
  • Infrastructure and construction,
  • Mobility, transport and logistics,
  • Better decision-making and governance,
  • Policy insight and regulation,
  • Raising awareness & improving understanding

Census consultations

Read our past consultation responses which explain and advocate for Census data use by geographers

Using geospatial data techniques to fight disease and improve population estimates

GIS and survey methods for population and infrastructure data are supporting international development efforts and geospatial capacity in a number of countries.

  • Health and social care,
  • Combining systems or data,
  • Better decision-making and governance,
  • Boosting productivity and building capability,
  • Raising awareness & improving understanding,
  • Geospatial

You may also be interested in...

Opening up digital fieldwork technology to staff and students in further and higher education

Research has helped solve pedagogic issues faced by staff and students during fieldwork.

  • Boosting productivity and building capability,
  • Enhanced provision of services

Hydrogeomorphological monitoring and assessment tools for rivers

Research has created tools for assessing river form, function and condition. 

  • Citizen engagement and service delivery,
  • Environment and natural resources,
  • Boosting productivity and building capability

Developing spatial decision-support tools to benefit biodiversity by advancing conservation standards and policies across the world

Research has developed decision-support tools which have changed conservation standards.

  • Environment and natural resources,
  • Policy insight and regulation,
  • Conservation

Securing ‘the right to stay put’ for those being displaced by state-led gentrification

Research has helped secure rights of those threatened with displacement.

  • Property, land and planning,
  • Infrastructure and construction,
  • Better decision-making and governance,
  • Policy insight and regulation

Login

Sign in
Forgotten password

Or continue as a guest...

By placing a booking, you are permitting us to store and use your (and any other attendees) details in order to fulfil the booking.
We will not use your details for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

Continue

This content is restricted

You must be a member holding a valid Society membership to view the content you are trying to access. Please login to continue.

 

Not a member? Find out how to join

Join us today, Society membership is open to anyone with a passion for geography

Find out more

Address

Royal Geographical Society
(with the Institute of British Geographers),
1 Kensington Gore,
London, SW7 2AR

Registered Charity, 208791

E enquiries@rgs.org

T +44 (0)20 7591 3000
 

Follow us

We are the learned society for geography and geographers. Be part of our community by following us on our social media accounts.

  • twitter
  • youtube
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • instagram

Links

  • MYSOCIETY LOGIN
    Vacancies
    PRESS AND MEDIA
    HIRE OUR VENUE
    PRIVACY NOTICE
    Accessibility
    SITE MAP

  •  

Cookies on the RGS website This site uses cookies to enhance your user experience.