Data Services at UFV
The UFV library provides access to many different types of data and statistics. If you're looking for tables, charts or graphs, you probably need statistics, which are the end result of data that have been processed or analyzed and then presented in a visual or structured format. Statistics Canada provides a good definition of the difference between statistics, information and data.
But sometimes you need access to the data behind the statistics, which generally involves downloading 'raw' datasets or geospatial files and then analyzing them using special software such as SPSS, Beyond 20/20 or ArcView. If this is the case, the UFV library can help.
UFV is a member of the Data Liberation Initiative (DLI)
The DLI provides data resources for Canadian subscribing post secondary institutions. With this program, Statistics Canada allows the faculty and students of these institutions unlimited access to numerous Statistics Canada public use micro data files (PUMFs), survey data and geographic files. For a more complete understanding of access to Statistics Canada information and data consult the continuum of access table. Use of these files is limited to academic research and teaching purposes.
Once you have determined that you require data you will need to identify where the data is found. Typically it is available in a survey, in some cases more than one survey. Resources below may help you to identify the correct survey; you can also contact the library for help.
Alphabetical List of Surveys
View a complete list of survey name, acronym, year of creation, output format and coding language. Similar information can be accessed by subject.
Longitudinal Surveys
Statistics Canada produces six major surveys which it replicates over time (thus the term "longitudinal"). Because of their broad focus they are particularly useful. These surveys (PDF 90 KB) are:
Additional Information
Access to Data
Most of the data files are "self-serve" – directly available to users on- and off-campus through the sources listed below. Some are only available upon request from UFV's data services librarian, HongFei Li - hongfei.li@ufv.ca or (604) 504-7441 x4268.
Appropriate Use of DLI Data
Only post-secondary institutions can join the DLI and the data may only be used for educational purposes which include:
- teaching;
- academic research;
- publishing articles and reports; and
- the planning of educational services.
All UFV students, faculty members and employees may use the DLI data for such purposes. Please note that commercial or contractual use is strictly prohibited. The data may not be used to identify any person, business or organization, nor may users redistribute the data. If you you have any questions about the DLI license agreement, please contact HongFei Li - hongfei.li@ufv.ca or (604) 504-7441 x4268.
Tools for Accessing Data
Canadian Census Analyser
The Canadian Census Analyser is hosted by the University of Toronto's Data Library Service (called CHASS). It provides access to 1971-2001 Census Public Use Microdata Files (PUMF's) for (1) individuals, (2) families, and (3) households & dwellings. Census 2006 PUMF's will be released in summer 2009.
The CHASS interface allows users to download Census PUMF's for individuals only. Alternatively, U of T provides the option to access allof the Census PUMF's using software called Survey Documentation & Analysis (SDA). This allows users to run basic analyses online without having to purchase and learn complex software such as SPSS. For more complex analyses of the variables, users can download the files into SPSS, SAS or other formats.
CANSIM
CANSIM stands for Canadian Socio-economic Information Management System. Statistics Canada conducts hundreds of surveys in addition to the Census, and publishes many of the results in tables in the CANSIM collection. Since most of the surveys are conducted on a regular basis, results can be compared over time using these time-series tables to identify trends. Updated weekly.
If it isn't important to have the most current CANSIM statistics, you may want to search the tables in E-STAT (see below) instead. Although E-STAT is updated only once per year, it is easier to use than this weekly version, and has more output options.
E-STAT
E-STAT is a package of statistics and aggregate data from Statistics Canada's Census and CANSIM collections, compiled specifically for educational institutions. Users can cross-tabulate selected data variables and then generate charts, tables and maps, and also download the information into a variety of programs for further analysis. It's a surprisingly powerful and easy-to-use product. Updated once a year.
Equinox Data Delivery Service (formerly Internet Data Library System (IDLS))
This service is hosted by the University of Western Ontario's Data Library. It provides web access to most of the microdata, aggregate data and geospatial files from Statistics Canada's Data Liberation Initiative (DLI). It includes DLI sources that are originally issued on CD-ROM such as Canadian Business Patterns, Financial Performance Indicators for Canadian Business, and many justice tables. However, it does not include Inter-Corporate Ownership. IDLS does not supply online statistical analysis software as does the University of Toronto's Data Library service described below.
The Equinox collection includes many other Canadian and international datasets. Please note that UFV users only have access to the freely-available public files and those from the DLI.
Microdata Analysis and Subsetting Service
This service is hosted by the University of Toronto's Data Library Service (called CHASS). It provides web access to the microdata files provided through UFV's membership in Statistics Canada's Data Liberation Initiative (DLI), and a few microdata sets from other sources. Unlike the IDLS service, it does not include DLI sources that are originally issued on CD-ROM, such as Financial Performance Indicators for Canadian Business. The U of T Microdata Analysis and Subsetting Service collection includes many other Canadian and international datasets. Please note that UFV users only have access to the freely-available public files and those from the DLI.
UT/DLS provides a program called Survey Documentation & Analysis (SDA) to run online statistical analyses on microdata files without having to purchase and learn complex software such as SPSS. SDA supports many types of analysis, including frequencies, cross-tabulations, comparisons of means, correlation matrices, and multiple regressions. Users can also apply controls, filters or weights and can generate tables and charts. Sophisticated users can still download data sets from UT/DLS to SPSS or SAS if they prefer.
Prepared by Mary-Anne MacDougall, with generous assistance from Chris Burns, Kwantlen Polytechnic University - thank you, Chris.
Last updated Dec. 18/09 Patti Wilson
