Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys

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dc.contributor.advisorBarry, Michaelen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorBarodien, Glynnis Ericaen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2014-09-25T08:44:43Z
dc.date.available2014-09-25T08:44:43Z
dc.date.issued2001en_ZA
dc.descriptionIncludes bibliographical references.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractThis study explores the use of a palm computer, linked to a hand held global positioning system receiver, by members of an informal settlement and a rural community to collect socio-economic (SE) data. The theoretical foundation is taken from such disciplines as Semiotics, Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Survey Research Methods. This theory was used to develop a methodology, which enabled the researcher to investigate whether it is feasible to use icons to represent SE variables, whether HCI theory is useful for assessing the field observations of the volunteers using the palm computer, and whether the data collected is useful in terms of informal settlements and Communal Property Associations (CPA's). The research approach involved developing a set of icons, which were then pretested using feedback from volunteers in Mitchell’s Plain (Cape Town) before doing field-testing in Algeria and Imizamo Yethu. Next, two field studies were conducted. In Algeria and Imizamo Yethu, the volunteers were asked to identify a set of SE icons, they were taught how to use the palm computer and the CyberTracker software, and each volunteer was asked to conduct a mini-survey. The volunteer responses to the SE icons were analysed using semiotic criteria to determine how well they identified the icons. Next, the field observations were assessed with usability criteria from HCI. Finally, the two data sets were evaluated to determine its usefulness. The recommendations of this research are that if a set of SE icons is to be developed, the researcher suggests that symbols, which are well known by the community be used. That these symbols be tested in a 32x32 pixel format to determine if there is enough detail for recognition. Also, avoid detail in a picture that could cause confusion. Also, detailed investigations into the effect of culture, gender and background, as well as human perception is needed with the focus on communities. The main motivation for this is that informal settlements are a mix between rural, urban, educated and not, and also having different cultures. Next, it is further recommended that tests in homogeneous communities also be done to determine whether they do have the same mental concept. Further field studies are required to sort out various technical problems and to test a larger set of icons. Finally, other applications for this system should be investigated, e.g. land allocation distribution.en_ZA
dc.identifier.apacitationBarodien, G. E. (2001). <i>Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys</i>. (Thesis). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment ,Division of Geomatics. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7671en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationBarodien, Glynnis Erica. <i>"Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys."</i> Thesis., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment ,Division of Geomatics, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7671en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationBarodien, G. 2001. Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys. University of Cape Town.en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Barodien, Glynnis Erica AB - This study explores the use of a palm computer, linked to a hand held global positioning system receiver, by members of an informal settlement and a rural community to collect socio-economic (SE) data. The theoretical foundation is taken from such disciplines as Semiotics, Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Survey Research Methods. This theory was used to develop a methodology, which enabled the researcher to investigate whether it is feasible to use icons to represent SE variables, whether HCI theory is useful for assessing the field observations of the volunteers using the palm computer, and whether the data collected is useful in terms of informal settlements and Communal Property Associations (CPA's). The research approach involved developing a set of icons, which were then pretested using feedback from volunteers in Mitchell’s Plain (Cape Town) before doing field-testing in Algeria and Imizamo Yethu. Next, two field studies were conducted. In Algeria and Imizamo Yethu, the volunteers were asked to identify a set of SE icons, they were taught how to use the palm computer and the CyberTracker software, and each volunteer was asked to conduct a mini-survey. The volunteer responses to the SE icons were analysed using semiotic criteria to determine how well they identified the icons. Next, the field observations were assessed with usability criteria from HCI. Finally, the two data sets were evaluated to determine its usefulness. The recommendations of this research are that if a set of SE icons is to be developed, the researcher suggests that symbols, which are well known by the community be used. That these symbols be tested in a 32x32 pixel format to determine if there is enough detail for recognition. Also, avoid detail in a picture that could cause confusion. Also, detailed investigations into the effect of culture, gender and background, as well as human perception is needed with the focus on communities. The main motivation for this is that informal settlements are a mix between rural, urban, educated and not, and also having different cultures. Next, it is further recommended that tests in homogeneous communities also be done to determine whether they do have the same mental concept. Further field studies are required to sort out various technical problems and to test a larger set of icons. Finally, other applications for this system should be investigated, e.g. land allocation distribution. DA - 2001 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2001 T1 - Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys TI - Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7671 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/7671
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationBarodien GE. Field computers for spatially referenced social surveys. [Thesis]. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment ,Division of Geomatics, 2001 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7671en_ZA
dc.language.isoengen_ZA
dc.publisher.departmentDivision of Geomaticsen_ZA
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Cape Town
dc.subject.otherElectrical Engineeringen_ZA
dc.titleField computers for spatially referenced social surveysen_ZA
dc.typeMaster Thesis
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationnameMScen_ZA
uct.type.filetypeText
uct.type.filetypeImage
uct.type.publicationResearchen_ZA
uct.type.resourceThesisen_ZA
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