Choosing a survey sample when data on the population are limited: a method using Global Positioning Systems and aerial and satellite photographs

Authors

Harry S. Shannon, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster UniversityFollow
Royce Hutson, School of Social Work, Wayne State UniversityFollow
Athena Kolbe, Social Work and Political Science, University of MichiganFollow
Bernadette Stringer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser UniversityFollow
Ted Haines, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Abstract

Background

Various methods have been proposed for sampling when data on the population are limited. However, these methods are often biased. We propose a new method to draw a population sample using Global Positioning Systems and aerial or satellite photographs.

Results

We randomly sampled Global Positioning System locations in designated areas. A circle was drawn around each location with radius representing 20 m. Buildings in the circle were identified from satellite photographs; one was randomly chosen. Interviewers selected one household from the building, and interviews were conducted with eligible household members.

Conclusions

Participants had known selection probabilities, allowing proper estimation of parameters of interest and their variances. The approach was made possible by recent technological developments and access to satellite photographs.

Disciplines

Social Work

Recommended Citation

Shannon et al.: Choosing a survey sample when data on the population are limited: a method using Global Positioning Systems and aerial and satellite photographs. Emerging Themes in Epidemiology 2012 9:5.