Paper-based geotagging is another procedure in gathering household location data during the enumeration activities of the 2023 CBMS Rollout. Using paper-based maps as an alternative to tablet-based geotagging, its objective is to accurately achieve the efficient implementation of the entire census field operation. Similar to the tablet-based procedure, the outputs will be shared to stakeholders such as LGUs and NGAs and will also serve as significant references in the conduct of future PSA undertakings.
In this chapter, the ENs are required to learn how to read enumeration area (EA), conduct an ocular inspection of the assigned area, and carry out canvassing, and geotagging procedures using paper-based maps.
8.1 Reading the Barangay/EA/Block Map
Similar to tablet-based geotagging, all personnel involved in the 2023 CBMS Rollout Data Collection, especially the ENs, are required to familiarize themselves with the features of the paper maps that will be used for geotagging. The paper maps are composed of two parts: the Area Map Section and Geographic Information Section.
The Area Map Section shows the image/shape of the area for enumeration defined by boundaries with the adjacent areas. This section features the identifiable characteristics of the area such as roads, streets, pathways, alleys, rivers, streams, landmarks, building roofs, geotagged points, and other area features.
On the other hand, the Geographic Information Section is located at the bottom part of the map with the CBMS and PSA logos placed on the lowermost left portion of the section. Beside the logos are the province, city/municipality, and barangay name and code, EA number, block number, legends or reference symbols, sheet number, and the certification portion.
FIGURE 8.1
Sections of CBMS Paper Maps
To effectively carry out canvassing and geotagging during the enumeration, the ENs should learn how to read the Barangay/EA/Block map provided by familiarizing first with the basic mapping symbols and their definitions used during the data collection.
Another important thing to know is the general location of the barangay hall, its boundaries, and/or the proper EA boundaries. The following types of boundary indicators that can be found on the map are:
- A barangay boundary represented by a green dash line.
- An EA boundary represented by a red dash line.
- A block boundary represented by a blue dash line.
The standard geographic and cartographic symbols are presented in Figure 8.2 Use these symbols as guides in reading the barangay /EA/Block map.
FIGURE 8.2
STANDARD GEOGRAPHIC AND CARTOGRAPHIC SYMBOLS
Cardinal direction
The four (4) directions or cardinal points, which are the north, east, south, and west directions, are commonly denoted by their initials N, E, S, and W, respectively. East and west are perpendicular (at right angles) to north and south, with east being in the clockwise direction of rotation from north and west being directly opposite east. In general, maps are oriented to the North by an arrow pointing upward as indicated in the upper right portion of the EA/barangay/ block map. Use the position of the sun to determine the true north.
Barangay/EA/Block Map
Before the conduct of enumeration, a set of maps including barangay, EA, and block maps (if applicable) depending on the area of assignment must be provided to the ENs.
Barangay map
A barangay map is a graphical representation of the barangay covered. Basically, it shows the general topographic features of the area, boundaries with the adjacent barangay, and prominent landmarks and other area features.
Enumeration Area map within the barangay
An enumeration area (EA) map is the graphical representation of a portion of the barangay covered for the 2023 CBMS Rollout. If a barangay is subdivided into EAs, each map shows its boundaries with other EAs within the barangay. Generally, each EN is assigned with a specific EA assignment.
Block map/s within the enumeration area
A block map is the geographical representation of a portion of an EA covered for the 2023 CBMS Rollout. If an EA is subdivided into smaller portions called blocks, each block map boundary shows its boundaries with other blocks within the EA.
Use these maps during the conduct of the ocular inspection, canvassing and geotagging. Illustrations 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 present a barangay map, an EA map, and a block map, respectively.
ILLUSTRATION 8.1
Example of a Barangay Map
ILLUSTRATION 8.2
Example of an Enumeration Area Map
ILLUSTRATION 8.3
Example of a Block Map
8.2 Ocular Inspection
Ocular inspection refers to the conduct of a familiarization visit to the area of assignment by going around it and through it. Exact boundaries of the area/s of assignment must be established to completely cover the area and not to go beyond it. The punong barangay or any official may provide the necessary information on the boundaries, exact location of the EA assignment, barangay available maps and other necessary information such as the best route to take during the actual field enumeration, location of the blocked households in the EA.
Using the barangay/EA map provided, the ENs shall be oriented with the prominent ground features such as streets, prominent landmarks, and known institutions such as schools, barangay halls official during the conduct of the ocular inspection and map orientation, especially for those who are not familiar with the area of assignment. The residents of the area can also provide additional information pertaining to boundaries, prominent features and landmarks, and others.
8.3 Canvassing
Canvassing refers to the procedure of door-to-door visit in the entire barangay/EA to look for buildings and households to list, ensuring complete coverage of the area. The barangay/EA/block shall be canvassed during the actual conduct of enumeration. Canvassing the barangay/EA/block depends on the actual structure of the barangay/EA/block. Moreover, canvassing shall also be done in multistorey buildings.
During the actual conduct of enumeration, the canvassing activity of the area of assignment should be carried out using the map provided as a reference guide.
It is important to observe the following procedures when canvassing the barangay/EA:
Procedures on How to Canvass a Barangay/EA with Blocks
Block map is a portion of the assigned EA. Block map may be any of the following:
- an area bounded on all sides by visible features such as streets, roads, railroad tracks, rivers, and others;
- a subdivided area of an EA that may be composed of two (2) or more subblocks; and
- an enlarged portion of a clustered area.
If assigned to a barangay/EA composed of blocks, apply the following canvassing procedures:
- Using the barangay/EA map, locate a block to conveniently start the canvassing activity.
Canvass the area BLOCK BY BLOCK, beginning from the most convenient block. Then completely canvass one block at a time until the last block in the assigned EA is completed.
For each block, start canvassing from a corner and go around the block preferably in clockwise direction (KEEP RIGHT), along the inner side of the bounding streets until the starting point has been reached.
Refer to the illustration below. Arrows in the illustrations are used to show the direction for the systematic canvassing of an EA with blocks.
In enumerating along the street or road, never go from one side of the street or road to the other side. Complete the enumeration first on one side before going to the other side.
- When near the boundary of the barangay/EA, determine whether the block still belongs to the area before proceeding to canvas the said block.
- Encircle the block number on the barangay/EA map when the canvassing of the block is already finished in order to keep track of the progress.
Procedures on How to Canvass a Barangay/EA/Block Not Bounded by Visible Features
If the barangay/EA/block is not bounded by visible features such as roads, rivers, railroads, and other similar features, canvass the area as systematically as possible. If a street or road cuts through the middle of a barangay/EA, canvass on one side of the street or road first, before canvassing the other side.
In rural areas, canvass the barangay/EA/block from one end of the area to the other end, particularly when buildings/housing units are along the roads, riverbanks, shorelines, or hills/mountains. Canvass also the barangay/EA from one outer sitio, purok or village to the next, and so on, until the whole barangay/EA has been completely covered. For areas with buildings that are far from clusters of buildings, determine the best routes to follow in order to efficiently canvass the whole area.
In a barangay/EA where the buildings are relatively dispersed, consult with the barangay officials or other knowledgeable persons in the barangay on the best way to cover the area. While in the course of the enumeration, always inquire about buildings in the vicinity that are hidden from view, the best routes to follow, and other helpful information.
Illustration 8.4 shows the directions in the systematic canvassing of an EA/block not bounded by visible features. Arrows are used to show the direction for the systematic canvassing of an EA not bounded by visible features. During enumeration, arrows are not required to be indicated on the map.
ILLUSTRATION 8.5
Canvassed Portion of a Block Map
Procedures on How to Canvass a Multi-Story Building
A story is the space in a building between two adjacent floor levels or between a floor and the roof.
A building is a multi-story if it has two or more stories. In a multi-story building, canvass the building from the ground floor to the highest floor. Inquire from the building administrator/caretaker about the number of vacant and/or occupied units in the building.
In a multi-story residential building, watch out for separate entrances and stairways leading to individual housing units. Canvass the building for housing units from one entrance and stairway to another, including those rooms with living quarters on the ground floor.
Moreover, after considering the following scenarios and cases on how to canvass an area, illustration 8.5 shows a canvassed portion of a block map.
8.4 Geotagging Using Paper Maps
Geotagging using paper maps involves identification of the location of household buildings and updating the barangay/EA/block map by indicating the proper building symbols and plotting of building point and writing the building serial number (BSN) for newly-identified buildings on the barangay/EA/block map. This should be done simultaneous with listing and enumeration of households.
General Procedures for Paper-Based Mapping
The ENs must be provided with the map of the barangay/EA/ block from the TS. The map will help in identifying the exact location of buildings on the actual ground and each building’s corresponding BSN that should be reflected in the CBMS Form 1 - Listing Record. To accomplish this geotagging task, follow the procedures below.
For every building, determine whether it is a new building without a BSN, an existing building with corresponding BSN or special cases such as homeless or temporary evacuation.
Indicate proper building symbols or BSNs on the map.
Reflect the correct BSNs of the buildings identified to CBMS Form 1 and Form 2.
Print and sign the name on the spaces provided at the lower right portion of the barangay/EA/block maps. Write also the position designation and the date after completing the enumeration designation and the date after completing the enumeration of the area and update the map.
Procedures on How to Indicate Proper Building Symbols in the EA/Block Map
During geotagging, identify on the map the approximate location of each building and the corresponding symbols for each type. Use the proper building symbols to indicate on the map that the building has been canvassed.
Using the proper symbols, plot on the barangay/EA/block map for the building that qualify for listing using CBMS Form 1. Table 8.1 shows the lists of symbols to be used in paper-based mapping for CBMS with the corresponding descriptions and examples for each.
Ideally all buildings to be listed should have corresponding BSNs on the map. However, during the enumeration, some buildings that have no BSNs indicated may be encountered. This situation occurs if these buildings are newly constructed, or the building points and BSNs for these structures were not assigned during the previous geo-tagging activity. Other possible cases include buildings that serve as temporary evacuation or relocation and homeless households which should be covered during the enumeration period.
Case 1. Procedures on how to indicate listed buildings with existing BSN
For EAs with existing geo-tagged building structures, i.e., each geotagged building has corresponding BSN during the actual visit. The following are the procedures that should be followed when a building is identified with corresponding BSN on the map.
- Plot on the barangay/EA/Block map the symbol “◯” for each existing building with living quarters, whether occupied or vacant.
Case 2. Procedures on how to indicate new buildings
However, some buildings have no BSNs indicated. This situation occurs if these buildings are newly constructed, or the building points and BSNs for these structures were not assigned during the previous geotagging activity. For EAs with no geotagged building point on the map, i.e., each geotagged building is identified as new, or had not been covered in the geotagging activity, treat the newly-identified building structure as a new building on the map.
- Assign and write the 4000-series BSN, starting from 4001, near the building point “ ” that has been plotted on the map. The sequential 4000-series BSN must be unique for every building and sequential with the EA.
Repeat these procedures for each newly-identified residential building in the EA.
Example:
Identify the building structures, either newly-constructed or not tagged, on the barangay/EA/block map.
Plot the symbol “ ” on the identified new building structure.
For the first building, write 4001, for the second, 4002, and so on.
Case 3. Procedures on how to indicate other geotagging cases
a. Temporary Evacuation/Relocation
For households enumerated in a temporary evacuation/relocation, plot on the barangay/EA/Block map the symbol “ ” for buildings identified as temporary evacuation/relocation. If the household is currently in a temporary dwelling with existing BSN on the map (e.g., school buildings), put a box on the building point of the existing building.
For households identified as homeless, plot on the barangay/EA/Block map the symbol “ ” of place of their common abode.
Procedures on Taking Good Care of the Map
Like other CBMS materials, the map is also a very important document/record. It will be used as reference material for the post-enumeration processing to come up with significant maps. Hence, it must be ensured that the map is in good condition until the end of enumeration.
Below are some guidelines in taking care of the maps:
- Use pencil in updating the map;
- Do not use stamp pad when signing the name or indicating the date on the mapping form;
- Do not fold or roll the maps;
- Do not punch holes nor staple the maps;
- Protect the map from extreme weather conditions; and
- Take good care of the map all the time.