Glossary

Local Information System (LIS)

This refers to a web-based application with the primary function of reporting using statistical data.  These systems can range in size and functionality but most will have the ability to store and share data as well as analytical tools such as charting and mapping.  Local Information Systems are sometimes referred to as Data Observatories.

Data

This is any information held within the system that can be displayed within a table, chart or map.  It will normally have been imported into the system via an Excel spreadsheet.

Resources

Can be any type of information other than a datset; such as Word, Excel & PDF documents, reports, presentations, images, or links to external websites.

Basket

This is a collection of indicators pulled together into a group.  Baskets are totally customisable, depending on what the owner wishes to include.

Output Areas (OAs)

These are very small geographic areas, containing approximately 125 households (300 residents).

Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs)

These are aggregations of output areas, containing a minimum of 1,000 residents (an average of 1,500).  There are almost 35,000 LSOAs in England & Wales, with 1065 in Essex, Southend & Thurrock.

Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOAs)

These are aggregations of LSOAs, containing a minimum of 5,000 residents (an average of 7,200).  There are over 7,000 MSOAs in England & Wales, with 211 in Essex, Southend & Thurrock.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment or JSNA,

This is a partnership project that aims to identify the current and future needs of the population in order to inform the effective and efficient commissioning of services to meet those needs.

Local Economic Assessment or LEA

This is a project that brings together a range of information to provide an accurate, impartial picture of the county, its residents, and the factors that will influence future growth and development of the economy.

Census

This refers to a complete count of the population of interest (as opposed to a sample). In the United Kingdom a census of the entire population is taken every ten years - the last was on 27^th March 2011. UK Censuses collect information on a wide range of topics, providing a rich source of data.

Demographics

These are the general characteristics of people in an area.  They can include things such as age, religion, ethnicity, disability, employment status, and many other indicators.