The UK Data Service will be running a webinar: 2021 Census: What to expect from the UK Data Service on Thursday 18th March,
Another key characteristic of census microdata is their large sample sizes. For example, the 2011-Open data have a 1% sample of individuals. The sample size of the 2011-Safeguarded data philippines rcs data are 5% sample of cases in each file (Regional and Local authority). The 2011-Secure data have larger sample sizes, the files are based on 10% samples. in different years, you can also study changes over time using census microdata.
However, because census microdata are sample data we must remember that estimates derived from them are subject to sample errors. But often if you have a huge sample size (as in census microdata) the sample error is not going to be a big issue. Also, these data do not have detailed geographical variables because they have socioeconomic detail.
It is important to emphasise that although the data is anonymised, adding more detailed geographical variables to a data may increase the risk of data disclosure.