AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Mid-year population estimates

<b>Description of Data</b>
Population estimates for the 850 Super Data Zones in Northern Ireland were published on 29th May 2025.

<b>Time Period</b>
Estimates are provided for mid-2021 to mid-2023.

<b>Notes: 
</b>1. Estimated populations are given as of 30th June for the year noted, rounded to the nearest person.<b>
</b>2. Rounding for estimates at this geographic level is independent. As such, figures may not add to higher geography totals.<b>

Methodology</b>
The population estimates for small geographical areas are created from an average of two statistical methods: 
the ratio change and cohort-component methods. The ratio change method applies the change in secondary (typically administrative) data sources to Census estimates. The 2023 small geographical area estimates use a single statistical dataset which has been created by amalgamating a series of different administrative data sources. This statistical dataset is a de-duplicated admin based estimate for the usually resident population of NI. The cohort-component method updates the Census estimates by ‘ageing on’ populations and applying information on births, deaths and migration. An average of both methods is taken and constrained to the published population figures. Further information is available at:
[NISRA 2023 Mid-year Population Estimates webpage](https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/2023-mid-year-population-estimates-northern-ireland)

<b>Geographic Referencing</b>
Population Estimates are based on a large number of secondary datasets. Where the full address was available, the Pointer Address database was used to allocate a unique property reference number (UPRN) and geo-spatial co-ordinates to each home address. These can then be used to map the address to particular geographies. Where it was not possible to assign a unique property reference number to an address using the Pointer database, or where the secondary dataset contained only postcode information, the Central Postcode Directory was used to map home address postcodes to higher geographies. A small proportion of records with unknown geography were apportioned based on the spatial characteristics of known records. 

<b>Further Information</b>
The next estimates of the population for Northern Ireland will be released later in 2025.

Contact: NISRA Customer Services
02890 255156
[census@nisra.gov.uk](mailto:census@nisra.gov.uk)
Responsible Statistician: Shauna Dunlop

Organization: OpenDataNI
Benefit Statistics

For further background information on benefits statistics please follow links below: 
[Benefit Statistics - Further Information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/benefits-statistics)
[Personal Independence Payment Statistics - Further information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/personal-independence-payment-statistics)

Geographical boundaries for Universal Credit statistics for the years 2017- 2023 are based on the Claimants postcode at 2023.

Figures relate to Claimants at February each year and are rounded to the nearest 10.

Organization: OpenDataNI
Mid-year population estimates

<b>Description of Data</b>
Population estimates for the 3,780 Data Zones in Northern Ireland were published on 29th May 2025.

<b>Time Period</b>
Estimates are provided for mid-2021 to mid-2023.

<b>Notes:</b>
1. Estimated populations are given as of 30th June for the year noted, rounded to the nearest person.
2. Rounding for estimates at this geographic level is independent. As such, figures may not add to higher geography totals.

<b>Methodology</b>
The population estimates for small geographical areas are created from an average of two statistical methods: 
the ratio change and cohort-component methods. The ratio change method applies the change in secondary (typically administrative) data sources to Census estimates. The 2023 small geographical area estimates use a single statistical dataset which has been created by amalgamating a series of different administrative data sources. This statistical dataset is a de-duplicated admin based estimate for the usually resident population of NI. The cohort-component method updates the Census estimates by ‘ageing on’ populations and applying information on births, deaths and migration. An average of both methods is taken and constrained to the published population figures. Further information is available at:
[NISRA 2023 Mid-year Population Estimates webpage](https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/2023-mid-year-population-estimates-northern-ireland)

<b>Geographic Referencing</b>
Population Estimates are based on a large number of secondary datasets. Where the full address was available, the Pointer Address database was used to allocate a unique property reference number (UPRN) and geo-spatial co-ordinates to each home address. These can then be used to map the address to particular geographies. Where it was not possible to assign a unique property reference number to an address using the Pointer database, or where the secondary dataset contained only postcode information, the Central Postcode Directory was used to map home address postcodes to higher geographies. A small proportion of records with unknown geography were apportioned based on the spatial characteristics of known records. 

<b>Further Information</b>
The next estimates of the population for Northern Ireland will be released later in 2025.

Contact: NISRA Customer Services
02890 255156
[census@nisra.gov.uk](mailto:census@nisra.gov.uk)
Responsible Statistician: Shauna Dunlop

Organization: OpenDataNI
Benefit Statistics

For further background information on benefits statistics please follow links below: 
[Benefit Statistics - Further Information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/benefits-statistics)
[Personal Independence Payment Statistics - Further information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/personal-independence-payment-statistics)

For each benefit, the boundaries are based on the Claimant's postcode at the time of their claim, the exception is Universal Credit where the claimant's 2023 postcode has been used to derive the boundaries for each of the years 2017- 2023.

Figures relate to Claimants at February each year and are rounded to the nearest 10.

Organization: OpenDataNI
Benefit Statistics

For further information on benefits statistics please follow links below:

[Benefit Statistics - Further Information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/benefits-statistics)
[Personal Independence Payment Statistics - Further information](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/personal-independence-payment-statistics)

Geographical boundaries for Universal Credit statistics for the years 2017- 2023 are based on the Claimants postcode at 2023.

Figures relate to Claimants at February each year and are rounded to the nearest 10.

Organization: OpenDataNI
CTD data collected at the Whittard Canyon and Haig Fras for the CODEMAP project (JC125, 2015).

This dataset consists of 20 CTD cast profiles from 20 stations in the Whittard Canyon and Haig Fras marine conservation zones, as part of the CodeMAP (Complex Deep-sea Environments: Mapping habitat heterogeneity As Proxy for biodiversity) project. These data were collected aboard the RRS James Cook cruise JC125 (Chief Scientist Veerle Huvenne), which departed and returned to Southampton from 09 August 2015 to 12 September 2015. The cruise was conducted to carry out habitat mapping work in the Whittard Canyon and Haig Fras to obtain a better insight in the biodiversity patterns, benthic habitat distributions and sediment transportation processes of submarine canyons. The CTD profile data collected supports data from marine geology, ecology, remote sensing and underwater vehicle technology to establish an integrated, statistically robust, and fully 3D methodology to map complex deep-sea habitats. Parameters measured from the CTD profiles include: pressure, depth, temperature, practical salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, transmittance, attenuance and turbidity. Data were collected using a ship deployed stainless steel CTD frame mounted with the following equipment: Sea-Bird 911plus CTD System, Digiquartz pressure sensor, Sea-Bird 3plus premium temperature sensor, Sea-Bird 4C conductivity sensor, Sea-Bird 43 dissolved oxygen sensor, WET Labs ECO BB(RT)D backscattering sensor, Chelsea Technologies Group Aquatracka III fluorometer, Chelsea Technologies Group Alphatracka II transmissometer (25 cm path length). The CTD data were received by the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) having been binned into 2 m depth profiles for the downcast. The data have been processed and quality controlled using in-house BODC procedures and are available to download from the BODC website. Funding was provided by the European Research Council to CodeMAP (Grant No 258482).

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland Science (MSS) West of Lewis benthic camera survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1013A) west of Lewis was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particularly priority marine features (PMFs), because the area is one of a number of proposed renewable energy locations. An underwater video survey were conducted by MSS for MSS on the 5th and 6th August 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 23 sites. Analyses on the images, commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. MSS used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017-2019 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Creran subtidal SCM survey

The programme of studies was carried out from 7th May 2017 to 28th January 2019 principally by diving along transects and at essentially point stations, as well as by dropdown video. Video data collected during this survey and previous surveys in 2005 and 2014 has been used to assess development of the features over time. The aims of this study were to carry out site condition monitoring of the biogenic sub-features of the loch in order to identify any deterioration in the condition of the features and to form a judgement on their current condition and to assess the current condition of the flame shell bed feature.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Wester Ross MPA benthic camera survey (August)

The main aim of this benthic habitat survey in the Wester Ross MPA was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. The survey was undertaken by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) on board the MSS vessel MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 1414A) on the 9th to 12th August 2014. A drop-down video survey of benthic habitats was undertaken at 27 sites in the Ullapool Approaches, within the MPA. Analysis of seabed video and still photographic imagery is used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. This survey was part of a two week research cruise undertaking work in the MPAs Wester Ross, Fetlar to Haroldswick, Mousa to Boddam and Noss Head collecting drop-down video footage, grab samples and sandeel dredge tows.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2002 English Nature (EN) Tweed Estuary cSAC, littoral sediment survey

Report following a survey of the intertidal soft sediments and associated infauna of the Tweed Estuary cSAC. The aim of the survey was to acquire baseline information and maps of the main sediments and biotopes present for future management and monitoring of the cSAC.
           The data is presented as a series of site descriptions and photographs which were used to assign biotopes for the mapping.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2006 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Barra broad-scale mapping survey

The purpose of this broad-scale mapping survey in the Sound of Barra and in the Sound of Eriskay in the vicinity of the causeway was to: extend the coverage of subtidal biotope mapping to encompass the central and western parts of the Sound; to conduct intertidal biotope mapping over the whole of the Sound including those areas surveyed subtidally in 2001 and to produce comprehensive biotope maps; and to assess biological changes occurring in the Sounf of Eriskay. This study utilised satellite imagery, underwater acoustic sensing techniques and biological ground surveys to develop a biotope distribution map of the area and relate this distribution to prevailing environmental conditions. The work was undertaken for SNH by the Universities of Heriot-Watt (HWU) and Edinburgh (EDU) between the 9th July and 12th August 2006 and acoustic data was supplied under subcontract by Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). To collect this detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present, records were acquired from a total of 204 subtidal stations. Of these, 137 were surveyed by drop-down video and 67 by diver. A total of 46 shore locations were visited and records acquired from 258 shore zones. Sediment infauna samples were collected from 56 locations (40 subtidal and 16 intertidal). 5 sites, previously surveyed in 2001 around the Eriskay causeway,  were revisited and resurveyed by divers recording details of substrate, environmental conditions and biological communities. The images, analysed under SNH contract by Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages and assess anthropogenic induced change.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2000 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of BMT Cordah Ltd. Barra Ferry Terminal (Sound of Barra) Environmental Statement survey

Habitat survey undertaken within the Sound of Barra, Western Isles, in May 2000 and on 12 August 2000. The survey was undertaken as a precursor to the planned construction of a ferry terminal and breakwater at Aird Mhor on the east coast of the Isle of Barra. The development area lies within the boundaries of the Sound of Barra proposed Special Area of Conservation (pSAC), identified under the 1992 EC Habitats Directive. The environmental impacts that the development could have on the nearshore marine communities and the pSAC features of interest were identified and measures to mitigate adverse environmental consequences proposed. 
          The survey provided information on the littoral and sublittoral communities present that might be affected by the development, including the identification of rare species and sensitive biotope complexes. This information was gathered by an in-situ assessment of intertidal habitats and communities, a subtidal diving survey and subtidal grab survey. Six intertidal sites were surveyed along the north east coast of Aird Mhor. Nine dive sites were surveyed in the vicinity of the proposed development, records were made from four distinct sublittoral habitats. MNCR phase 1 mapping was carried out in the vicinity of the proposed terminal site. The macrobenthic-sampling component of the survey collected faunal material from eleven subtidal sites; using a Van Veen grab and diver collected cores. The sampling sites were selected to represent all likely soft sediment habitats within approximately 3km of the proposed development.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
1999 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Barra Ferry Facilities at Eriskay Harbour - Survey of Marine and Intertidal Habitats

This record is for a habitat survey undertaken within the Sound of Barra, Western Isles, in September 1999. The survey was undertaken as a precursor to the planned construction of a ferry terminal on the west coast of the Isle of Eriskay. The survey provided information on the littoral and sublittoral communities present within the Sound of Barra that might potentially be affected by the development, including the identification of rare species and sensitive biotope complexes. This information was gathered by: an in-situ assessment of intertidal habitats and communities, a subtidal diving survey, and a subtidal grab survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2017 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch Ailort benthic camera survey

The primary aim of this benthic survey in the inner region of Loch Ailort, run by SNH for SNH on the 27th April 2017 using the SNH RIB Aphrodite, was to assess the distribution and condition of serpulid aggregations PMF. Quantitative drop-down camera sampling undertaken at 9 stations was used to collect this data. Through the analysis of seabed video, the images were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of PMFs, as well as for the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. Spot dives were also undertaken on this survey at 18 locations. This data is yet to be analysed and reported.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2013 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) biological analyses of Marine Scotland (MS) North-west sea lochs (Wester Ross) benthic camera and grab survey

The purpose of this benthic survey (cruise 1213A) in the North-west sea lochs (approaches to Ullapool, including Little Loch Broom) and Wester Ross was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance, particuarly proposed protected features (PPFs) and other priority marine features (PMFs). An underwater video survey was conducted by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for MS on the 24th-25th September 2013 to collect detailed biological information on the seabed species and habitat features present. Drop-down video drift tows were undertaken at 9 sites within the Wester Ross area, that at the time of sampling was being proposed as a location for a possible Marine Protected Area (pMPA), and grab sampling was undertaken in 3 locations. Analyses on the seabed video and still images, undertaken by Dr Colin Moore commissioned by SNH, were used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Infaunal analysis of the grab samples was undertaken by Precision Marine Survey Limited. SNH used the vessel FRV Alba na Mara for this survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2014 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Fetlar to Haroldswick MPA (Shetland Islands) benthic camera survey

The main aim of this survey in the Fetlar to Haroldswick MPA, north-east Shetland Islands was to improve knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. The survey was undertaken by SNH and Marine Scotland Science (MSS) on board the MRV Alba na Mara (cruise 1414A) on the 15th and 16th August 2014.  A drop-down video survey of benthic habitats was undertaken at 21 sites within the MPA. Analysis of seabed video and still photographic imagery is used to describe the nature of the seabed in terms of the physical structure and the species assemblages. Runs and run segments were assessed for the presence of protected features and other PMFs, as well as for the presence of species and habitats of recognised conservation importance. This survey was part of a two week research cruise undertaking work in the MPAs Wester Ross, Fetlar to Haroldswick, Mousa to Boddam and Noss Head collecting drop-down video footage, grab samples and sandeel dredge tows.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2021 NatureScot Distribution Mapping and Baseline Monitoring survey of sea caves around Fair Isle

Survey data were acquired for four sea caves within the Fair Isle MPA for the purposes of condition monitoring.  The information included physical data on the location and spatial configuration of the caves enabling their mapping, as well as depth data and descriptions of the physical habitat.  Biological data in the form of SACFOR abundances were collected for cross sections at various points along the cave system, permitting the identification of biotopes present.  Imagery collected included still photo and video footage along the cave system, with detailed coverage of the substrate and biota of the biotopes present at the cross-sections.  In addition a cave inventory of Fair Isle caves was produced based on historical information and examination of the coastline by boat, with cave entrances photographed and positions recorded.  When sea conditions allowed caves were entered by snorkellers and data collected on cave configuration, extent, water depth and light levels, and wherever possible, a sketch was made of the cave layout.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2001 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Loch laxford sublittoral habitats joint broad-scale mapping survey

A comprehensive biotope mapping survey of the sublittoral habitats was undertaken in July 2001, by a collaborative research group comprising staff from the University of St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University and SNH. Rapid broadscale remote acoustic mapping techniques were utilised and 'groundtruth' data were collected to enable the interpretation of of acoustically classed seafloor maps. Groundtruthing data were collected in the field using a range of sampling techniques including diver-based observations with video and still cameras (19 stations), video imagery collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or drop-down video (60 stations) and grab sampling of sedimentary habitats for infaunal and sediment analyses (23 stations). It is the diver survey data which is present in Marine Recorder.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
2001 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sound of Barra sublittoral habitats joint broad-scale mapping survey

A comprehensive biotope mapping survey of the sublittoral habitats was undertaken in August 2001, by a collaborative research group comprising staff from the University of St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University and SNH. Rapid broadscale remote acoustic mapping techniques were utilised and 'groundtruth' data were collected to enable the interpretation of of acoustically classed seafloor maps. Groundtruthing data were collected in the field using a range of sampling techniques including snorkel diver-based observations with video, observations through a glass bottomed bucket, cores, video imagery collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or drop-down video and grab sampling of sedimentary habitats for infaunal and sediment analyses. It is the MNCR diver data (20 stations) that is currently present in this Marine Recorder Survey.

Organization: Marine Environmental Data & Information Network