Database Layout

Database Layout

The NILS data comprises of a series of linked statistical and administrative datasets including demographic data from health registrations, data from the 2001 Census and data from birth and deaths registrations.  The data types can be described under three headings:

1. NILS Core - Data from which NILS sample members are selected;

2. Contextual - Data providing information about the NILS members;

3. Events - Data providing information about occurrences of various life events to NILS members.

The core dataset from which the NILS sample is chosen from is health registrations.  This provides the primary data source to which the other NILS data sources are linked to.  Additional contextual data linked includes data from the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland and the Valuation and Lands Agency data on property information. 

The method of data integration chosen for the NILS is illustrated in the Diagram below.