Related Centers

Four core staffed centers comprise the Institute.

The Pennsylvania State Data Center: established in 1981 by Executive Order of the Governor, is Pennsylvania's official source of population and economic statistics and services. In addition to serving as Pennsylvania's liaison to the Census Bureau, the PSDC also serves as the state's representative to the Federal-State Cooperative Programs for Population Estimates and for Population Projections. Information, products and services include: consultation on data availability and use, printed reports, custom programming and report generation, machine readable computer files, statistical mapping, census reference maps, tri-annual newsletter, on-line information system, research reports, technical training, workshops and conferences.

The Economic Development Research And Training Center: since 1987, the Economic Development Research and Training Center (EDRTC) has made available a range of economic development training activities. These include the nationally accredited Economic Development Course in Pennsylvania and technical assistance. In addition, the EDRTC offers various resources for research projects in the field of economic and community development and planning.

The Center For Survey Research: was established to provide professional and technical assistance in survey research methodologies. The CSR serves as a primary resource for state and local government, business, non-profit organizations and public utilities as well as faculty and students who are undertaking opinion research. The Center regularly conducts research using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Services include design of projects, questionnaires and samples, computer-assisted telephone interviewing, data entry, statistical data analysis, qualitative research and an annual Citizens Survey.

The Center For Geographic Information Services: provides support for research, education, and outreach efforts requiring the use and analysis of spatial Information. This includes direct assistance to faculty, students, and staff and the development of occasional seminars and workshops on geographic information systems (GIS) software and applications. Through funded projects, the Center also provides students at Penn State Harrisburg with employment opportunities and training in GIS. Project activity undertaken by Center staff includes work for various state agencies including the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health. Additional project work has been completed for businesses from across the state.

Information Technology Center: provides both internal and external support of the Institute's objectives via information technology. Combining technological knowledge with the expertise of the Institute's various centers, ITC provides invaluable services in the follwoing areas: datatbase integration and support, interactive web design and consultation, and computer newtworking and security.