13: Processing, Analysis, and Archiving of Travel Survey Data

Processing, analysis, and archiving of travel survey data seem to be rather routine or boring activities compared to other aspects of travel surveys, such as the design of the survey, sampling, or the design of the survey instrument. However, this part of the process is also very important and influences the quality of the data obtained and its continued accessibility and use in the future. The goal of this chapter is to analyse and identify those activities and procedures that are essential to ensure the data quality in this aspect of survey execution. It suggests quality standards in terms of guidelines, for procedures and content, and discusses how to ensure the execution, the survey procedures, the results, and the original data are adequately documented. A specific focus is given to the consideration of standards for archiving in order to ensure maximum use of the data today and in the future.