Each month, 200 field representatives (FR) update the Master Address File (MAF) used for mailings for the Decennial Census, the American Community Survey, and continuing surveys. Address listing gets the information that is missed when the MAF is updated from the Postal Service Delivery Sequence File. Currently this operation is done on paper. If the process could be automated, then the overhead associated with keying, paper handling, and mailing could be eliminated or reduced.
Automated listing will be tested in the field in August and September 1999 with pen tablet computers. The software is known as the Automated Listing & Mapping Instrument (ALMI). After the software is revised based on feedback from the field, it will be modified to accept voice recognition input. When voice recognition input is used, it allows the use of a wearable computer. Most of the weight (processor, battery) is carried on a belt. Since voice recognition entry does not rely on a physical interface like a keyboard or pen screen, the display can be smaller and lighter.
At certain times the FR may need to locate a structure without an address. A global positioning system (GPS) can capture the location. The GPS could also be used in conjunction with a geographical information system to be able to display nearby streets, cities, and map features. The FR would then just select the appropriate entry rather than scrolling through the entire list. The GPS features to ALMI could be implemented once Census TIGER files are updated with correct GPS data.