Estimating detailed frequency tables from registers and sample surveys

Repeated weighting is a method for the consistent estimation of multiple frequency tables from registers and sample surveys. Statistics Netherlands uses repeated weighting for the compilation of the Dutch census. The application of the method is not without its problems. Estimation problems may occur, especially for detailed tables, of which some of the cells are covered by only few (or even none) observations. This paper reviews existing solutions for methodological problems and proposes new solutions when necessary. The problems and solutions are illustrated with experiences of the Dutch 2011 Census compilation. The general message of this paper is that repeated weighting can be applied to very complex estimation problems, although it still has its limitations. (Jacco Daalmans)