The 2010 Census Address Canvassing operation was implemented to improve the completeness and accuracy of the initial census address list. The U.S. Census Bureau then used the updated addresses to mail or deliver census questionnaires. To conduct Address Canvassing, t he universe was divided into collection blocks, which were then grouped into Assignment Areas for operational convenience.

The original listers used hand-held computers to conduct the verification of the address list and census maps. The hand-held computers offered several advantages over paper listing operations, one being the ability to collect Global Positioning System coordinates for living quarters.

The Address Canvassing Dependent Quality Control check was designed to detect significant errors and provide an evaluation of each work assignment. Every Assignment Area was checked in the Dependent Quality Control . The quality control lister’s task during the Dependent Quality Control check was to compare what was found on the ground to what was on the address list.