GeoConvert the online application providing postcode-related information, geography matching and geographical data conversion facilities has been updated with additional information generated from the November 2007 version of the National Statistics Postcode Directory (NSPD). As part of the update, direct matching of postcodes to LSOA-level Indices of Deprivation 2007 information has been added, in addition to the previous Indices of Deprivation 2004 information. All previous matching and conversion information has been retained for continued use.
GeoConvert's functions are based on analysis of information contained in versions of the National Statistics Postcode Directory (NSPD). The NSPD and its precursors contain a wealth of useful information about the changing relationships between a wide range of the different and changing geographies used within the UK (postcodes, super output areas, wards, primary care trusts, etc, amongst around 40 others). However, in their raw state, the size of these datasets, and the complexity of the methods required to identify relationships between geographies can soak up valuable time and resources, and present a considerable deterrent to their use.
The main aims of GeoConvert are to simplify and expand the use made of the information contained in the postcode directories within the UK academic community by providing a range of commonly required functions that are quick and easy to use, and are based upon robust and consistent methods.
Mechanisms for automated update of GeoConvert with information generated from future releases of the NSPD have been developed as a major component of the work on GeoConvert. This is the first such update since the initial launch of GeoConvert in June 2007, and should pave the way for future updates to be made available more immediately following ongoing releases of the NSPD.
GeoConvert is available free of charge to members of UK academic organisations. Details of how to register UK Federation and Athens accounts in order to use GeoConvert, as well as other services provided by the ESRC Census Programme are available on the Census.ac.uk website.
