GeoConvert Background
- What does GeoConvert do?
- What is the NSPD?
- Who created GeoConvert?
- What is the background to the GeoConvert project?
Accessing GeoConvert
- Who can use GeoConvert?
- How do I access GeoConvert - do I need to be registered?
- What is Census.ac.uk, what do they do?
- What are Special Conditions, why are they needed?
Using GeoConvert
- What is the best way to format my input file?
- Is there information to help me understand the output files?
- Are there any tutorials or walkthroughs on using GeoConvert?
- Are there any learning & teaching guides available?
- Is any training available?
- What does that mean - is there a glossary?
- How can I get further help?
- Why don't the columns of data that I supplied in addition to zone codes appear in my outputs?
- Which version of the NSPD should I use?
The National Statistics Postcode Directory (NSPD)
What does GeoConvert do?
GeoConvert is an online geography matching and conversion tool using the National Statistics Postcode Directories in a web interface to allow users to -
- Obtain information about postcodes - such as deprivation score or easting/northing.
- Match one geography to another - e.g. match postcode to Census Output Areas .
- Convert data from one geography to another - e.g. convert user data at SOA to postcode area.
GeoConvert will be regularly updated to include the latest NSPD data available along with the latest updates to IMD scores and other metadata.
What is the NSPD?
The NSPD is the National Statistics Postcode Directory. It lists all unit postcodes in the United Kingdom and assigns them to a range of administrative, health, electoral and other geographies. Postcode grid references are provided and counts of the number of addresses, delivery points and small businesses in each postcode are also available.
The product contains both live and terminated postcodes and therefore grows with each new version, currently containing data on over 2.3 million postcodes. It is released quarterly (in February, May, August and November).
Who created GeoConvert?
GeoConvert was created by the Census Dissemination Unit, part of Mimas at the University of Manchester. The CDU is one of the Data Support Units involved in the ESRC Census of Population Programme.
What is the background to the GeoConvert project?
GeoConvert follows on the work done by the Convert project and enhances it with a new interface, up-to-date versions of the National Statistics Postcode Directory (NSPD) and the ability to search historical data. Convert was created by Ludi Simpson and An Yu under an ESRC award for Census Development, the full documentation of which can be found on the project homepage.
Convert was given to the CDU to host, maintain and support as a service in 2001. In 2006 Convert was showing its age, it was still using data from the 1998 AFPD (the predecessor of the NSPD) and due to its construction from many different software languages it was unwieldy and difficult to maintain, consequently as decision was taken to create a new updated interface. GeoConvert was designed around the NSPD and the ability to update that data for every new release (currently four times a year).
Who can use GeoConvert?
GeoConvert is available for use by staff and students at UK higher and further education establishments.
You will require a UK Federation userid which your university or college will give you (see the CDU FAQ for more information). You will be required to register with Census.ac.uk and to sign a Special Condition to use the Postcode Directories. Access is completely free of charge.
How do I access GeoConvert - do I need to be registered?
You will require a UK Federation userid which your university or college will give you (see the CDU FAQ for more information).
Click on the 'Login' button on the GeoConvert home page to start the access procedure. If you have already used any census resources and have signed up for the Postcode Directories Special Condition then you will be able to access GeoConvert immediately. If you are new to census resources then enter your Athens credentials and follow the instructions on screen.
A worked example of how to register to use GeoConvert is available in the Examples section - Worked Example 4 Logging in.
What is Census.ac.uk, what do they do?
Census.ac.uk handles all the administrative work of the ESRC Census Programme this included handling user registration, legal and contractual work and keeping records of published work containing census data. Census.ac.uk also handle registrations for the Economic and Social Data Service and is working on creating the Census Portal, a single unified web site for all the census units.
What are Special Conditions, why are they needed?
Some datasets available though the Census Data Support Units and ESDS International have special conditions attached to their use and it is necessary that you agree to these before you may use these datasets. These primarily concern restriction of use to teaching and research.
For full details of Special Conditions for census datasets see the Census.ac.uk Special Conditions web page.
What is the best way to format my input file?
Take a look at this guide to formatting input files.
Is there information to help me understand the output files?
Take a look at this guide to output files.
Are there any tutorials or walkthroughs on using GeoConvert?
There are walkthroughs using worked examples available for the three GeoConvert functions plus one on how to login and register to use the GeoConvert service. These walkthroughs are available in the 'examples' section of the web site.
Is any training available?
Not at present, however, GeoConvert will be used in Geo-Refer workshops in future and there are plans to create workshops for Census data use within the ESRC Census Programme.
What does that mean - is there a glossary?
Unfortunately we do tend to use lots of technical terms and acronyms (especially TLA's), however, there is a glossary available that should hopefully tell you what each of these words and phrases mean. If there is something not on there that you would like explaining please get in touch with us by using the contact page .
How can I get further help?
Take a look at the examples section to see if any of the walkthroughs answer your problem. If your query is about the specification of the NSPD or good practice on input or output files take a look at the documentation section. If the help on this web site cannot answer your questions then you can contact us using the contact page.
Why don't the columns of data that I supplied in addition to zone codes appear in my outputs?
GeoConvert does not 'pass through' any additional data from your input files other than the original source code (i.e. postcode, ward code etc), except in the 'Convert Data from One Geography to Another' function, where data you input is converted to reflect the new population base of the output geography. Take a look at the Guide to Input Files to make sure the data you are inputting conforms to the standards that GeoConvert can handle.
Which version of the NSPD should I use?
It is recommended that you choose the NSPD that is contemporary with the date of their source geography.
What supporting documents are available for the NSPD?
Take a look at the documentation section for the official documentation supplied with each version of the NSPD.
