Coding and Naming for Statistical Geographies

The new GSS Coding and Naming policy for some statistical geographies will be implemented on 1 January 2011. From this date, where new codes have been allocated they should be used in all exchanges of statistics and published outputs that normally include codes. ONS Geography (ONSG) will use the new coding structure in parallel running with the old codes throughout 2010.

The Register of Geographic Codes (RGC) summarises the range of area instances within each geographic unit and is available via the Downloads section.

The Code History Database (CHD) provides multiple functionality including details of all codes, relationships, hierarchies and archived data. Initially, the CHD will be used in parallel with the Standard Names and Codes (SNAC) database, the UK Statistical Geographies database and the Ward History database but ultimately it will replace them.

The CHD is in MS Access format and located on a separate web page. Please contact ONSG if you would like access to the CHD . MS Excel tables providing simple look ups for current codes to new codes are also available via the link to CHD Look ups.

ONS Geography will provide support; demonstrate the RGC and CHD tools and discuss the new policy with any areas that produce, publish or access geographic-based statistical data. Full contact details can be found in the Related links section.