P-Codes
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What are P-codes?
Pcode is an abbreviated term for 'Place Code'. P-codes are
similar to zip codes and postal codes and are part of a data
management system that provides unique reference codes to
thousands of locations in Liberia. These codes provide a systematic
means of linking and exchanging data and analysing relationships
between them. Any information that is linked to one location with
a pcode can be linked and analysed with any other.
Why are P-codes useful?
P-codes resolve the basic issue of what we all call a place.
Using place-names as identifyers can easily lead to confusion over
spelling, different languages or scripts as well as duplication.
If agencies develop individual systems for naming or coding places
this makes data sharing extremely difficult and huge amounts of
potentially useful information go unshared, are manually re-typed
or filed and forgotten. Spatial data standards agreed by all
agencies provide a single, unified system for referring to
locations, allowing the free exchange of data between
participating agencies.
Why should my agency use P-codes?
To promote cooperation and information sharing and gain full
access to the huge range of information already available in Pcode
format, on such issues as population, housing damage, landmines,
agriculture and assistance distribution. This information can help
you to plan your own programmes and avoid repeating surveys
already done by others. Agencies using the P-codes for their own
data management will be able to combine this information with
datasets from other participating organisations.
Spatial data standards include full GIS capability, allowing
data linked to towns, villages and administrative units to be
mapped and geographically analysed. Data collected with Global
Positioning System (GPS) equipment can also be used.
How can P-codes be used in my existing databases?
In most cases, adoption of P-codes requires only the addition
of an extra column to your existing databases and spreadsheets.
Over time it is recommended that any other naming or coding
systems be phased out and that all new data collection use the
P-codes.
By including the pcode into separate spreadsheets, data on
different issues from different agencies can be linked and cross-analysed.
The P-codes is delivered in Microsoft Excel-format, and can by
request be delivered in other formats.
Who uses P-codes?
P-codes for Liberia are developed by partners and maintained by
OCHA, and accepted as the data standard for Liberia by OCHA and other
UN Agencies.
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