Info Centre / P-codes

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 Iraq. 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. For example, using P-codes allows health data from WHO to be linked to schools data from UNICEF, housing damage from IMG and population figures from the last official census. The combined data sets can be displayed on maps, analysed, or linked to additional datasets. Because P-codes have a spatial location built in the system, data attached to P-codes can readily be displayed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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 Iraq are developed by partners and maintained by OCHA, and accepted as the data standard for Iraq by OCHA and other UN Agencies.