The Output Area Classification (OAC) distills key results from the Census for the whole of the UK to indicate the character of local areas. It profiles populations, structures other data, and helps target resources. OAC is in the public domain, and the User Group supports and promotes its use as geodemography open to all. More about OAC, More about Getting Started, and more about the User Group.
The Output Area Classification
18th Jul, 2008
Geodemographics in action: seminar, 15 September 2008
This half day OACUG seminar presents actual uses of geodemographics in analysis of health, crime, migration and surveys; including the OAC coding of ONS social surveys.
The seminar has been designed to be of particular interest and value to those in the public sector, reflecting the fact that geodemographic was originally developed to help the sector. It will be held at the Royal Statistical Society in London. There is no charge for participation, but pre-registration is necessary.
The ONS have just let us know about an error in the current 2001 Area Classification of Super Output Areas datafile which can be downloaded from their website. Currently the Groups and SubGroups of the Multicultural City Life supergroup were incorrectly labeled. This problem will be rectified on Friday 4th April 2008 with an update to the file and a note explaining the correction.
28th Mar, 2008
Interactive maps of OAC for London
OAC is one of the public sector data sets for Greater London featured in the London Profiler developed by the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at University College London. The interactive maps zoom from broad patterns to precise neighbourhood pictures not only for national OAC super group categories but also for the more detailed national OAC categories and a special London only classification. Overlays on road and place names or on photo imagery aid interpretation.
7th Mar, 2008
Super Output Areas Classification Available
ONS has released a classification of Super Output Areas - an intermediate geography between Output Areas and administrative districts - and equivalents throughout the UK. Its methodology is essentially the same as OAC, and it complements the use of OAC. Compare interactive maps for OAC and the new classification by using the links in the right hand menu.
1st Feb, 2008
Learn how to apply OAC
A one day OACUG course on 12 June 2008 provided hands-on training on how
to apply OAC. It was attended both by people starting to use area
classifications and by those wanting a refresher. It met a need
identified by Group members and will be run again.
Please contact Martin Robson by email on martin.robson@lbhf.gov.uk if you are interested in attending a repeat.
Report or suggest activity
A prime purpose of the OAC User Group is to provide a network for information exchange and contacts. News about all OAC related activity is welcome, particularly to feature on the Group website. Also suggestions about what would help those using or planning to use OAC. Please contact Martin Robson.
