Postal Code Conversion File [Canada], June 2001, Census of Canada 1996

The Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) is a digital file which provides a correspondence between the Canada Post Corporation (CPC) six-character postal code and Statistics Canada's standard geographic areas for which census data and other statistics are produced. Through the link between postal codes and standard geographic areas, the PCCF permits the integration of data from various sources. The Single Link Indicator provides one best link for every postal code, as there are multiple records for many postal codes. Getting started guide The geographic coordinates attached to each postal code on the PCCF are commonly used to map the distribution of data for spatial analysis (e.g., clients, activities). The location information is a powerful tool for planning, or research purposes. In April 1983, the Geography Division released the first version of the Postal Code Conversion File, which linked postal codes to census geographic areas and included geographic coordinates. Since then, the file has been updated on a regular basis to reflect postal code changes provided by Canada Post Corporation. Every five years, the postal code linkages on the Postal Code Conversion File are “converted” to the latest census geographic areas. The original Postal Code Conversion File was linked to the 1981 Census geographic areas. Since then, the Postal Code Conversion File has undergone four “conversions”, following the 1986, 1991 and 1996 censuses. An automated system was used for the 1991-1996 conversion. Also, for the first time, the 1996 Census reported postal codes were used to validate the PCCF links. To obtain the postal code conversion file or for questions, consult the DLI contact at your educational institution.邮政编码转换文件（Postal Code Conversion File，PCCF）是一类数字文件，用于建立加拿大邮政公司（Canada Post Corporation，CPC）6位邮政编码与加拿大统计局（Statistics Canada）标准地理区域之间的对应关系——后者为普查数据及其他统计数据的编制范围。通过邮政编码与标准地理区域的关联，PCCF可实现多源数据的整合。单链接指示器（Single Link Indicator）可为每个邮政编码提供唯一最优关联结果，因多数邮政编码对应多条记录。入门使用指南：PCCF附带的各邮政编码对应的地理坐标，常被用于绘制空间分析所需的数据分布图（例如客户分布、活动分布），此类位置信息可作为规划与研究场景中的高效工具。1983年4月，加拿大统计局地理司发布了首版邮政编码转换文件，该版本实现了邮政编码与普查地理区域的关联，并附带地理坐标信息。自此之后，该文件会根据加拿大邮政公司提供的邮政编码变更信息定期更新。每五年，PCCF中的邮政编码关联关系会完成一次“适配更新”，以匹配最新版普查地理区域标准。首版PCCF关联的是1981年普查地理区域，自此之后该文件先后历经四次“适配更新”，分别对应1986年、1991年与1996年的普查标准。1991至1996年的适配更新采用了自动化系统完成，此外1996年普查上报的邮政编码首次被用于验证PCCF的关联关系。若需获取邮政编码转换文件或有相关疑问，请联系所在教育机构的DLI联络人。