Postal Code Conversion File [Canada], January 1990, Census of Canada 1986

<p>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.</p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>The geographic coordinates, which represent the standard geostatistical areas linked to each postal code<sup>OM</sup> 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 marketing, planning, or research purposes. In April 1983, the Statistical Registers and Geography Division released the first version of the PCCF, which linked postal codes<sup>OM</sup> to 1981 Census geographic areas and included geographic coordinates. Since then, the file has been updated on a regular basis to reflect changes. For this release of the PCCF, the vast majority of the postal codes<sup>OM</sup> are directly geocoded to 1986 Census geography while others are linked via various conversion processes. </p>