Postal Code Conversion File [Canada], October 2005, Census of Canada 2001

<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>To obtain the postal code conversion file or for questions, consult the <a href="https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/dli/contact" target="_blank"> DLI contact</a> at your educational institution.</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>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.</p> <p>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, 1996 and 2001 censuses. A revised automated system was used for the 1996-2001 conversion. The 2001 Census postal codes reported by respondents were used to validate the Postal Code Conversion File links.</p>