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.

Super Output Area/Data Zone classification

ONS has released a UK wide area classification of Super Output Areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and equivalent Data Zones in Scotland. This is an intermediate level of areas specially created for statistical purposes by grouping Output Areas, and are the lower of two tiers in England and Wales.

The methodology used, the structure of clusters in the classification, and the arrangements for access and use are essentially the same as for OAC, and the two classification have complementary roles.

OAC gives greater detail and precision in analyses, particularly where data can be coded to Output Areas for analysis by OAC. But the SOA/DZ classification is designed for use where less geographical ‘granularity’ is appropriate, and where data for analysis are available only at Super Output Area level – a not infrequent characteristic of aggregate data sets available through the neighbourhood statistics services.

Compare through interactive maps

The two classifications can be compared for any area in the UK, and in greater close up for London, through interactive maps developed by the Centre For Advanced Spatial Analysis at University College London. OAs or SOAs are mapped by ‘super group’, overlain on aerial photo imagery, for OAC (previously available) and for the SOA/DZ classification (new) – use the links in the right hand menu – and for Greater London through the London Profiler site [link].

More functionality and a ‘hybrid’ layer of roads and place names has been added to the SOA/DZ map, but on both the colour intensity can be adjusted. Consistencies between the two classifications, and often greater diversity at small area level, can be seen.

More on Super Output Areas from ONS

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/soa.asp

More on the Super Output Area?Data Zone classification and downloads from ONS

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/methodology_by_theme/area_classification/soa_dz/