It is all in what you need for a given project.
If zip codes are “boundaries” they can be represented as polygons.
From: Thad Dymkowski [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2016 11:25 AM
To: Scott Sharlow <[log in to unmask]>; [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: Postal Zip Code Layer
A couple of things to keep in mind are the fact that Zip Codes are not polygons, and therefore do not have boundaries. Zip Codes are lines (delivery routes) or points (Post Offices). ZCTAs are free, but are only updated
every 10 years. Throughout the year, more than 10 percent of ZIP code boundaries undergo some type of change (additions, deletions, or modifications).
Kind regards,
Thad
Thad Dymkowski, GISP
GIS Manager
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From: Northeast Arc Users Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Scott Sharlow
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2016 11:11 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Postal Zip Code Layer
In the past, I have built my own zip code boundary using the parcel data joined to the assessor DB or tax office DB. Commonly one of these DB has a zip field,
and is relatively accurate since folks need to get their tax bill (wrong address is returned and researched typically).
Scott
From: Northeast Arc Users Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Brian Cooperman
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 2:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Postal Zip Code Layer
Good points, Orlando. All completely true.
The concept of ZIP codes as a boundary is completely foreign to the USPS (and in their view probably missing the point.) ZIP codes are used to route mail to the right post office and then to deliver to the right location (house, building,
etc.) There are plenty of ZIP codes (+10,000) that have no geographic representation as they might represent a P.O. Box, an individual building, or even a specific business in a building. Locations are assigned a ZIP code (which could change.) It is a nice
side effect that you can draw a boundary around locations with the same postal code and get a contiguous area - hence ZCTAs.
The question, as always, is how will the data be used and what level of accuracy will be good enough.
On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 2:38 PM, Rodriguez , Orlando <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Several years ago I was looking for ZIP Code polygons and learned the following:
* Census ZIP Code polygons are inaccurate. Check the Census Bureau documentation.
* The USPS does not maintain up to date ZIP Code boundaries.
* In rural areas, neighboring post offices often decide among themselves where the boundary is and don’t tell anyone about changes.
The best solution at the time was to buy a ZIP Code boundary file from a reputable vendor.
Orlando
PS. Check the source of the ESRI data. Just because it’s free doesn’t make it accurate.
From: Northeast Arc Users Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Olivares, Miriam
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 1:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Postal Zip Code Layer
Daniel,
Do you have access to Esri Data and Maps as part of your license (if your organization holds one)? I believe there are point and polygon zipcode data available
http://www.esri.com/data/data-maps
Miriam
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Miriam Olivares, GISP
GIS Librarian
Center for Science and Social Science Information
Yale University
219 Prospect Street | New Haven, CT 06511
Voicemail 203.436.5891 | [log in to unmask]
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Hi gang...
I have been tasked with finding a zip code layer specifically for the state of RI (yes we have more than one zip code) but I'll expand the range if thats whats available. Where might I ?look to find just such a thing??? Does the postal service have such data available?
Daniel Bradley
GIS Coordinator
Warwick Fire Department
Lieutenant Engine Co 3
Station 3 - Oakland Beach
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