UK postcodes are a shorthand way of describing a bundle of addresses - which makes sorting out the mail easier for the postal service. Geographers can find them useful too because they precisely describe a small locale, particularly in urban areas. In towns and cities a postcode covers a much smaller area than a ward and data attached to a postcode can help to overcome some of the problems encountered using ward-based data. (For example the Byker wall estate and St Peter's are both in the Byker ward, but are clearly very different parts of Newcastle upon Tyne.) At least one postcode has been given for each area.
Links on the pages
Multimap An interactive map available at a variety of scales including streetmap level (from Microsoft). You can type in a postcode or placename to get a map and you will have a choice of views including an Ordnance Survey map. The aerial option is particularly good for getting an overview of an area (land use, amount of green space and so on). The bird's eye option provides an oblique photo of the area pinpointed and you can usually rotate this to get a better idea of the area. This is excellent for getting an idea of house types, building materials and layouts. http://www.multimap.com/
Up My Street This is quite a glossy commercial site providing a variety of information including house price data. It does take a bit of time to find your way around it. Look out for the neighbourhood profile based on the ACORN classification. These descriptions are used by marketing and advertising executives and can give an indication of likely lifestyle (consumer preferences and behaviour). Can be used alongside Census data (and fieldwork) to assess the relative affluence of residential areas. http://www.upmystreet.com/
Geograph This site started out as a project to photograph every grid square of the UK Ordnance Survey (and to earn points for doing so). The photos contain geographical features and, as the site is sponsored by the Ordnance Survey, maps of the grid squares are also provided. The search accepts postcodes as well as grid references and place names. (Lots of the photos have been submitted by geography teachers!) http://www.geograph.org.uk/
Postcode maps
Geoplan publish paper maps showing postcode sectors, districts and area boundaries (this would give you the 'NE3 2' sector of the postcode with road names). They are expensive to buy and probably cover a larger area than you would need for coursework purposes, but you may be able to consult them in larger libraries. http://www.geoplan.com/Mapping_Solutions/UK_Wall_Maps
Map Marketing An alternative supplier. http://www.mapmarketing.com/Postcode_Maps.aspx
UK Postcode map UK map where you can see the locations of all area level postcodes. http://www.freemaptools.com/uk-postcode-map.htm
Other useful postcode links
Office of National Statistics Neighbourhood statistics service for England and Wales including Census data and deprivation data with a detailed route and a summary route. Summary includes graphs and a map showing location of chosen postcode in the ward. http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/ Teachers might also like stats4schools http://www.stats4schools.gov.uk/
Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics The main way in which the Scottish Executive disseminates small area statistics. It provides information on health, education, poverty, unemployment, housing, population, crime and social / community issues at the data zone level and above. Can search by postcode and comes complete with a map showing the geographical boundary for that 'data zone'. http://www.sns.gov.uk/
Northern Ireland Statistical information relating to small areas across Northern Ireland across a range of themes including Population, Social and Welfare, Agriculture, Education and Crime. http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/
Environment Agency This government agency for England and Wales incorporates the pollution inspectorate and the national rivers authority (the Floodline people). The site seems to undergo frequent revamps, so the link takes you to the homepage. Look for "What's in your backyard" or the flood map. You should be able to type in a postcode and get a map for the general area showing environmental features. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspxm
Scottish Environment Protection Agency provides a similar flood map for Scotland. http://www.sepa.org.uk/default.aspx
Postcodes Online To find out a UK postcode for an address (for personal not business use). You are allowed a number of free look-ups in any 24-hour period.
Last checked May 2009