Publisher's Synopsis
Postcode systems are probably the most comprehensive locating devices ever invented. Since postcodes have become available to businesses and researchers alike in computer form, they have emerged as an important means of locating people and analyzing spatial patterns. With the increasing use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) by users such as emergency services, local health authorities and marketing firms, the use of postcodes in data systems is increasing.;This book provides the background to the current use and potential of postcode-referenced information, explaining the meaning of the postcode and how it is used in the modern computerized mail delivery system. It provides a comprehensive review of the postcode products and services and summarizes what postcode data are now available.;The book is divided into four inter-related parts: the first describes the nature and original use of the postcode; the second describes the tools used for dealing with the postcode-based data; the thirs covers the non-postal uses of the postcode; and the final section looks at postcodes and the future.
