How we apportion and aggregate data
With the upload your data tool, it’s possible to create a custom dataset using Postcodes, OAs, LSOAs, MSOAs or Local Authorities (LAs) as the geography.
Please note: Community Insight Scotland users will use Data Zones, Intermediate Geographies and Districts instead of LSOAs, MSOAs and LAs in the following examples
When you upload at Postcode level we can easily aggregate to higher geographies. Postcode-level data imported into Community Insight is aggregated to all higher levels (OA, LSOA, MSOA, LA). For each of the higher levels, a total is calculated based on the data values for the constituent smaller areas. The same principle is put in place for other geographies. See the following table:
Please note: We do not store raw postcode data
However, we are not able to apportion down to lower levels when viewing data on the map. In such a case, as you zoom in to view lower levels, you will continue to see the same data overlay as you do for the level it was uploaded for. Clicking on the info button in the top right-hand corner will confirm which level the data you’re seeing is for.
Viewing custom datasets for your stock groups
When you overlay your custom data onto the map, you are able to view this data for your stock groups by clicking the Info button and then Data for your areas. Here you will see your data apportioned down based on population weighting.
Exactly how this is calculated depends on whether you are summing or averaging your data.
The higher (larger) the geography you upload data for, the harder it becomes to accurately apportion data to your stock groups. (This has been the reason we do not include Local Authority level datasets within Community Insight.)
For example, for data uploaded at Local Authority level:
- Summing will apportion the value down based on population. For example, if 500 people cycled to work in your Local Authority, and your stock group accounted for 10% of the Local Authority, then we will assume that 50 people cycle to work for your stock group.
- Averaging will assume each of your stock groups will have the same value as the Local Authority. For example, if on average rent prices in your Local Authority were £450 per month, it would assume the average rent price in each of your stock groups is also £450 per month.
Please note: The above explanation assumes that your stock group does not transcend Local Authority boundaries. You will see different data if it does. If you have any questions on the data displaying for your stock groups, please get in touch with the support team at support@ocsi.co.uk who can talk you through the aggregation process.
Health warnings on data
It is very important that you use the “Description” field in your metadata effectively. Please ensure you explicitly state the geographic level that you have uploaded data for, and what users of the data can expect to see when looking at “data for your areas”. You may also want to give guidance on what the data can and cannot be used for.
For more information, see our articles on:
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