"P-codes and gazetteers" - Part of OCHA's IM Toolbox

P-codes (Place codes) are unique geographic identification codes, usually represented by combinations of letters and numbers to identify a specific place, point, positional location or feature on a map or within a database. There must only be only one P-code per administrative unit.

P-codes should be made available and used consistently within Core CODs (COD-AB, COD-PS, and COD-HP). At a minimum, the taxonomy (names and P-codes) should be made available as a gazetteer (a geographic dictionary that contains administrative names and P-codes).

P-codes should then be used as the taxonomic framework for assessments, responses, and associated information as much as possible.

P-codes will be required and used at the very start of an emergency and throughout the response. P-codes help with data coordination and provide the framework for most data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization. For instance, P-codes/names are used to create the 3W and monitoring data collection frameworks. They are used to help process data such as when processing country-specific CODs (e.g., assigning P-codes to school locations). P-codes are used for analysis such as a prioritization matrix or a vulnerability matrix. P-codes are also used to visualize humanitarian data in maps and charts as seen in HDX, Snapshots, Bulletins, HNOs, etc).

Learn more about P-codes here!

This resource is part of OCHA’s Information Management Toolbox, which is an online space for OCHA’s Information Management staff to access current and curated information tools, services, and systems to support humanitarian response and preparedness coordination. The Toolbox is the authoritative reference for OCHA information management tools and systems. The IM Toolbox is an essential part of every Information Management Officer’s packing list - for all phases of humanitarian response and preparedness work.