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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 is only be only one P-code per administrative unit.
P-codes should be made available and are used consistently within Core CODs ( COD-AB, COD-EM, COD-PS, and some COD-EM)CS datasets. 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 are 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 (COD-CS) datasets (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.).
How P-codes are used in humanitarian preparedness and response
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