Geocoding is a process that involves converting an address into a latitude/longitude, using a set of reference data. This map point can then be placed within spatial boundaries such as the Statistical Area Levels 1 and 2 (SA1 and SA2 respectively) and Local Government Area (LGA). From these boundaries, the Linkage Team can also derive the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) and Remoteness Area (RA), which can each be used to investigate health and social outcomes related to where people live.
The Linkage Team assigns the boundaries and derives the indices using mapping and concordance tables created by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). More information can be found on the ABS website, in the Census Reference area.
The Department of Health currently has geocoded data for all census years from 1996 until 2016.
Routinely geocoded data includes:
- Midwives Notifications
- Hospital Morbidity Data Collection Data
- Emergency Department Data Collections
- Death Registrations
- Mental Health Information System