Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê

The new London Output Area Classification (LOAC) product is an updated open data geodemographic classification produced by the  using small area census data released earlier this year.Ìý

A preview event for the new classification, sponsored by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Social Data (SODA) Institute, took place in the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Department of Geography on 6 September.Ìý

The LOAC dataset and accompanying materials were unveiled by the CDRC and co-hosts , to the capacity audience of 70 delegates, including representatives from the Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.Ìý

The event was introduced by  from Didobi and Professor Paul Longley, the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Director of CDRC before CDRC Deputy Director  revealed the new product itself.Ìý

CDRC Mapmaker is the widely-used online mapping platform developed by CDRC’s Centre Technical Manager  to showcase many of the Centre’s data holdings. Oliver used it to demonstrate how LOAC summarises the latest comprehensive London-wide demographic datasets into the eight geodemographic supergroups at the core of the LOAC product.Ìý

Clear inner and outer London geodemographic differences were apparent, showing the rich demographic diversity of the capital city and how it continues to evolve from the previous version of LOAC (also available on the CDRC platform).Ìý

The event also demonstrated some smart data applications of LOAC including how it can help understand and model the cost of living crisis, identify warmer homes, support businesses through consumer analytics, and contextualise London’s 24-hour economy.Ìý

Panellists, including representatives from , the GLA’s Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý, then discussed practical uses of geodemographic data like LOAC and the other classification holdings hosted on the CDRC Data platform.Ìý

The event concluded with remarks by the SODA Director Professor James Cheshire.Ìý

All delegates received early download links to the data product and supporting materials.Ìý

The London Output Area Classification has subsequently been formally launched and is available through the GLA, or CDRC at the following locations:

Further information

• Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Social Data Institute