Understanding ZIP Codes for Business Mapping Use
This article discusses the various types of ZIP codes published by the U.S. Post Office. It explores how these ZIP code types are used by business mapping professionals.
5 Digit and 3 Digit ZIP Codes
MapBusinessOnline includes a map layer of ZIP5 codes for spatial reference to ZIP code boundaries. US Postal Service (USPS) ZIP code boundaries are used as the basis for territory construction. By applying MapBusinessOnline map layers like ZIP5 codes, states, and counties as the basis for territory construction, MapBusinessOnline can incorporate data into territory analysis views. Such analysis might include demographic categories or user-imported data.
MapBusinessOnline includes access to ZIP3 or 3-digit ZIP codes through the Add Map Layer button. What’s the difference between ZIP5 vs. ZIP3? 3-digit ZIP code maps represent larger areas around the nation. A 3-digit ZIP code is simply the first three digits of a 5-digit ZIP code. So, for Massachusetts, the 3-digit ZIP code numbers would include 021 and 019. The 5-digit ZIP code where I grew up was 01966. Go Vikings!
Census ZCTA ZIP Codes
First-time MapBusinessOnline users will note that the ZIP code layer delivered with a new subscription is set to the default of ZCTA ZIP codes from the US Census Bureau. ZCTA stands for ZIP Code Tabulation Area, a Census Bureau label. A user can change the ZCTA layer to the USPS standard ZIP5 Code layer by clicking the Map Options Gear in the Map & Data toolbar. Choose the ZIP Code tab and then Drop Down to USPS ZIP Codes With Fillers. ZCTA ZIP codes will provide more accurate estimates for specific Census categories.
Using ZIP Codes with Fillers
We recommend selecting the USPS ZIP codes with Fillers option because that ZIP5 code map layer option will automatically accommodate national parks and other park areas where ZIP5 codes do not exist. This avoids creating many mysterious territory holes in your business map, especially out west where national parks are a certified thing. So if you notice your sales territory maps have white spaces in them, or the fill isn't consistent, it is probably from a lack of fillers. Remember, if you do change to ZIP5 codes with Fillers the fix is not retroactive. You will have to reconstruct your sales territories to fix those holes. (You can export your ZIPs by Territory, apply the ZIP5 with Fillers, and re-import for a quick fix when applying fillers.)
ZCTA ZIP code and USPS ZIP5 code boundaries generally reflect identical boundaries. But there can be some differences. ZCTA is a Census Bureau version of ZIP codes, used to tabulate census data. ZCTA ZIPs are more closely aligned with Census block areas, where the USPS postal codes focus more on mail delivery and other USPS concerns. ZCTA ZIPs are designed to focus on more populated areas. Rural areas may not have associated ZCTA ZIP codes. Read more about ZCTA ZIP codes here.
Understanding Boundary vs. Point ZIP codes
ZIP5 codes are generally attributed to and managed by the US Postal Service. ZIP5 code map layer in MapBusinessOnline map is made up of boundary ZIP codes. MapBusinessOnline boundary ZIP codes are used to create territories and areas of interest. A ZIP Code radius search of a ZIP code layer returns a collection of boundary ZIP codes for export.
Point ZIP5 codes represent large USPS mail stops for big facilities like military installations, hospitals, congregate homes, or skyscrapers. The USPS ZIP Code list includes 33,420 boundary ZIP codes and 7,560 point ZIP codes, as of this writing. A complete list of Boundary and Point ZIP codes is exportable from the ZIP5 Code layer in the Data Window view. The ZIP point data is also available in the MapBusinessOnline Public Data from the Server, accessed through the Plot Data button on the master toolbar.
Ready to Create a ZIP Code Map?
A common question from MapBusinessOnline prospective users is, "How do I map my ZIP codes?" While all this ZIP code information may feel a little overwhelming, please remember that ZIP codes are a man-made organizing tool to help deliver mail efficiently. ZTCA is a twist on that tool to help the Census Bureau compile data, and boundary and point ZIP codes simply differentiate areas from large building/mail drop off points. With all that in mind, go build yourself a ZIP code map.
Remember, for sharing your ZIP code maps, your non-subscribing map viewers should download the Map App for free which enables access to a free Map Viewer App that automatically launches MapBusinessOnline from your emailed MapShare link.
Learn More About ZIP Code Mapping Using MapBusinessOnline.
