FAQs
- You are here:
- Home >
- FAQs
What you need to know
GeoDirectory is a straightforward, easy-to-use database.
Here we try to answer the most common questions asked by our prospective customers. If you have any other queries, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is GeoDirectory ?
How can I use GeoDirectory ?
How easy is it to manage GeoDirectory ?
What is the origin of GeoDirectory ?
How is GeoDirectory updated ?
What are geocodes and how can I use them ?
How can I buy GeoDirectory ?
Where can I get the mapping and software ?
What is GeoDirectory?
GeoDirectory is the Republic Ireland’s most comprehensive buildings database.
It includes:
- A standardised 8-digit postal code for every property
- The classification of each building as either residential or commercial
- X,Y coordinates which pinpoint the centre of each building to within one meter
- Boundary data - including townland, electoral division and county
For a full explanation of how GeoDirectory works, please see our technical manual.
How can I use GeoDirectory?
GeoDirectory helps businesses to operate more effectively. Its vast store of information can be used to:
Used alongside other data, such as the national census, or a company’s own customer profiles, GeoDirectory can help:
- Identify the best sites for business location
- Pinpoint the most effective advertising sites
- Reveal geographical trends and patterns in a visual format when displayed on a map
- Identify target markets by income group, age profile, home ownership and other criteria.
How easy is it to manage GeoDirectory?
GeoDirectory has been designed for ease of use. It comes in four separate formats, all available on a single CD or to download.
- CSV
- Access
- Oracle Dump
- XML.
What is the origin of GeoDirectory?
GeoDirectory was developed jointly by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) – two of the State’s longest established and most reliable institutions. The expertise of both these organisations was combined to create Ireland’s most authoritative electronic register of addresses matched precisely to their geographical locations.
Both organisations use GeoDirectory as a vital tool in their own fields of work.
How is GeoDirectory updated?
No address database can ever remain static. Every year, GeoDirectory makes 150,000 changes to its database as:
- New buildings are constructed
- Addresses are amended or reclassified
- Companies relocate
- New companies are established and others cease trading.
Every quarter, these updates are available to all our customers free of charge. This information is compiled by:
- The local intelligence supplied An Post delivery staff on the ground
- The work of a dedicated team of support staff
- Constant communication with local authority planning departments
- The regular geocoding of all this information by Ordnance Survey Ireland
- Feedback from our existing customers.
What are geocodes and how can I use them?
A geocode is a reference number based on latitude and longitude (X,Y coordinates). A geocode precisely pinpoints the geographical location of buildings and other features of the landscape.
Using geocodes supplied by GeoDirectory, in conjunction with mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, individual buildings can be visually depicted on a map of Ireland or, for greater precision, on a more localised, large scale map.
How can I buy GeoDirectory?
Simply call or email Dara Keogh, General Manager of GeoDirectory. Dara will be glad to advise you on the best package for your needs.
Dara’s phone number is 00353 1 705 7005 and his email address is geodirectory@anpost.ie
Alternatively, you can contact any one of our network of agents
Where can I get the mapping and software?
GeoDirectory itself is supplied as flat files. It is delivered in a format which is suitable for importing into any standard GIS package. Mapping products are available from Ordnance Survey Ireland.
Our agents will also be happy to supply software specially customised for use with GeoDirectory.