The Geographical Information group focuses on geographical information systems (GIS), data and analysis. The group gives technical advice to the Observatory and associated groups, showing how GIS software and techniques can be used to interpret information and map data.
How is the group made up?
The group draws together data analysts, GI specialists, researchers and academics from across the West Midlands from a variety of organisations, including local authorities, universities, Natural England, the National Health Service, the Environment Agency and the West Midlands Fire Service, amongst others.
What does the group do?
The group identifies and pursues common geographical information requirements within the West Midlands, advising the Observatory and associated groups on appropriate geographical information tools and techniques.
What's the bigger picture?
Through the Regional Data and Intelligence Network, the group draws in the wider perspectives of the region and links to a range of other groups focussing on the environment, population and society and economy and labour force. Together, these groups influence the Observatory's work and guide the services we offer.
View the group's work plan (pdf, 25kb) and meeting papers on the downloads tab at the top of this page.
What is geographic information?
Brian Higgs, Corporate GIS Manager at Dudley MBC introduces geographic information, explains why it's important and shows practical examples of how GI is used in Dudley:
Video: Brian Higgs presents an introduction to geographic information and why it is important at Geographical Information Day, 18th November 2009. Get PowerPoint slides (ppt, 12.7mb)
News and updates
Register with us to receive news on geographical information direct to your inbox, or keep up-to-date via the Observations blog where you can view all posts tagged Geographical Information.
Who can you contact about GIS in the West Midlands?
This map shows locations and contact details of geographical information specialists in the West Midlands. All are happy to be contacted for advice or support.
View Who can you contact about GIS in the West Midlands? in a larger map
Local names for Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOAs)
In 2009, members of the GI group utilised our wider Data and Intelligence Network and contacts within Local Authorities to provide local names for MSOAs in the West Midlands to inform a piece of research. We thought it would be useful to share these names.
Local names for Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) in the West Midlands (xls 120kb)
What is an MSOA?
Lower Layer: Minimum population 1,000, mean population 1,500. Built from groups of Output Areas. Commonly known as Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA).There are 34,378 LSOAs in England and Wales.
Middle Layer: Minimum population 5,000, mean population 7,200. Built from Lower Layer SOAs. Commonly known as Middle Layer Super Output Area and abbreviated to MSOA. There are 7,193 MSOAs in England and Wales.
Upper Layer: Commonly known as Upper Layer Super Output Area (USOA).
Each MSOA is identified by a nine character code (for example E02000001) and area names (for example Birmingham 110). With colleagues from the Regional Data and Intelligence Network, in collaboration with the region's Local Authorities, the GI group have now determined local names for each of these codes/names.