TWO REPLIES BELOW

FIRST REPLY
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MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L
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Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 14:53:27 -0600
From: "Laura Wright" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: RE: MAPS-L: ZIP Code Maps

We just had a similar request at the University of Colorado at Boulder,
except the patrson needed a county level map. We managed to make a map,
using GIS and census data from the following site:
http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cob/index.html

We downloaded, unzipped, and imported the 5-digit zip code shapefiles and
the county shapefiles (in this case, you'd want city data), tweaked colors
and transparency levels until we could see both sets of data, zoomed in on
the county, and printed the resulting map. It wasn't beautiful, but the
patron was delighted.

~~~~~~~~~
Laura Wright
Map Library, University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder Campus Box 184 Boulder, CO 80309

(303) 735-3111

SECOND REPLY
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Date:
From: Anna Sylvan <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:

Greetings,

I faced a similar situation two days ago ... same problem. I guess often
think it is a no-brainer until we realize that zip codes are artificial
geographic created for the purpose of the USPS to deliver mail!
Anyway, I used a two-step process that at least allowed the client to
map any individual zip code. This is it:

1. Created a file of all zip codes that belonged (in my case) to the St.
Louis Metro Area.
http://mcdc2.missouri.edu/websas/geocorr2k.html
If you are not familiar with this web site, check it - it is very helpful!

2. Once I had the file I went to American FactFinder
http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en
and mapped each zip code individually.

If you find anything less convoluted, please share with all of us!
Anna

--ORIGINAL MESSAGE--

---------
While at the Reference Desk this morning, a patron called on the phone
asking where to find a map detailing the zip code areas for Olympia,
Washington.  Well, you would think this is a no-brainer right?  I went to
the phone book but there weren't any maps showing the zip codes.  I then
went to the USPS website but they don't build zip code maps.  Their FAQ said
to consult the TIGER files.  Well, I went to the Census Bureau website and
clicked on the TIGER files link, but they don't seem to have any really
current information on zip codes.  They have the ZCTA but it is in text or
zip file format.  All I can tell it is all data and no maps uness I am
mistaken.  Of course there are a lot of online companies that sell them for
a price.

Does anyone have any leads on where I could find zip code maps at the city
level?

Thanks in advance.


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       ,-~~-.___.
      / |  '     \         "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of
     (  )         0         the few or the one."
      \_/-, ,----'
         ====           //               Mr. Spock
        /  \-'~;    /~~~(O)              Star Trek:  The Wrath of Khan
       /  __/~|   /       |
     =(  _____| (_________|


Carlos A. Diaz
Government Documents Specialist
Government Documents/Maps
Daniel J. Evans Library
The Evergreen State College
Mailstop L-2306
Olympia, WA 98505
[log in to unmask]
http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/index.html
phone:  (360) 867-6251
fax:      (360) 866-6790

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