TWO REPLIES BELOW FIRST REPLY ================================================ MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ================================================ 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 ================================================ MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ================================================ 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ,-~~-.___. / | ' \ "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 -----------------------------------------------------------------------