The new statistical output geographies for Census 2021 were published on 21 February 2023. Find out more about the development of Data Zones and Super Data Zones, and download digital boundary files
Welcome to the NISRA Geography web pages where you can access and download a range of maps and digital products that support the use of geography in developing statistics.
Related statistics
Data Zones (Census 2021)
Data Zones (DZ2021) are a new statistical output geography, introduced in Northern Ireland after the 2021 Census.
Super Data Zones (Census 2021)
Super Data Zones (SDZ2021) are a new statistical output geography, introduced in Northern Ireland after the 2021 Census.
Central Postcode Directory
The Central Postcode Directory (CPD) has been compiled for users by NISRA Geography. It relates both current and terminated postcodes in Northern Ireland to a range of statutory, administrative, electoral and other area geographies.
Output geography for Census 2011
Information on the statistical output geographies used in Census 2011, including digital boundaries for Small Areas and Super Output Areas.
Urban - Rural Classification
Guidance and supporting information on the statistical classification and delineation of urban/rural areas and settlements in Northern Ireland
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (DfC)
Neighbouhood Renewal Areas (NRAs) are neighbourhoods identified as experiencing the most severe multiple deprivation and have been chosen to receive support under the Department for Communities People and Place strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. In total 36 neighbourhoods have been identified to receive support.
Northern Ireland Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs)
Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs) are zones defined where the bulk of their resident population work within the same area. The fundamental criterion used in their creation is that, of the resident economically active population, at least 75 per cent actually work in the area, and also, that of everyone working in the area, at least 75 per cent actually live in the area.
Northern Ireland Workplace Zones
Workplace zones are based on 2011 Small Areas (SA), which are then merged or split using thresholds of workers or workplace postcodes. Workplace zones are created by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on behalf of NISRA.
Grid Square Products
The two Grid Square products are the 1km grid squares, and the combined 1km and 100 metre grid squares in Northern Ireland. This page provides background and maps.
Output Areas (Census 2001)
Output Areas (OAs) were introduced in Northern Ireland after the 2001 Census.
Peacelines (NIO)
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) have supplied NISRA with the locations of peacelines throughout Northern Ireland as of October 2006.
Geography Lookups
Lookup tables for a range of administrative and statistical geographies are available to download.
Useful links
This page provides useful links to boundary maps on OpenDataNI, online maps from the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI), and image files and interactive maps on the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service (NINIS) website.
Contacts for Geography
NISRA Geography
NISRA Geography
Colby House
Stranmillis Court
BELFAST
BT9 5RR
Email: geography@nisra.gov.uk