The Output Area Classification (OAC)
The Output Area Classification (OAC) distils key results
from the 2001 Census as a multidimensional geodemographic classification. For each Output
Area it presents a descriptive typology representing the average
characteristics of people living within these areas. The classification was
developed by Dan Vickers while at the University of Leeds
How was OAC created?
The Output Area Classification was created by calculating a series of rates for 41 variables extracted from the 2001 Census at Output Area (OA) level. The log of these variables was then taken, and these data further range standardised. Three levels were selected for the final classification and a k-means cluster analysis was used to aggregate the data at Output Areas into 7 Supergroups. The OAswithin these 7 Supergroupswere then divided to create 21 Groups. The 21 Groups were then divided again to create 52 Subgroups.
London Output Area Classification
This classification was an attempt at improving the OAC for London specific applications. The data and methodology which created this classification was exactly the same as OAC with a difference in the standardisation procedure. Instead of standardising the input data against the whole of th UK, the data was stanrdadised against London. The purpose of this analysis was to pick up those clusters of neighbourhoods which are specific to London
Where can I find out more?
Output Area Classification User Group
National Statistics Website on OAC