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Classifications (descriptions)

ClassificationsEach address contains a classification as either residential or commercial and these are then further analysed where the trading or brand name provides details; for example, Barclays Bank – Bank and WH Smith – Retail.  The detailed classifications are sourced from:

  • the Ordnance Survey's field surveyor's allocation – (OS Base function) from a total of 1 500;
  • the Valuation Office Agency's SCAT code (Special Category), of which there are 400 and PDesc (Primary Description) – 8 in total; and
  • the NLUD (National Land Use Database) classification of which there are 41. 

For example:

Cattle market - OS Base function
Livestock markets - VOA SCAT
Commercial - VOA PDesc
Wholesale distribution - NLUD

These classifications are all contained in a master look-up table. 

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