Data File Structure - Categories of Databases
This is a general overview of the different categories of databases and examples of how they are structured. EA databases are classified into different categories, as is seen in our Data Knowledge Base community page.
EA Databases are geography-based. Geography is useful for linking data sources together, modelling local behaviors and preferences, and predicting and inferring consumer behavior at a small spatial scale. We can look at big trends in small places.
Note: If you have not watched the Canadian Geography opens in new window video, do so before continuing.
The data are reported from the smallest level of Postal geography OR the smallest level of Census geography.
| Postal Geography | Census Geography |
|---|---|
| Postal Code | Dissemination Area |
| FSALDU | PRCDDA or DA |
| Forward Sortation Area Local Delivery Unit | ex. Neighbourhood |
The types of data values differ depending on the data. You can see counts, averages, medians, and percentage values. The videos in this section walk you through the different table structures and values in each database type.
You can now move on to Geographic Data - Data File Structure