Adding FIPS codes to Vitalnet Output
Introduction - FIPS codes are a standard way for representing counties. FIPS codes are useful for importing into mapping / GIS software. The DSHS Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section staff suggested to add FIPS codes to Vitalnet output. I also asked the DSHS Center for Health Statistics for input about adding FIPS codes.
FIPS codes are like the following:
48001 ANDERSON
...
48507 ZAVALA
When FIPS Codes are Displayed
FIPS codes could be shown in the output table if one of the following:
- County rows, and single county for each row
- County columns, and single county for each column
FIPS codes could NOT be shown if one of the following:
- Two counties merged into a "set"
- Not county rows or columns
- A region selected
Note: A COG or PHR is a region. Only counties (not regions) have FIPS codes.
==> Let us know if any conditions do not sound right.
Display Alternatives - Three options for displaying FIPS codes.
|
Option AC (Append County)
Example - Print "48001 (Anderson)" in one field. Option AC Mockups - County Rows / County Columns. Pro - Easier to program, sub-column or sub-row not required. Con - When saved to Excel, FIPS code not in separate column. |
|
Option RN (Replace Name)
Example - Print "48001" in one field. Option RN Mockups - County Rows / County Columns. Pro - Compact output, since FIPS code is relatively short. Pro - The FIPS code is in a separate field. Pro - Easier to program, sub-column or sub-row not required. Con - County name is not displayed. Con - Mapping / GIS software may want the county name. |
|
Option TF (Two Fields)
Example - Print "Anderson", then "48001" in separate field. Option TF Mockup - County Rows only Pro - FIPS code would be in a separate field. Pro - County name still displayed, in a separate field. Pro - DSHS likes this option. Con - Difficult to program, since requires sub-column. Con - Programming does not transfer to other contexts. Con - Does not work with county columns. |
==> Let us know thoughts about Option AC, RN, or TF.
Summary of Options to be Programmed
| Option | FIPS Field? |
County Field? |
OK with County Cols? |
Hard / Easier |
Done? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC | - | - | Y | Easier | Y |
| RN | Y | - | Y | Easier | Y |
| TF | Y | Y | - | Hard | - |
What Was Done
Option AC (Append County) and Option RN (Replace Name) were programmed, since they are useful and feasible. Option TF (Two Fields) was not programmed, despite the attractiveness of having two fields. It is difficult to implement, a one-off so less practical to implement, and confusing because it cannot be applied to columns. I am hoping AC and RN will prove adequate.
VitalPro Menu - The VitalPro Main Menu shows "FIPS in Output", with three possible values:
- "Yes: Append County Name"
- "Yes: Replace County Name"
- "No: County Name Only"
When Menu Options Shown - VitalPro is configured to only show the FIPS option when area rows / columns are selected. For example, if year rows and sex columns, the FIPS menu option would be hidden.
Vitalnet Maps - Vitalnet maps still display the county names, not the FIPS codes. It is possible (with tedious programming) to include the FIPS codes on maps. But the point of using FIPS codes on the map is not yet clear or requested.
==> Let us know thoughts about FIPS codes on maps.
Manual Method - Another way to include FIPS codes is as follows:
1) Select "all counties", "area set rows", "rows not sorted".
2) Save VitalPro output in spreadsheet format.
3) Add a column to the spreadsheet output.
4) Autofill column 48001 to 48507, increasing each row by two.