Our method

Recensements Codata Paris

Discover the data factory, 100% retail

Exceptional data produced by our team of data-collectors

The accuracy and exclusivity of our data reside in our on-site data collection method conceived and tested by our own team of data-collectors. A unique process that includes multiple control points and a systematic census conducted every year, city by city, in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Field data collections

Annual on-site data collections

+ 380,000

locations studied

An original method of database creation and update

The creation and the maintenance of Codata database are based on an original and comprehensive methodology resulting from “Field Research” and “In-House Research“.

Over the years, this method has been perfected. It presents an extremely low error rate, which grants a high level of reliability to Codata database.

850

days of data collection per year

135

kms on foot per collection week

4 500

photos per collection week

2 250

locations per collection week

“Field Research” – 100% Codata

Field data collections are exclusively carried out by in-house specially trained teams that use common methods and rules in the three countries covered by Codata.

These teams:
  • define and delimit the commercial Sites to be listed, in city centres and in outlying areas, including commercial projects
  • carry out periodical and exhaustive censuses of all retail locations located within the defined perimeters on the field
  • record the specific attributes of every listed retail location
  • take shopfront pictures of listed retail locations and panoramic pictures of the referenced sites
  • represent elements of the urban fabric (pedestrian crossings, bus/tram lanes and stops, pedestrian and semi-pedestrian areas…)
  • monitor data to ensure its quality and its consistency through time in the various countries
  • integrate collected information into the interface provided to the clients
Olivier, enquêteur Codata
Olivier Marx
Production Manager Codata Codata

To ensure a qualification as accurate as possible and to avoid an “out-of-habit” effect, a data-collector never visits the same site twice in a row.

A typical day of data collection

A unique and optimised process

9AM: the data collector follows a pre-established guideline

To ensure that every location an all modifications of the urban fabric are updated, data-collectors follow an optimised route and check for: changes in the names or activities of the shops, mergers, demergers, creation of locations, modifications of the pedestrian and semi-pedestrian routes, pedestrian crossings, direction of traffic, width of the pavements and stairs, location of cash dispensers, footbridges…

10AM: photography as a way of monitoring

3 PM: data-collection by car in outlying areas

An exclusive database

Multiple data: reliable & highly detailed

A proven method

for over 20 years

Systematic checks

before publishing

Continuously updated

as data-collections are carried out

“In-House Research” – 100% Codata

Codata also has a specialised in-house team that is in charge of internet and press monitoring as well as in charge of the contacts with professionals of the sector.

Their duties include:
  • the creation and updating of index cards for retailers, service providers and commercial projects
  • the harmonisation of information gathered by the “Field research” and “In-House research” teams
  • daily contacts with professionals of the sector
  • constant data updating