# Will the NHIS data be geocoded? If so, what is the timeline? Where can we learn more about the plans? **URL:** \ **Category:** HEALTH SURVEYS\ **Created:** [January 14, 2017, 11:54am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/will-the-nhis-data-be-geocoded-if-so-what-is-the-timeline-where-can-we-learn-more-about-the-plans/1537 "2017-01-14T11:54:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![clj4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/958977/32.png) [@clj4](https://forum.ipums.org/u/clj4)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2017, 11:54am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/will-the-nhis-data-be-geocoded-if-so-what-is-the-timeline-where-can-we-learn-more-about-the-plans/1537/1 "2017-01-14T11:54:00Z")
Will the NHIS data be geocoded? If so, what is the timeline? Where can we learn more about the plans? ---
**Author:** ![JeffBloem](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/jeffbloem/32/40_2.png) [@JeffBloem](https://forum.ipums.org/u/JeffBloem)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2017, 3:19pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/will-the-nhis-data-be-geocoded-if-so-what-is-the-timeline-where-can-we-learn-more-about-the-plans/1537/2 "2017-01-17T15:19:00Z")
The lowest level of geography identified in the IHIS data, from 1985 forward, is the [REGION](https://ihis.ipums.org/ihis-action/variables/REGION#description_section) variable. From 1968 to 1984, a limited number of metropolitan areas are identified via [METAREA](https://ihis.ipums.org/ihis-action/variables/METAREA#codes_section), but only for at most 30 areas. Lower levels of geography are restricted in the public use files because they pose a disclosure risk. the [CDC has documentation](https://www.cdc.gov/rdc/geocodes/geowt_nhis.htm) on restricted use geography variables and their availability. To inquire about the use of this data, it looks like you need to contact the CDC’s Restricted Data Center by emailing [RDCA@cdc.gov](mailto:RDCA@cdc.gov).