I was just wondering what the most up-to-date source for US Zip Code boundaries would be.
My first thought was TIGER, whenever that comes out, but then I thought that the Postal Service might be a better bet.
Does anyone have some input?
Answer
One thing to keep in mind is the fact that Zip Codes are not polygons, and therefore do not have boundaries. Zip Codes are lines (delivery routes) or points (Post Offices). See the Census Bureau website for a brief explanation. Also, the paper Zip Codes are Not Polygons gives a good overview of the situation.
The papers original link is dead, but the wayback machine has it.
All that being said, when I need to use Zip Codes, first place I look is at the ESRI data that used to come on CDs with ArcView/GIS, but is now available online at: Esri Data & Maps
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