Data zone centroids are point features that represent the population weighted centre of data zones – the key geography for the dissemination of small area statistics in Scotland. These centroids are used to link data zones to other (higher level) geographies and produce a 'best-fit' match. Data zones can then be aggregated to approximate this larger area of interest or higher level geography that statistics wouldn’t normally be available for. Data zones also represent a relatively stable geography that can be used to analyse change over time, with changes only occurring after a Census. Following the update to data zones using 2011 Census data, there are now 6,976 data zones covering the whole of Scotland.