The UN/LOCODE Function Codes uses a set of function codes in order to make the function or functions of a location extremely clear. The system is somewhat counterintuitive, but this page will explain it.
The UN/LOCODE Function Code system uses 8 digits in order to specific the location type. The combination of the 8 parts will determine the functions of the space.
A location code uses a fixed number of characters, so instead of “$” being an airport, the UNECE uses the code “—4—-“. Obviously it would be equally useful for the code to be “—1—-” with only dashes and 1s denoting the location code, or even “00010000” to create a binary-like code, but the UNECE has their own specification which we follow on this website.
The exact specification is as follows:
| 0 | A value “0” in the first position specifies that the functional use of a location is not known and is to be specified. |
| 1 | Specifies that the location is a Port, as defined in UN/ECE Recommendation 16. |
| 2 | Specifies that the location is a Rail terminal. |
| 3 | Specifies that the location is a Road terminal. |
| 4 | Specifies that the location is an Airport. |
| 5 | Specifies that the location is a Postal exchange office. |
| 6 | Value reserved for multimodal functions, ICDs etc. |
| 7 | Value reserved for fixed transport functions (e.g. oil platform). |
| B | Specifies that the location is Border crossing. |
We parse this code in order to make it available on each location on this website.