本标准建立了数据代码分配的结构，通过该结构 唯一识别大都会和小伦敦统计区（一般指 作为“基于核心的统计区域”）和相关统计区域（即大都会 分区、综合统计区、新英格兰城镇区（NECTAs）， 美国和波多黎各的NECTA分部，以及NECTA联合分部 数据处理系统之间信息交换的目的。

This standard establishes a structure for the assignment of data codes by which to uniquely identify metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (generically referred to as "core-based statistical areas") and related statistical areas (i.e., metropolitan divisions, combined statistical areas, New England city and town areas (NECTAs), NECTA divisions, and combined NECTAs) of the United States and Puerto Rico, for the purpose of information interchange among data processing systems.