What is Geocoding?
Geocoding is the process of translating a physical address into a geographical location typically involving latitude and longitude. For businesses, this provides detailed address information for targeted mailings and timely deliveries.
Geocoding uses the Geographical information System (GIS) to convert a street address or zip code and intro location data using a geocoder, or geocoding software.
How Does Geocoding Work?
The two main geocoding components are the reference data set and geocoding algorithm. The process can vary slightly, but it should generally follow the steps below.
1. Every geocoding process begins with the input data. This is the list of addresses you would like to have geocoded. Users start the geocoding processes by inputting this data set.
2. Input data is subsequently classified into either relative input data or absolute input data. Absolute input data is geocoded and turned into a list of coordinates.
Why is Geocoding important?
Geocoding goes beyond providing a long list of coordinates to businesses. For businesses concerned with different locations, keeping track of a variety of physical locations can be a daunting task. Geocoding allows businesses to quickly access various types of locations vital to their business. The following are just a few of the benefits geocoding offers.
1. Recognizes geographic patterns
Geocoding addresses displays those locations on a map. By geocoding enough addresses within a small enough vicinity, users will begin to recognize different patterns. This ability is applied to law enforcement officers analyzing crime in a certain neighborhood to environmental scientists studying a changing landscape.
2. Manages customer data
Customer data is incredibly valuable for basically every business. Thanks to geocoding, a user can map their customers’ locations. This can help those businesses develop targeted marketing strategies for specific clusters of customers.
3. Analyzes address data
Local government officials can utilize geocoding technology to analyze address data. These users can track population growth in a certain area and use the information in a number of ways, such as helping decide whether to build a new school to account for population growth.
How Precisely Can Help?
Precisely offers Spectrum Global Geocoding which allows users to organize, locate and geo-enrich address data on a global scale.