Address Geocode – US is an impressive service that retrieves the latitude and longitude of an address, along with the closest ZIP Code match for that area. However, understanding the significance of the different levels of ZIP Code matches is crucial. Let’s explore each level that Address Geocode – US provides and explain what each represents.
City/State Match
Starting with the least accurate match, City/State Match is denoted by the code C. It signifies the centroid of the given city, offering limited information about the address. This level indicates that the service couldn’t find a more precise match for the other address components. If an address has this match, it often indicates an issue with the address itself.
Since Address Geocode – US returned the City/State Match, the coordinates are for the centroid of Santa Barbara, California.
ZIP Match
Each subsequent match level indicates a higher level of accuracy, as shown by the ZIP Match. The ZIP Match occurs when the address aligns with a specific ZIP Code, identified by the code Z. At this level, Address Geocode – US confirms that the address falls within the given ZIP Code, and the returned latitude and longitude correspond to the ZIP Code’s centroid.
When Address Geocode – US returns with a ZIP Match, the coordinates will be the centroid of the ZIP Code. Here is the outline for 93101.
Zip + 1 Match – Zip + 4 Match
The next four matches require a little more knowledge about how ZIP Codes work, primarily with the +4 code. They are, in the order of increasing accuracy,
- Zip + 1 Match which is represented with the code N
- Zip + 2 Match which is indicated by the code T
- Zip + 3 Match which returns a code of R
- Zip + 4 Match which returns a code of P
Each of these match levels corresponds to matching with a level of the +4 in the zip+4 code. The +4 code at the end of the ZIP Code is an extension of the normal ZIP Code which allows for more precise levels of delivery. As for what each digit can represent, the first and second digits in the +4 code are usually for specific streets or large buildings, and the third and fourth digits are for the side of the street or the floor of a large building.
Street Level Property Match
After putting the address for Cajun Kitchen into Address Geocode – US, the service accurately provided coordinates pinpointing the restaurant’s precise location.
The most detailed level of resolution offered by Address Geocode – US is the Street Level Property Match, indicated by the code S. This is the typical result for most addresses, indicating the exact delivery location. Address Geocode – US primarily focuses on delivering latitude and longitude coordinates for United States addresses, making it an excellent tool for locating specific physical addresses. If an address doesn’t yield an exact Street Level Property Match, alternative matches are available at the +4, ZIP Code, or city/state levels.
We are here to help
Understanding Address Geocode – US, particularly within the context of US ZIP Codes, provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of location-based data. By deciphering the geocode levels, businesses gain the power to precisely pinpoint locations, analyze demographic patterns, optimize logistics and more. If you have any questions about the service, please reach out and we’ll be happy to go over it with you.
