Abstract: A geocoding system and method to convert address elements into numbers to match reference data transformed into numeric values and corresponding spatial information is provided. The output of this process is a conversion of an identified address into its address constituents along with a set of geographic coordinate pairs. A set of build rules are applied to construct the reference data with numeric values, so that when matching is performed, the same address output is displayed along with a pair of geographic coordinates. The reference data consists of number codes along with indexes of boundaries, street segments and address points derived from multiple sources. The numeric match method guarantees exact/close match with quick candidate retrieval and no instance of an input address is erroneously represented in output candidate return.

Abstract: An automated computer geocoding system and method is described having a plurality of geographic datasets stored in a computer memory. The geographic datasets include at least one point level dataset, street level dataset, and geographic level dataset. As output, geocoded data is provided with positional accuracy indicators. In a first step, an address to be geocoded is received by the system. The system determines whether corresponding geocode data exists in one or more of the geographic datasets. A geographic dataset is selected that provides a highest level of resolution and that also includes corresponding geocode data for the address. A geocoded coordinate for the address is output, as found in the geographic dataset that was selected. An offset value for the geocoded coordinate is calculated and output with the coordinates. The offset value is determined as a function of geographic characteristics of the geographic dataset that was selected.