What is Geocoding? — How to Find Coordinates of An Address

How can your app hook into a geocoding service that offers forward and reverse geocoding and an auto-completion facility?

Geocoding turns a location name or address into geocoordinates. The service gets used by thousands of applications like Uber and Grubhub to track and plot their map data.

Yet, it can also help web development by enhancing UX through reverse geocoding. Not to mention auto-completing forms to make the likes of checking-out easier.

This article examines Geocode API, the premier provider of geocoding services.

Read on to learn what the API offers, how it works, and what sets it apart. You’ll discover how its free plan grants you access to 350.000 monthly requests!

What is Geocoding?

Geocoding describes how to turn a location name or description and convert them into detailed coordinates. It also offers this service in reverse, i.e., convert coordinates into location information.

Results can include:

• GPS coordinates
• Full address information
• Accuracy and confidence reports

A software application like a website provides basic location information to a geocoding service. That service then returns a set of results that web development teams can use when enhancing UX, e.g., plotting maps.

What is a Geocode API?

An Application Programming Interface or API provides a simple way to request geocoding data.

For example, Geocode API equips you with an authorization key to query the service. Simply build your query into a URL string or use software like cURL to communicate with the servers.

APIs use endpoints to search for different types of data or query unique services.

With a geocoding API, endpoints comprise forward geocoding, reverse geocoding, and auto-completion. We’ll discuss these specific endpoints shortly.

Like most APIs, the results are formatted in JSON. That makes it easy to integrate data into web pages etc., as the format’s universal.

Types of Geocoding

Some APIs offer a limited set of geocoding features, but the best provide three invaluable services.

Forward Geocoding

Forward geocoding enables you to send a full or partial address and receive more specific information about it.

The service leaves this relatively open in that you can provide as much or as little data as you want. Think ‘Cupertino, California’ versus ‘1 Apple Park Way in Cupertino, California, United States’.

Geocode API extends this functionality significantly.

You can limit the number of results to be returned. You can also limit the search radius or select a rectangular boundary. You can even prioritize around a focus point to optimize results.

Reverse Geocoding

Reverse geocoding sends latitude and longitude coordinates to the API and returns location data.

Basic filter parameters include lat/long, but you can also refine results within a specific radius. Location properties cover micro and macro details of the area, including region and continent.

Geocode API enhances this endpoint through layers.

Layers act as location types, and you can filter elements like venues, streets, and addresses. You can also limit the dataset returned and retrieve a more precise lat/long coordinate.

Address Auto-Completion

The auto-completion endpoint boosts the reverse geocoding service by predicting locations.

When a user starts to enter their address, the API returns an array of matching locations. Developers can then incorporate these results into a drop-down menu for the user to select from.

Many providers can’t offer auto-completion due to network throttling and slow service.

Geocode API doesn’t suffer from these limitations. That means you’re certain to retrieve instant and accurate results every time.

Common Use Cases

Geocoding is used in all forms of applications, from dedicated map apps to delivery services. Here a few common use cases that you can copy with ease.

Data Cleansing and Offline Marketing

If you have a customer database, it’s vital to know that the records are correct. That’s especially important when sending mailshots or important correspondence.

Using the Geocode API reverse geocode endpoint helps ensure your records remain accurate.

Loop each row, send the customer address, wait for the result, then update your data. Because the service works within milliseconds, you can amend thousands of records in a short timeframe.

There’s also a batch upload facility, which we’ll discuss later.

Auto-Completion of Forms

This service is useful for any website or app that requires a user to enter their address.

If you have an eCommerce site, use the auto-completion endpoint to offer a list of suggestions for shipping. The user no longer needs to complete a long, boring form.

Just select a suggestion, and the API content fills in the requested fields.

Benefits of Geocode API

Unlike other providers, the Geocode API provides the following benefits:

• Free plan with 350.000 monthly requests
• Highly scalable service
• Realtime results
• Simple to use API
• Batch processing

Try the free plan to access 350.000 monthly requests, including HTTPS encryption and batch uploads. You’ll also receive email support and can submit two queries every second.

Signing-up for the premium plans unlocks a world of possibilities for enhancing UX in your applications.

It only costs $85 to submit up to two million forward/reverse geocoding and auto-completion requests. That’s 25 every second. And for an extra $50, that bumps up to 3.5 million with 35 queries per second.

Receive discounts on yearly subscriptions, and personal support is available to all members.

US and Canada and Worldwide Database

Geocode API’s worldwide database makes it easy to parse location data.

There are no rate limits or throttling, which means the system mirrors your growth in demand. Results arrive in real-time, and you can even test the system directly from your browser’s address bar.

Batch Geocoding Upload

Need multiple location information? Use the batch upload facility within the dashboard for instant results.

Simply create a CSV (spreadsheet) file of your addresses and add them to the system. Formats can include several header columns like Address, City, and Country.

Once uploaded, you can map each data field to the main list. The system does most of this for you, but you can tweak columns as required.

Submitting the form will return three example results. If you’re satisfied, continue the process to download a batch set of results.

This service offers easy website administration, and you can submit 7000 rows per month for free.

Enhancing UX and Web Development With Geocoding API

Geocode API is more than capable of processing your geocoding requirements. With a robust network and no throttling or rate limits, you can directly integrate location data into your apps.

The free plan offers an excellent starting point to trial the system.

With 350k requests per month, it can act as the backbone for smaller apps. Then, when they get bigger, the service will match their growth.

Remember to check out other location-related articles on The Hacker News site.

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