Q. How many addresses can I geocode at one time?
A. Up to 1,000
Q. What is the source of your address ranges?
A. The address ranges used in the geocoder are the same address ranges that can be found in the TIGER/Line Shapefiles which are derived from the Master Address File (MAF). The address ranges are potential address ranges, not actual address ranges. Potential ranges include the full range of possible structure numbers even though the actual structures might not exist. The majority of the address ranges we have are for residential areas. There are limited address ranges available in commercial areas. Our address ranges are regularly updated with the most current information we have available to us.
Q. What vintage geography can I get locations for?
A. 2010 Census, 2012 American Community Survey, 2013 American Community Survey, and Current (half the year current is the same as the most recent American Community Survey).
Q. How do I format my address(es) for use in the geocoder?
A. Addresses should be formatted in a single line with comma delimiters. The address should consist of:
- Unique ID,
- House Number and Street Name,
- City,
- State,
- ZIP Code
City and State, or ZIP Code may be left blank, but there must be the appropriate number of commas to represent the blank data, for example:
- 1, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC,
- 2, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, , , 20502
are both valid entries, while:
- 3, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
- 4, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 20502
are both invalid entries.
Q. What coordinate system are the latitude and longitude values?
A. Our latitude and longitude coordinate system is NAD83.
Q. What options do I have if my address isn’t found?
A. Our address ranges consist mainly of residential addresses. If you do not get a result and you know the approximate location of the address, we recommend you use our TIGERweb interactive map viewer. If you do not know the approximate location we recommend you use outside sources to determine the approximate location. We are continually improving our addresses and address ranges. We release updated geography and address ranges at least once per year.