Influence of street reference data on geocoding quality

Abstract

Repeatability of street geocoding was characterized in terms of completeness and positional accuracy by using different street network datasets to geocode the same address input file. Match rates were highest for local street centrelines followed by StreetMap USA 2005 and TIGER 2000 data. Positional accuracy was highest for local street centrelines, while StreetMap USA 2005 and TIGER 2000 were nearly identical. Rural addresses were geocoded less accurately than urban addresses. Multi-family residential and commercial, institutional or industrial addresses were geocoded less accurately than urban single family residential addresses. The enhancement of TIGER 2000 data by commercial firms resulted in higher match rates but not in improved positional accuracy. The study has also highlighted the unique nature of multi-family and non-residential addresses in terms of the quality of their street geocoded locations. When such addresses are of specific interest alternatives to traditional street geocoding may need to be considered.