Geocoding: What Is It?

Geocoding is the process of transforming common addresses into more defined geographical data

. The intersections of longitude and latitude coordinates provide precise information needed to strengthen a company's Geographic Information System (GIS).

History: During the 1970's census, the United States Census Bureau created a system that will collect far better and efficient census data. Rather than relying on manual data collection, high tech systems such as computers and GPS technology were employed, giving rise to geocoding.

Data collection: Geocoding uses longitude and latitude coordinates to pinpoint specific locations worldwide. As you have studied in geography and history class, latitudes are the imaginary straight lines that run from east to west of the globe while longitudes are imaginary straight lines that run from north to south of the globe. The points and intersections of these lines give coordinates which show specific locations of addresses anywhere in the world. The more specific they are the better it is for geocoding.

Geocoding goes through two stages. First geographical data are collected from satellite imageries, photographs and other visual media. Manual data gathering is made possible through GPS technology. As soon as all necessary data are available, the second step is to unify data for geographic information system.

Milestones: Geocoding plays an important role in various companies and organizations. Together with GPS technology, It has helped police, firefighters and ambulances in emergency response. Taxi drivers also use GPS to efficiently drive around the city and avoid being lost. You yourself may be driving a car which has GPS installed.

Geocoding also significantly helps the field of environmental science. Biologists use GPS to track movements and numbers of animals especially the endangered ones. The recent devastating effects of BP Oil Spill, the major flooding in Pakistan and China, the wildfires in Russia all used Geocoding and GPS technology to measure the extent of damage and devise ways on how to effectively carry out help and solutions.

by: Drew Kesler

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