AddressIntegration

Addresses are the most common links to location. They are everywhere: in mailing lists, databases -- in every record for "keeping track." Creating ways to cross-reference all those resources -- spatial records integration -- is a part of every Spatial Focus project. Every organization has geographic information: addresses, maps, records of ownership, easement, and rights-of-way are some common examples.

The creation of a comprehensive address management system can be quite valuable with or without the mapped components of a geographic information system. Simply by including principles of spatial records integration in the design, implementation and maintenance of tabular spatial data becomes extremely cost efficient. If a mapped component is added, the value of that mapped component is increased exponentially through the links to all of the tabular data created by the linking of the address to a specific mapped point. Unfortunately, the effort involved in developing the GIS is so great that the relationship between the new maps and existing records is often overlooked. This can be very detrimental to both the organization as a whole, and to the GIS system itself.

The base information used to assemble a map ages quickly. Any connections that originally existed between the map itself and tabular data used in daily operations lose synchronization. As a result, the value of the spatial data is seriously undermined. Spatial records integration is no more and no less than effective stewardship of an organization's information resources.

How can spatial records integration be achieved and maintained? Integrating spatial records requires that address data that exists in a variety of systems and databases be standardized and parsed so that the geocoding engines in GIS software can determine its geographic coordinates, based on a set of rules. The expense of achieving spatial records integration has put it out of reach to many organizations in the past. Most frequently, unstructured addresses must be parsed into standardized data fields. Traditionally, this task has been handled "manually," using word processors to create standardized ASCII files. Spatial Focus, Inc. has developed valuable techniques to automate this costly, labor-intensive process.

The examples shown in Figures 1 and 2 are from a project in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, to spatially integrate building permit data. As the examples illustrate, the address fields have little standardization, and include comments and other information that is important to the organization. Some permits reference specific floors of a building, or an office or apartment unit.

Figure 1: Addresses before cleaning

Figure 2: Parsed and standardized addresses

Automated processing by Spatial Focus, Inc. retains all of the original information. Abbreviations, used inconsistently throughout the file, are spelled out. This will allow consistent standardization at a later stage in the process. Following the standardization process, addresses can be geocoded to specific locations. This can be done by linking the address to a property parcel that is found on the maps, or to specific building footprints, or to a street centerline segment which contains the correct range of addresses.

Once addresses have been parsed, standardized and located on the maps, they must be maintained. Addressing is a dynamic function. New permits are issued, licenses granted, complaints received, and information developed that creates new records in data containing addresses. These new addresses must be managed, so that the same problems are not simply created again. A basis for the management and maintenance of addresses throughout the organization is provided by the development of a Master Address Repository. The Repository contains the master address database, as well as tools that permit other applications to be updated with correct addresses, and to verify addresses that have been entered into other databases. Spatial Focus has developed methodologies of creating the Master Address Repository and re-engineering work flows for address assignment, address verification and validation, and address maintenance and management. For our clients, we develop appropriate automated functions within the Repository to assist the staff to maintain a complete, accurate and up-to-date set of addresses.