3 Levels of Geocoding Accuracy: Rooftop, ZIP+4, and ZIP Code

GeoCoder provides latitude and longitude geographic coordinates, census tract and block numbers, as well as county name and FIPS numbers.

1. Rooftop Level Geocoding

Rooftop Level Geocoding translates addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates to know exactly where they are, on a map, in a neighborhood. As the highest level of geocoding available, the accuracy literally comes down to your customer’s front door. The ideal solution for insurance and tax jurisdictions, risk exposure analysis, and delivery routing, Rooftop Level Geocoding is the most precise you can get.

So, how do we do it? Accurate geocoding algorithms are the key to location intelligence. Because address databases are often filled with errors, typos, and inconsistencies, it’s sometimes difficult to match stored data with actual coordinates. Melissa combs through 195 million individual addresses and utilizes precise mathematical location algorithms and street shape maps to select the best recorded point. GeoCoder incorporates data from multiple sources, including spatial data, navigational data, and census data. All sources are evaluated and intelligently merged to produce the most precise coordinates possible.

2. ZIP+4® Geocoding

The next level of accuracy is to the ZIP+4 – which includes an area of about 10-20 households. Even though ZIP+4 geocoding validates the address data with slightly less accuracy than the rooftop level, you can still easily spot demographic and segmentation patterns to target your customers more effectively and power store locators for your business.

3. ZIP Code™ Geocoding

The broadest range of geocoding is ZIP Code level, which can show you the geographical area and city boundaries. ZIP Codes at this level are mainly used for USPS® sorting, but it can also help you see the general area where your customers are located to plan local or geographic-based marketing campaigns. With ZIP Code level geocoding, you’ll see coordinates usually within a few miles.