Find the State given Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

Question

I have a set of 900 Latitude and Longitude Coordinates-- I need a relatively simple method for finding the \'State\' referred to by these coordinates. If it helps, the data is

Answer 1

Google requires that geocoding / reverse geocoding be used with maps that users can see, so if that isn't an option for you, I think the best way is to use a database with spatial functions. First, you'll need the state boundaries found for free at NationalAtlas.gov. I use SQL Server (need 2008 or 2012 versions) and you can use the STContains() method to find what state it belongs to.