Address validation using Google Maps API

Question

I have a task to validate addresses entered into a system I am currently creating. The system requires that address entered are validated against a valid data source. In the

Answer 1

Google basis (free) does not provide address verification (Geocoding) as there is no UK postcode license.

This means postcode searches are very in-accurate. The proximity search is very poor, even for town searches, often not recognising locations.

This is why Google have a premier and a enterprise solution which still is more expensive and not as good as business mapping specialists like bIng and Via Michelin who also have API's.

As a free lance developer, so serious business would use Google as the system is weak and really provides a watered down solution.

Answer 2

You could consider using CDYNE's PAV-I API that validates international addresses. international-address-verification They cover over 240 countries, so it should cover all of the countries that you are looking to validate for.

Answer 3

Google's geocoding api does what want you want. As Xerus points out, as long as you are not using the geocoded points on a non-google Map, you should be good (terms of service). Specifically,

3.1 Use without a Google Map. Customer may use Google Maps Content from the Geocoding API in Customer Applications without a corresponding Google Map.


3.3 No use with a non-Google map.  Customer must not use Google Maps Content from the Geocoding API in conjunction with a non-Google map.

Answer 4

The answer depends upon the degree of confidence you place in the data and how your data is being used. For example, if you're using it for mailing or shipping, you'll want to be be confident that the data is correct. If you're just using it as another fraud-prevention mechanism then you could potentially allow a degree of error to creep into the data.

If you want any degree of real accuracy, you're need to go with a service that does real address verification and you're going to have to pay for it. As has been mentioned by Adam, address verification and validation at first seems simple and easy, but it's a black hole fraught with challenges and, unless you've some underlying data to work with, virtually impossible to do by yourself. Trust me, you're actually saving money by using a service. You're welcome to go down this road yourself to experience what I mean, but I can guarantee you'll see the light, so to speak, after even a few hours (or days) of spinning your wheels.

I should mention that I'm the founder of SmartyStreets. We do address validation and verification addresses and we offer this for the USA and international as well. I'm more than happy to personally answer any questions you have on the topic of address cleansing, standardization, and validation.

Answer 5

Validate it against FedEx's api. They have an API to generate labels from XML code. The process involves a step to validate the address.

Answer 6

I know that this post is a bit old but incase anyone finds it still relevant you might want to check out the free geocoding services offered by USC College. This does included address validation via ajax and static calls. The only catch is that they request a link back and only offer allotments of 2500 calls. More than fair. https://webgis.usc.edu/Services/AddressValidation/Default.aspx