Geocoding Addresses with Multiple Matches

If the address you want to geocode exists in more than one city, the Address Matcher dialog box opens with a list of possible matches.

The Address Matcher dialog box must be open.
Address Matcher uses the Soundex algorithm when searching for addresses. If activated, the system searches for records with similar consonant sounds rather than street names with similar spellings. For example, if you type man in an address field, the system might return main, many, and mineral because these words have similar consonant sounds.

Using the example of 123 Man as the street address, the Address Matcher dialog box provides a list of possible matches.

The grid at the bottom of the Address Matcher dialog box shows twenty-eight possible matches. Since the City was not specified, the results indicate that the address exists in more than one city.

The Address Matcher dialog box open after searching for 123 Man. Listed results are for the similarly sounding 123 Main in various cities. Twenty-eight matches were found, as indicated in the lower-left corner of the dialog box.

Results with green check marks are exact matches for the data entered. For example, 123 Main may be considered an exact match for 123 Man because of the Soundex algorithm.

If a result shows a red exclamation mark, it is considered a close but not an exact match to the requested address.

If an address has multiple matches:

  1. In the bottom grid of the Address Matcher dialog box, highlight the best match.
  2. Click OK.
Your address is now geocoded. The text in the Address field changes to black and the map zooms to the geocoded origin or destination, which is marked with an origin or destination label.