FAQ: How does AddressDoctor correct/standardize an address?

Answer

The process of Address validation/standardization can be divided into the following two steps:

Identifying the address element and comparing the data against reference tables. In the first step, AddressDoctor tries to identify address elements and

assigns them to the correct fields. This is called PARSING. The identified address elements, which are truncated or shortened will be changed to the

proper form before the comparison takes place.

1.

Address validation is the second step, in which the pre-structured address data is compared against reference tables supplied by postal organizations.

All relevant data will be used in this matching process. This differs from country to country because some countries need address parts that are not

existing or not relevant in other countries (for instance, post codes or province names), and the detail level supplied for this particular country. Some countries supply house number or building information, while others give only post codes for town parts. If all relevant input address parts create a single

match, the address will be selected as result. This match does not need to be a complete match for all address parts - it can be a partial match for some.

2.

If some of the components create a no match, AddressDoctor will check the addresses that created a match on the most address parts and will try to select the

best of these addresses as the result. In many cases, it is not possible to fully validate an address because the matching will end in multi match or no match

situation, where many address parts did or did not create a partial match. In these cases, AddressDoctor has a unique deliverability assessment feature that

classifies addresses according to their probable deliverability.

More Information

In most cases, the reference data comes directly from the postal organizations of a country. If this is not possible, other data suppliers like telecommunication

organizations, direct marketing companies, or cartographic offices are consulted.

Applies To

Product(s): AddressDoctor Software Library

Product Version(s): Address Standardization Module

Last Modified Date:2/26/2013 2:57 AM ID:144699