Distinction between geocoding and address validation

[LNM_PTV]

Hello,

Question:
Can I use xlocate for address validation?

Answer:
The main intent of a geocoder is to find a suitable geo coordinate for a given input address.
The provided input address can be corrected within certain limits.
However, this correction depends on the geodata.
These geodata are collected for vehicle navigation purposes and are more oriented on the system of road signs and signals than on the right spelling of the postal addresses.

The main intent of an address validation is to check the right spelling of the postal addresses.
Therefore data from the national postal companies or from companies like AZ Direkt are necessary.
Postal companies collect these street indices in order to optimize their sorter system for their postal delivery.
This is why the data from the postal compoanies include each actual address within the given standards.
It is not possible to derive a geocoordinate form these data that can be visualized on a map.

As a short summary, an address validation checks if a given input address actually exists, for example post boxes, and checks the spelling of the address regarding the postal standards.
Address validation can only deliver a geo coordinate if an additional geocoder with geodata (like it is used by PTV) are used in addition.

Best regards,
Lars

[Bernd Welter]

Here's also a more visual description of the differences
Hope it helps

Difference between Address Geocoding and Address Validation