Using custom supplemental data sets

Understanding User Dictionaries

A User Dictionary is a table of streets and address ranges that you use as a source for geocoding. If you have newer or more precise data than what is available in GSD files, creating a dictionary with this data can help you obtain more accurate geocoding results. For example, if you have address point data you can create a User Dictionary that enables you to take advantage of the GeoStan address point interpolation capabilities.

A User Dictionary can be used by itself to geocode records, or can be used in combination with the supplied GSD (GS_STATUS_FILE_UD).

You can also specify the search priority for matching against GSD records and User Dictionary records (GS_FIND_DB_ORDER). This option allows greater control over which candidates are returned; in particular, it enables selection of User Dictionary candidates over GSD candidates.

For more information, see User Dictionary.

Note: The USPS does not consider matches to data that they did not create and these are not considered valid addresses for postal delivery. Therefore, GeoStan does not match to User Dictionaries when processing in CASS mode.

Understanding auxiliary file matching

Although Precisely provides robust data for you to match your input address against, in some cases you may want to match your address against speciality data. GeoStan provides you with the ability to create auxiliary files for these instances. For more information on auxiliary file matching, see Auxiliary files.

Note: GeoStan only matches an input address to a record in the auxiliary file if there is an exact match. The USPS does not consider matches to data that they did not create and these are not considered valid addresses for postal delivery. Therefore, GeoStan does not match to auxiliary files when processing in CASS mode.