Initializing GeoStan

All GeoStan functions use a common internal data structure you initialize with a call to the initialization function. This function returns an ID, which GeoStan passes to every other GeoStan function. Upon completion of the geocoding session, a call to the termination function frees the memory allocated by the initialization function and closes all files used by GeoStan.

Each GeoStan function returns either a status code or a pointer. There is a symbolic constant for every status code returned by a function. If the function returns a pointer, there is usually only one possible error indicated by the return of NULL. See the individual language chapters for possible status codes for each function.

Note: GeoStan includes additional initialization functions for DPV and LACSLink processing. You must call these functions if you have installed the DPV and LACSLink data for GeoStan to process your input using these options. That is, unless, you are using the property driven API then you only make one initialization call. See USPS Link products overview for more information on DPV and LACSLink.