PBKey ZIP Centroid Locations

The default behavior of Enterprise Geocoding Module for USA is to return matches from Master Location Data only for addressable locations that have an address-level geocode. ZIP Centroid returns are optionally available when matching to Master Location Data (MLD) in the Geocode US Address stage. For addresses that don't have a high-quality location, this provides access to the pbKeyTM unique identifier, which can be used to unlock additional information about an address using GeoEnrichment data, as well as to realize operational processing efficiencies. This allows us to ensure maximum address coverage and integrity in geocoding. The inclusion of these addresses enables us to provide a higher match rate, lower false-positive match rate, and access to the pbKeyTM unique identifier for all known addresses in the US.

In order to return ZIP centroids, you must add these files as database resources:
  • Master Location Data
  • zipsmld.gsd - this is a file that contains the ZIP centroids.
To enable returning ZIP centroids, follow this procedure:
  1. Go to the directory listed below. The SpectrumDirectory refers to the directory where you have installed the Spectrum™ Technology Platform server.
    • On Windows: \SpectrumDirectory\server\modules\geostan\
    • On Unix/Linux: /SpectrumDirectory/server/modules/geostan/
  2. Using a text editor, open the java.properties file.
  3. Locate the Return pbKey Zip Centroids property.
  4. Set egm.us.return.pbkey.zip.centroids=true. By default, this property is disabled (false).
  5. Restart the Spectrum server.
  6. Set the centroid preference to enable ZIP centroid returns: In the request to the GeocodeUSAddress resouce, set: CentroidPreference=AddressUnavailable