Fuzzy Matching by Edit Distance
Edit Distance Algorithm
The Edit Distance algorithm allows for a certain number character substitutions, insertions, deletions or transpositions per address field when attempting to match input with intended strings.
Edit Distance API
GeoComplete provides API methods to implement and control the Edit Distance fuzzy matching capabilities.
| Name of API Method | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| FuzzyMatchMode.None | Enable or disable Edit Distance fuzzy matching. Fuzzy Match is disabled by default. | |
| FuzzyMatchMode.Hard_Match | The Hard distance match allows 1 edit per address field. At least 2 characters must match and the first character of both strings must be the same. | |
| FuzzyMatchMode.Soft_Match | The Soft distance match allows 2 edits per address field. At least 2 characters must match. The first character of both strings can be different. |
Fuzzy Match is disabled by default (FuzzyMatchMode.None). You can enable Hard Match, Soft Match, or disable Fuzzy Match through the Management Console Search Preferences.
Fuzzy Match Options in the Management Console
GeoComplete provides preferences in the Spectrum™ Technology Platform Management Console to implement the fuzzy matching capabilities.
When you select Search Type of GeoComplete Address, GeoComplete Category, GeoComplete POI, or GeoComplete All, the Fuzzy Match Settings are enabled. From this selection box you can choose None (to disable Fuzzy Match), Soft Match, or Hard Match.