Installing a Spectrum Database

Spectrum databases contain reference data from trusted data providers that is used to enhance and validate your data. For example, to perform address validation, Spectrum™ Technology Platform uses official address data from the postal authority to compare your address to the official address. Other types of processing that use Spectrum databases include geocoding, location intelligence functions like point-in-polygon or travel directions, and tax jurisdiction assignment for a given address.

We update Spectrum databases periodically to provide you with the most up-to-date data from third-party data providers. Database updates occur independently from software updates, in some cases quarterly or even monthly. When a database update is available you will receive an email notification that includes a link to download the updated database. You should install it as soon as possible so that you are using the most accurate data available.

Beginning with Spectrum™ Technology Platform version 12.1, some databases have changed to support a simpler installation and configuration proess. This includes international data that is consumed by International Geocoding Databases, International Geocoding Databases and Installing Global Addressing Module Databases. Refer to those topics for more information.

  1. Download your licensed SPD files from the Pitney Bowes eStore using the link provided in the release announcement or welcome email.
  2. Place the .spd files in:

    SpectrumLocation/server/app/dataimport

The SPD file is automatically extracted to:

SpectrumLocation/server/app/repository/datastorage

Once the database has been extracted to the datastorage folder, it is installed and you can define it as a database resource using Management Console. Find more information about Management Console in the Administration Guide.

You can modify the Spectrum database installation process if needed:

  • You can change the location of the data import directory by altering the platform property in the <SpectrumLocation>/server/app/conf/dataimportdirectories.properties file.
  • You can change the location of the data storage folder by altering the spectrum.data.manager.storage.directory property in the Data Manager settings section of the <SpectrumLocation>/server/app/conf/spectrum-container.properties file. Consider creating a storage folder outside of Spectrum so it will not be deleted when you uninstall Spectrum.
  • By default, the SPD files are deleted after the files are extracted or when Spectrum is uninstalled. However, you can archive SPD files by setting the spectrum.data.manager.archive.data property to "true" in the Data Manager settings section of the <SpectrumLocation>/server/app/conf/spectrum-container.properties file.
  • With any change to the properties files, you must stop and restart the Spectrum server.