Matching Options

GeocodeAddressUSA Matching Options

Matching options are used to determine how address searches are performed. They let you set match preferences, criteria and restrictions, and multiple match settings so that the matching can be as strict or relaxed as you need.

Parameter Description
Option.AddressPreference

Determines which address to use when more than one address is present in the address block.

PreferPOBox
Uses the P.O Box.
PreferBottom
Uses the second line entered. Default. You must select this value if you.
PreferStreetAddress
Uses the street address.

Option.FirstLetterSearch

Specifies whether to look for the correct first letter of a street name if the first letter is missing or incorrect. If enabled, the geocoder searches through the alphabet looking for the correct first letter to complete the street address.

Note: This option is not available if the match mode is set to Exact.
Y
Perform first letter search.
N
Do not perform first letter search. Default.

This example includes an incorrect first letter:

Input: 4750 nalnut boulder co 80301
Output: 4750 Walnut St Boulder CO 80301-2532

This example excludes a first letter:

Input: 4750 alnut boulder co 80301
Output: 4750 Walnut St Boulder CO 80301-2532

This example includes an extra first letter:

Input: 4750 wwalnut boulder co 80301
Output: 4750 Walnut St Boulder CO 80301-2532

Option.PerformDPV

Delivery Point Validation (DPV®) validates that a specific address exists, as opposed to validating that a specific address is within a range of valid addresses. CMRA processing checks if an address is for a mailbox rented from a private company, referred to as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agent (CMRA).

To perform DPV and CMRA processing, you must have the DPV database installed. The DPV database contains both DPV and CMRA data.

N
No, do not perform Delivery Point Validation or CMRA processing. Default.
Y
Yes, perform Delivery Point Validation and CMRA processing.

For a listing of the output fields returned by this option, see DPV and CMRA Output.

Option.PerformLACSLink

The USPS® Locatable Address Conversion System (LACS) allows you to correct addresses that have changed as a result of a rural route address converting to street-style address, a PO Box renumbering, or a street-style address changing. When enabled, LACSLink processing is attempted for addresses that could not be validated, or addresses were validated and flagged for LACSLink conversion.

To perform LACSLink processing, you must have the LACSLink database installed.

N
No, do not attempt LACSLink conversion. Default.
Y
Yes, attempt LACSLink conversion.

For a listing of the output fields returned by this option, see LACSLink Output

Option.PreferZipCodeOverCity

Specifies whether to prefer candidates that match the input ZIP over candidates that match to input city.

Note: This option is not available when processing in CASS mode.
Y
Prefer candidates that match the input ZIP Code.
N
Prefer candidates that match the input city. Default.

For example, consider this input address:

301 BRYANT ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94301

Without this option enabled, the best match would be the one that matches the input city name:

301 BRYANT ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94107-4167

With this option enabled, the best match would be the one that matches the input ZIP Code:

301 BRYANT ST
PALO ALTO CA 94301-1408