Geocoding

Geocoding is the process of converting textual location descriptions -- such as addresses, place names, or legal descriptions -- into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) that can be plotted on a map or used in spatial analysis.

Types of geocoding

Address geocoding: - Converts street addresses to coordinates - Uses address reference databases - Returns point locations with accuracy scores

PLSS geocoding: - Converts PLSS descriptions (Township, Range, Section) to coordinates - Returns polygon boundaries or centroid points - Essential for mining claims and land records

Place name geocoding: - Converts geographic place names to coordinates - Uses gazetteers and place name databases - Useful for historical research

Reverse geocoding: - Converts coordinates back to addresses or descriptions - Identifies the PLSS location for a given point - Determines jurisdiction for a coordinate

Applications in land management: - Converting mining claim legal descriptions to map locations - Mapping well locations from lease descriptions - Locating properties from county records - Building spatial databases from text-based records

• Match rate: Percentage of records successfully geocoded
• Accuracy: Distance between geocoded point and true location
• Precision: Level of spatial detail (rooftop, parcel, ZIP code)
• Confidence: Certainty of the match

Common geocoding services: - Esri ArcGIS Geocoding - Google Maps Geocoding API - US Census Geocoder - BLM GeoCommunicator (for PLSS)

Accurate geocoding is essential for connecting text-based land records to their spatial locations.