Geocoding is one of the most essential mapping elements you can use in converting from a user-readable location description to computer-readable coordinates. Therefore, if you make apps, perhaps you know the importance of using users’ locations or you want to make an app that tells its users about a nearby place. Regardless of what you want to use with your mapping application, you need geocoding to have successful results. This article will discuss the things you should look out for before choosing geocoding API.
Accuracy
You can figure out that a geocode service is perfect by the accuracy of the geocodes. However, geocodes don’t work in the same way because some of them can direct you right to the address doorstep while others might not. Here is the deal, if your wish is to get a geocode, then you can go to the physical address and write down the deals as described by the GPS.
Alternatively, you can use mathematics to interpolate the location. As you can see, the first option is the more accurate method, the type of accuracy commonly found with Google. But there is a catch to this method as it’s difficult to generate it. You need people to go to the locations, which can be pretty expensive.
On the other hand, the interpolation method is quite easier and cheaper. Because some people focus more on the other important factors than the accuracy, you should always check the description of the accuracy offered by providers.
Reliability or Uptime
Uptime refers to a metric utilized to determine how consistent and long a system is running well. Understandably, most people are worried about the service not available when you want it. When it comes to reliability, there is no shortcut to it. You want to have a service that is available at all times.
This is especially true in times of emergency when you need a service readily available. Whether you are a one-time or regular user, some assurance of reliability from providers is required. Hence, providers usually promise to offer uptime that either exceeds or meets a certain standard.
While some providers offer commitments, others don’t. Therefore, if you are a regular Geocodeapi.io user, then it makes sense to use this system that has guarantees that it will always be available for you, and keeps that promise.
Speed
Speed is another important factor when it comes to geocoding. However, there are a variety of limitations that might prevent your system from running as expected. Below are some of these limitations:
Throttling
Throttling is categorized as requests per day and requests per second, most providers usually use throttling to make things easier for themselves, though they might use it as a standard procedure that happens universally.
By controlling throttle usage, providers prevent overloading their servers. As a result, they can maintain uptime, but it also reduces the speed that is required to return to you the geocodes.
Batch processing
Batch processing can affect the speed to return the geocodes. Some providers provide geocoding that you have to do one-at-a-time while others offer batch processing. With batch processing, you can put together all the requests and submit all of them collectively.
Besides, other providers offer another type of batch processing where you can submit a file which is like an Excel format. In this case, the provider can take their time to process it and might only come back to you after completing the job. Unfortunately, they can take longer to process it if it makes things easier for them.