How Can the Google Maps API Solve Database Address Standardization Challenges?

Address Standardization within a Database

Finding duplicate records with inconsistent address formatting can be a daunting task. This issue arises when addresses in a database have variations such as "500 W Main St," "500 West Main St," and "500 West Main Street."

While querying records where substrings within the address field appear more than once might seem logical, it has limitations. To overcome these limitations, consider leveraging external services like the Google Maps API, which offers address standardization functionality.

Google Maps API for Address Standardization

The Google Maps API provides a comprehensive solution for address standardization. By passing an address string to the API, you can retrieve a JSON response that contains a standardized formatted address. This standardized address is consistent, regardless of input variations, and can be used for database updates and comparisons.

VBA Example

To integrate the Google Maps API into a VBA project, you'll need to:

Dim httpReq As New MSXML2.ServerXMLHTTP
httpReq.Open "GET", _
  "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=500 South Main Steet,Providence RI 02903", False
httpReq.send

The response from the API can be parsed to retrieve the standardized address, enabling you to identify and merge duplicate records, ensuring data integrity and consistency.

Benefits of Using Google Maps API

• Accurate Standardization: Google Maps API utilizes sophisticated algorithms to effectively standardize addresses, accounting for variations and common misspellings.
• Time-Saving: Automating address standardization with the API saves time and effort compared to manual processes or imprecise query methods.
• Reliable Data: The API provides standardized addresses that can be used to confidently merge duplicate records and improve data quality.

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