What is Geocoding?

Geocoding is the process of converting a physical address into a geographical location. This involves translating an address into a latitude and longitude using a Geographical Information System (GIS). It is a method by which street addresses or zip codes are converted into location data. Geocoding is typically executed with a geocoder or geocoding software, which takes a street address or geographic location and converts it into map coordinates.

As a type of software, geocoding is used by GPS systems and mapping software to plot addresses onto a map and to visualize the locations of data points. Reverse geocoding, which is the opposite of geocoding, converts coordinates back into postal addresses and actual locations. Geocoding software, such as Maptive, utilizes resources like Google Maps to geocode data, including a wide range of inputs from addresses to famous landmarks. Such software can process data uploaded via an Excel spreadsheet or entered manually, and it offers various tools for customizing and analyzing maps.

In addition to being a software tool, geocoding is also offered as a service, particularly within the Maps JavaScript API as the Geocoding service. This service translates addresses into geographic coordinates—latitude and longitude—and allows for dynamic interaction, such as placing markers on maps or positioning maps based on user input. The service uses a Geocoder class to process geocode requests and can be adjusted with bounds or region biases to refine results. The geocoding service, provided by Google Maps, emphasizes that while geocoding aims to identify the closest addressable location within a specified tolerance, it is not an exact science.

Geocoding Plugins for Excel

A.CRE Geocoding Excel Add-in

The A.CRE Geocoding Excel Add-in leverages the Google Geocoding API to facilitate the conversion of addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates directly within Excel. It also offers the reverse functionality, allowing users to obtain an address from geographical coordinates. This plugin, created by Spencer Burton, is a streamlined version of the Excel 4 CRE addin. It operates on a \"Pay What You’re Able\" basis and is compatible with Excel 2013 for PC and later versions. It's important to note that a correctly set up Google API key is required for the add-in to function properly; otherwise, users may experience a \"REQUEST_DENIED\" error or receive blank cell results if the add-in is disabled.

Best Geocoding Tools for Excel

Geocoding tools are essential for transforming addresses into geographic coordinates used for various types of spatial analysis. Tools like Geocodio and Clean Spreadsheets can automatically parse addresses, with the former supporting only US and Canada addresses and the latter accommodating international addresses. Smarty Streets is a subscription-based service known for correcting and completing addresses but is on the more expensive side. Batchgeo offers address mapping but does not return a geocoded spreadsheet and is criticized for its user experience. CSV2GEO, LocalFocus, and MapLarge are batch geocoding tools that provide spreadsheets of geocoded coordinates, with varying pricing structures and trial options. The US Census Bureau Geocoder and Texas A&M Geoservices use US census data and are limited to US addresses only. Map Developers, Geocode XYZ, and several other tools offer REST API options for geocoding, expanding their utility for developers and users with specific geocoding needs.

Common Use Cases

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  Converting a list of physical addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates for mapping purposes
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  Populating a spreadsheet with addresses based on given sets of latitude and longitude coordinates for location verification
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  Efficiently updating and managing location data within Excel to avoid excessive API calls and costs
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  Speeding up Excel workbooks by converting latitude/longitude formulas to values after geocoding
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  Providing real estate professionals with enhanced tools for location analysis and property research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the geocoding plugin for Excel and what does it do?

The geocoding plugin for Excel is an add-in that utilizes the Google Geocoding API to convert addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates and vice versa, allowing users to auto-populate this spatial data in Excel.

How can I manage my API usage with the geocoding plugin to avoid extra costs?

The plugin includes features to manage the API key and set usage quotas, helping to reduce unnecessary API requests and stay within the free monthly credit provided by Google.

Is there a cost to use the geocoding plugin for Excel?

The plugin is offered on a pay-what-you're-able basis, allowing users to contribute as they can. While the plugin itself may not have a mandatory cost, users need an active Google Geocoding API key, which may incur costs if the free monthly credit limit is exceeded.

What versions of Excel is the geocoding plugin compatible with?

The plugin is compatible with Excel 2013 for PC and newer versions.

What new features were introduced in version 0.3 of the geocoding plugin?

Version 0.3 of the plugin added the ability to convert all latitude/longitude functions to values, which is intended to speed up workbooks and limit API requests. It also introduced clickable hyperlinks for managing the API key.