What is Geocoding?

Geocoding is the process of converting addresses into the geographic coordinates of the places they represent on the globe – and vice versa.

Precise address and place search is essential for businesses across different industries, including business intelligence, e-commerce, retail, real estate, asset tracking, logistics, weather forecasting, and photo and content services. Mapbox Geocoding API provides address, place name, and coordinate geocoding with address verification and standardization in primary markets around the world.

Geocoding 101

Understanding geocoding is crucial for integrating location data into applications and services. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts: 

‍Forward geocoding vs. reverse geocoding: Forward geocoding converts addresses (like "1133 15th St NW Suite 845 Washington, DC 20005") or place names (like “Austin, TX”) into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). These coordinates can be used to pinpoint locations on a map or adjust the map's view. Reverse geocoding does the opposite, transforming geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) into a human-readable address or place name that exists at that location. Businesses in weather utilize reverse geocoding to provide accurate forecast information at a user’s location, while on-demand logistics heavily leverage forward geocoding for order pickup and deliveries.

Temporary vs. permanent Geocoding: Temporary geocoding is like looking up an address once. You get the answer (coordinates), but can't save it for later. It is useful for showing locations on maps during searches (e.g., finding a restaurant on your phone). Permanent geocoding is like saving an address in your phonebook. You can look it up again anytime without searching again. It is useful for businesses that need to store addresses for future use (e.g., delivery companies storing customer addresses).

Tip: Mapbox Geocoding API provides both options to customers to fit their business needs with competitive pricing.

Batch Geocoding: This allows developers to efficiently process large volumes of data for both temporary and permanent geocodes in a single batch. Mapbox allows up to 1,000 queries to be sent in the same request. Real-estate companies use batch geocoding to update entire databases of properties for visualization and analysis.

Main use cases widely adopted by global customers

‍Mapbox Geocoding API empowers a wide range of businesses, from large enterprises to independent developers. It fuels success in diverse industries, from pinpointing weather forecasts for an app user to a store locator for a retail company.

Use case #1: Pinpointing weather with Geocoding 

Weather forecasting companies rely on Mapbox to accurately pinpoint user locations to the appropriate region, city, or neighborhood (reverse geocoding) and provide weather information for specific search queries (forward geocoding).

For example, The Weather Company leverages Mapbox's fast and precise geocoding to deliver over 20 billion daily forecasts, empowering millions of users worldwide to make informed decisions based on real-time weather data. Read The Weather Company's showcase.

Use case #2: Faster checkout and registration with address autofill

According to the Baymard Institute, e-commerce sites can gain a 35% increase in conversion rate through better checkout design. Mapbox Address Autofill SDK improves one of the most cumbersome checkout page elements, directly increasing conversions and revenue through a faster, easier checkout.

Developers appreciate how our SDKs seamlessly integrate into websites and mobile apps, offering features like autocomplete, address correction, verification, and location confirmation maps. This ease of use, requiring only ten keystrokes on average (compared to the traditional 35), significantly enhances the user experience. 

“Since releasing the updated Mapbox-powered interface, ParkBee has seen user engagement and purchase conversion rates increase by 30%. At the same time, operational costs decreased by over 50%.” Read the Parkbee case study.

Use case #3: Precise unit-level address for for on-demand logistics, retail, and e-commerce

Mapbox Geocoding gets complicated PUDO (pickup and dropoff) scenarios right with high-quality routable points and unit-level geocoding.

Grocery giant Instacart uses Mapbox Geocoding API and logistics services to enhance their app experience with real-time tracking, precise geocoding, and intelligent route optimization. Mapbox Geocoding API ensures accurate store and delivery addresses with unit-level support, minimizing errors, and delivery delays. 

Mapbox empowers Instacart to deliver fresh groceries faster and more efficiently, delighting customers and solidifying its position as a leading retail enablement platform. Read Instacart's story.

Use case #4: Create a user-friendly experience with store locator for retail 

In the retail space, businesses are employing Mapbox to develop accurate and user-friendly store locators, ensuring a seamless customer journey in finding brick-and-mortar store locations. 

Mapbox equips Commerce-UI to build top-shelf Store Locator maps with the creative flexibility to tailor map features for any clients. Read the Commerce-UI case study.

Use case #5: Content location-tagging for travel and social media

Adobe uses Mapbox reverse geocoding to automatically embed precise geolocation data within photos and videos. Using the Mapbox Geocoding API, Adobe Lightroom automatically adds location information to every uploaded photo taken with a phone or GPS-enabled camera.

After geotagging the images, Lightroom displays the location of each photo on a thumbnail map, made with the Mapbox Static Images API, that is elegantly integrated into the photo information sidebar. Geocoding Content tagging streamlines workflows and benefits travel and social media marketing initiatives.

Use case #6: Ensure accuracy with address verification

Address verification flags typos and makes suggestions, giving end-users confidence in their accuracy, and decreasing required customer support for incorrectly entered addresses.

“Mapbox has been our choice for an efficient and comprehensive mapping experience. The addition of Mapbox Geocoding for address verification means that frustration with incomplete or outdated address data is minimized for our client.” - Joakim Gissberg, CEO, Nordic Routing

Sotargruppen, a Swedish chimney sweep service, faced challenges in managing customer addresses and optimizing service routes. By leveraging Mapbox Geocoding API, they accurately verified and geocoded over 500,000 customer addresses. The Mapbox Geocoding API supports batch geocoding to quickly convert addresses into precise geographic coordinates and remedies incomplete or outdated address data. This streamlined operation resulted in a 12.5% reduction in operational costs. Read the Sotargruppen showcase.

Use case #7: See business analytics with location intelligence  

Businesses across a wide range of sectors leverage the power of location intelligence tools from Mapbox to unlock new opportunities and enhance customer experiences. For businesses that analyze large amounts of data (like business intelligence companies), batch geocoding and structured input make it faster and easier to process high volumes of location information. 

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‍Hyperplan empowers users with insights for exceptional visibility on agricultural production. This innovative company helps farmers manage their land and make smarter decisions. They combine Mapbox Maps, Boundaries, and Geocoding to give their users the precise location details and insights they need to succeed. Read Hyperplan's case study.

Mapbox Geocoding gives you a competitive edge

Thousands of customers trust Geocoding to support location services. Here’s why: 

• Mapbox Geocoding offers built-in autocomplete, providing you with instant address suggestions through a single API. No complex setups required, unlike other providers
• Mapbox Geocoding offers advanced features, allowing developers to customize solutions for various use cases, including permanent geocoding, structured input, smart address matching, and batch geocoding.
• Routable points pinpoint the optimal delivery location on the road network, ensuring drivers reach their destination smoothly. With Mapbox, you'll be guided directly to the entrance, eliminating the hassle of dead ends or back alleys.
• Developers can optimize costs without compromising quality. Numerous businesses, such as Curb and Parkbee, have transitioned to Mapbox search products and experienced lower latency, responsive corrections, and greater customization for a more efficient and cost-effective developer experience.

Get started for free today

Experience the difference precise geocoding can make. Visit our Geocoding page and try our interactive demo.