If your source data has geographical information but some or all records do not have precise latitude/longitude (or easting/northing) data, fMaps geocoding will attempt to locate the address and if successful will use the position whenever the data is requested until the geocoding record expires. This saves both subscription costs and time. Geocoding data is saved in the fSeries database.

Each geocoding record represents an address that has been searched for with Azure Maps to obtain the latitude/longitude of the address. This is not always accurate and sometimes returns multiple results. fMaps uses the best result returned, or records the error message if unsuccessful.

The Geocoding Editor lets you inspect the results and adjust them manually.

In this example, Azure Maps found two positions that matched the address, the circular markers on the map. fMaps used the location returned as the best result, shown by the teardrop marker. If none had been found, any error message would be shown on the page.

Click in the map at the correct location, or enter the latitude/longitude if known.

The “Lock the Geocoding” option lets you indicate that the address should not be searched for again, in order to prevent repeated attempts to geocode. The associated address will no longer be recognised by fData.

Addresses located by Azure Maps have an expiry period (by Azure Maps license terms). If you locate an address manually by clicking in the map it is marked as not being located by Azure Maps and so will not expire.