# Why we should capture good quality addresses at source

## Addresses: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

<figure><img src="https://3774974716-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIfdYInJITdcxaLLMhlD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c165cdf8b441af5e612824b6408cf8dd34b34be8%2Faddress-quality-good-bad-ugly.png?alt=media" alt="Image showing 12 different variations of how an address could be represented"><figcaption><p>examples of addresses of different quality</p></figcaption></figure>

## The impact of poor-quality addresses

* Returned mail.
* Potential to remove customer access to goods or services.
* Delays to the delivery of goods and services.
* Affects organisational efficiency.
* Creates bottlenecks.
* Creates flawed insights.
* Reduces confidence.
* Negatively impacts system implementation and migration.
* GDPR – Data breaches.
* Results in costly expenses.

<figure><img src="https://3774974716-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIfdYInJITdcxaLLMhlD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f07418582581dd9901ee11c92466afa4d7e8b28b%2Flicence-no.png?alt=media" alt="image of a shield with a cross" width="247"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## What makes a good quality address?

* Complete (House Name / Number, Road Name & Postcode).

  *Contains all the information required to find the property or post a letter to.*
* Validated.

  *It’s been through a quality control process.*
* Up to date.

  *It’s current.*
* Links to a Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN).

  *Enables linking to other datasets.*
* Contains co-ordinates.\
  \&#xNAN;*Provides a geographical locator.*

<figure><img src="https://3774974716-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIfdYInJITdcxaLLMhlD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6ad72fbe32ba0d24535951fbfb4c4ec51e234305%2FHousing%20estate.jpg?alt=media" alt="aerial image of houses" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How to capture a good quality address?

An address lookup lets users specify a UK address by entering their postcode and selecting a valid address from a list.

It could also be configured to enter a street name or number.

In the background this can be configured to take advantage of the UPRN and other associated attribution depending on data source.

<figure><img src="https://3774974716-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIfdYInJITdcxaLLMhlD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e27b49a8ac50b5aa01b8659a58524eea80833342%2Fchannel-shift-new-forest.png?alt=media" alt="image of New Forest District website with a list of addresses to select from" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Considerations

When a need to capture addressing occurs the following questions should be considered:

<details>

<summary>How current does the data need to be?</summary>

How often does the data need to be updated? Daily, weekly, 6-weekly?

</details>

<details>

<summary>What geographical area does the data need to cover?</summary>

It is limited to your operational area or beyond?

</details>

<details>

<summary>How can the system access the address information?</summary>

What formats can it use?

</details>

## Sources of a good quality address

* Your Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG), if you have one
* AddressBase
* AddressBase Core
* AddressBase Plus
* AddressBase Premium
* OS Places API
* Other commercially available address products

## Benefits of capturing a good quality address

* Consistency
* Enables the linking of disparate data
* Significant reduction in human error
* Time saving by reducing the need for address matching
* Increased efficiency through automation
* Reduce fraud
* Easier to share data with external organisations/partners
* Adheres to Government Digital Service style guide

<figure><img src="https://3774974716-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIfdYInJITdcxaLLMhlD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b55e784968eba8535cffb2dc598a03d0277d9765%2Faddress-quality-benefits.png?alt=media" alt="An example of a well captured address: 10 Downing Street"><figcaption><p>An example of a well captured address: 10 Downing Street</p></figcaption></figure>

## **Capture It Right, Once – Always Right!**

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This content has been developed from what was originally a Lightning Talk PowerPoint slide set. These slides are available to PSGA members to view and download from the [PSGA members area of the OS website](https://auth.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/my.policy)