Project Summary
dbGeocode is a utility program that can geocode US and Canadian address records in a database using the Google Maps or Yahoo Maps service. Geocoding is the process of assigning a geographic longitude and latitude to an address so that it can be displayed on a map.

Why would I want to geocode my database?
When Google and Yahoo opened their mapping services to developers, it became affordable for individuals and companies to create web based geographic maps using their own data. If you want to create a web based map of locations stored in a database, you will first need to geocode the address records. Once the address records have been geocoded, the Google and Yahoo mapping services can be used to display your data on a map.

Example 1: Retail Locations
If your retail establishment has several locations, you may want to provide a map of all your store locations on your website. With a little bit of programming, you can also provide driving directions from your customer location.

Example 2: Real Estate
If you are a Realtor with several listings, you may want to provide a map of all your listings on your website with links to property details and photos.

Example 3: Service/Support Industry
If your company services equipment for several clients, you may need a map for your dispatch operations that correlates you client equipment needs with available technican skills. This will allow you to visually see gaps or surplus of technicians in your service coverage area. From the map below, we can see that there are 47 customers in Seattle, WA using product IP Office but the nearest techncians for that product are in Kent, WA. This may warrant training some technicians in Seattle in the IP Office product.