Suggested geocoding method by country
Sloc Local supports two methods for batch geocoding:
Postcode-based geocoding, which is fast and consistent when postcodes are specific.
Address-based geocoding, which offers greater accuracy when detailed address information is available.
The recommendations below are based on our experience and understanding of postcode systems and address formats in jurisdictions where merger control analysis is commonly required. They are intended to help guide your choice of geocoding method in Sloc Local, but should not be treated as definitive or guaranteed. The accuracy of your results will ultimately depend on the quality and structure of your input data.
We encourage you to test both postcode-based and address-based methods when in doubt, and use the option that produces the most reliable outcome for your specific dataset.
Country | Recommended method | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Australia | Mixed | Urban postcodes are specific; address-based best in cities |
Austria | Address-based | Postcodes less granular; address data offers more detail |
Belgium | Mixed | Both methods reliable; depends on data quality |
Brazil | Address-based | Postcode system not very granular outside city centres |
Canada | Mixed | Postcodes are good, but full address gives better urban precision |
China | Address-based | Postcodes too broad; address data needed for precision |
Czech Republic | Address-based | Address matching is more accurate in dense regions |
Denmark | Postcode-based | Structured postcode system with good geographic precision |
Finland | Postcode-based | Well-defined postcode areas |
France | Address-based | Municipal-level postcodes are often too broad |
Germany | Address-based | Postcodes cover broad geographic zones |
Hong Kong | Address-based | No postcode system; address geocoding is required |
Hungary | Address-based | Better results from detailed address inputs |
India | Address-based | PIN codes cover broad zones; addresses give better results |
Ireland | Postcode-based | Eircode system gives unique location-level codes |
Italy | Address-based | Postcodes are inconsistent in granularity |
Japan | Address-based | Complex address system; full addresses work better |
Mexico | Address-based | Address data is more reliable than postcode data |
Netherlands | Postcode-based | Very granular postcode system |
Norway | Postcode-based | Similar to Sweden in structure and precision |
Poland | Address-based | Urban density makes address geocoding more precise |
Portugal | Address-based | Postcodes are limited in geographic accuracy |
Singapore | Postcode-based | 6-digit postcodes are unique to each building |
South Africa | Address-based | Postcodes are not consistently used or granular |
South Korea | Address-based | Detailed address input leads to better results |
Spain | Address-based | Better accuracy with full addresses, especially in urban areas |
Sweden | Postcode-based | Postcodes are consistent and highly specific |
Switzerland | Address-based | High-quality address data provides more reliable geocoding |
United Kingdom | Postcode-based | Postcodes are highly specific (down to a few properties) |
United States | Address-based | ZIP codes vary widely in granularity; addresses offer better precision |