What is considered an ideal geocoding matching rate?

An ideal geocoding matching rate is considered to be 100% because this indicates that every address or location included in the dataset has been accurately matched to a corresponding geographic location in the geocoding system. Achieving a 100% matching rate means there are no unmatched or incorrectly matched addresses, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity and reliability of data used in crime analysis.

High matching rates are essential for accurate spatial analysis, allowing analysts to pinpoint the locations of incidents, allocate resources effectively, and identify trends or hotspots in crime. When every piece of data aligns perfectly with geographic coordinates, it enhances the quality of the analysis and informs better decision-making.

While lower percentages are often considered acceptable in practice, they may lead to incomplete or skewed data interpretations, which could hinder the operational effectiveness of law enforcement and community safety initiatives. Therefore, striving for a 100% matching rate is the optimal goal in geocoding efforts.