> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Latitude and Longitude Data

> Understand how Shovels generates accurate geographic coordinates through our proprietary geocoding process using multiple authoritative data sources.

The latitude and longitude coordinates in Shovels' data are derived from our proprietary geocoding process.

## How It Works

Rather than relying on a single third-party service, we perform geocoding ourselves using multiple reference sources to ensure accuracy.

## Data Sources

Our process cross-references addresses against several authoritative datasets:

* **National Address Dataset** from the US Census
* **Open Address dataset**
* **Simple Maps**
* **ESRI**

This multi-source approach allows us to achieve higher accuracy rates than depending on any single geocoding service.

## Why Accurate Geocoding Matters

Accurate geocoding is particularly important in the construction industry, where precise location information can impact:

* Permit jurisdiction determination
* Zoning requirements
* Service area analysis
* Market visualization

## What You Can Do With Coordinates

Our coordinates enable customers to:

* Perform spatial analysis
* Create map visualizations
* Calculate distances
* Identify geographic patterns in construction activity

## Part of Address Standardization

The geocoding process is part of our broader address standardization pipeline, which ensures:

* Consistent formatting across the database
* Accurate location data regardless of original permit formatting
* Reliable geographic identification

<Info>
  Address geocoding is done in-house at Shovels to ensure accuracy and consistency across our entire database.
</Info>

## Related Articles

* [Data verification methods](/docs/knowledge-base/data/quality/verification-methods)
* [Coverage areas](/docs/knowledge-base/data/geographic/coverage-areas)