Glossary

Address & postcode glossary

Plain-English definitions of the address and postcode terms you will run into when working with location data.

Address autocomplete: Address autocomplete suggests full, verified addresses as a user types, usually starting from a postcode.
Address standardisation: Address standardisation reformats an address into a consistent structure and casing so records can be compared and stored reliably.
Address validation: Address validation is the process of checking that an address exists and is deliverable, then returning it in a standardised form.
Delivery point: A delivery point is a single postal address that can receive mail, such as an individual house, flat, or business unit.
Geocoding: Geocoding is the process of converting an address or postcode into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).
Inward code: The inward code is the second half of a UK postcode and pinpoints the delivery point, for example 1AA in SW1A 1AA.
Outward code: The outward code is the first half of a UK postcode and identifies the postal district, for example SW1A in SW1A 1AA.
PAF (Postcode Address File): The PAF is Royal Mail’s official database of UK postal addresses and their postcodes.
Postcode: A postcode is an alphanumeric code used by Royal Mail to sort and route mail to a small group of addresses in the UK.
Postcode area: A postcode area is the one or two letters at the start of a postcode, such as M for Manchester or EH for Edinburgh.