BC Address Geocoder

Last updated on March 12, 2024

The BC Address Geocoder is an application programming interface (API) web service. It can be integrated into existing applications to find physical locations, with latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. Use the BC Address Geocoder for reliable, inclusive, and low-cost geocoding solutions for location analysis and data-driven decision-making. 

Why use the BC Address Geocoder?  

  • Easy integration: Apply the API to your existing applications  
  • Comprehensive data sources: Uses high quality location and address data  
  • Inclusive of British Columbia: Holds data for rural and remote areas  
  • Standardization: Avoid confusion by using standardized civic and non-civic addresses across British Columbia 
  • Multiple functions: Resolves physical locations, supports batch geocoding, finds parcel IDs, and more  
  • Reverse geocoding: Use lateral and longitudinal coordinates to find the closest address  
  • No cost: Free for core ministries within BC Government and organizations outside BC government  

Access the BC Address Geocoder  

The BC Address Geocoder is free for core ministries and organizations outside BC Government. Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to arrange access to this web service. 

REST API Console 

This API conducts address cleaning, correction, completion, geocoding, reverse geocoding, and proximity resources for intersection addresses, physical addresses and their occupants in British Columbia. 

Access the REST API Console

Address List Editor

Copy and paste a list of up to 1000 addresses to geocode.

Access the Address List Editor

Batch Geocoder (Restricted Access) 

Geocode a large set of addresses to return their physical locations. An IDIR account is required to access this feature or you can request access here.

Access the Batch Geocoder

Physical Address Viewer in Google Earth 

Use our address viewer through Google Earth’s platform.

Access the Physical Address Viewer

Common uses 

The BC Address Geocoder can be used in many different situations. Here are some examples of common uses from current clients:  

  • Geocoding addresses  
  • Emergency planning and response  
  • Academic research  
  • Standardizing Addresses, Data Cleansing, and Validation
  • Visualizing addresses on a map
  • Reverse Geocoding

Additional resources 

Acknowledgements

  1. The British Columbia Assessment Authority for providing property addresses. 
  2. City of Chilliwack and Township of Langley for providing individual addresses provided under their respective Open Data licenses. 
  3. The Integrated Cadastral Information Society for providing individual addresses on behalf of local government members. 
  4. The B.C. Digital Road Atlas Program for providing road centrelines and localities. 
  5. The BC Geographical Names Information System for providing place names. 
  6. ParcelMap BC Parcel Fabric for providing the parcel geometry. 
  7. The Geographic Sites Registry for providing locations that are important to government carrying out business. 
  8. Various Open licensed software packages listed here