> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.metalocator.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Improving location data with the Geocoder

MetaLocator's **Geocoder** can be used to update incomplete address information such as missing county names, or inconsistent data such as states entered as both "WI" and "Wisconsin".

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/6/2/3/9623139c1e46d800/8e4ba8f1-69c4-48ca-85b9-127c02_1hii2sw.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/757061066/b930a0975cabc6c8f27dbfd6/image.png?expires=1794512700&signature=f22db56925cafbd41f915db52b9fbcf9fedb5b572847e056edbdf6bfd9fd5315&req=cyUgFs9%2FnYdZFb4f3HP0gBpekVjixO2OBYfTx7Mtw%2BfXaaZEa%2BYwrkJNzs4G%0AdEvMvEdwAe7B7t2DuA%3D%3D%0A)

If your data is incomplete, or inconsistent, you can use MetaLocator to update the

* City
* State
* Country
* County
* Postal Code

fields with the data provided by the geocoder.

It is good to create an export of your data before proceeding with the Update Address While Geocoding function in case there is a need to revert certain records.

To begin geocoding and standardize your data:

1. Select **Geocoder** tab in MetaLocator
2. Click the **Update Address While Geocoding** option in the upper left of the **Geocoder**
3. Select **Start Geocoding** in the upper right.

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/9/f/b/e9fbc9065a990000/badce7ae-ac43-4564-be42-c23bf9_9eldds.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/757061659/6c0c1e99f1941764d52d0f0f/image.png?expires=1794512700&signature=511f248b12db972c8fcdc211688c091a03a3ac7d5332350dd204e6e978499b59&req=cyUgFs9%2Fm4RWFb4f3HP0gJBGGGPlJOw7NTatUsnO%2BpMX202Zd5%2BlHHRXTPd%2F%0Aq49lsuwgd6yq%2FVHnkw%3D%3D%0A)

If your data spans multiple countries, it is important to [provide an accurate TLD](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/geocoding) for each row.  While not 100% required, it will ensure the correct bias is provided to the geocoder since address can be duplicated from country to country.  E.g. there is a 123 Main St. in both the United Kingdom and Canada, and the United States.   This data can be imported by providing a TLD column in your import spreadsheet.

The updated addresses will appear under **All Records** for each location.

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/5/3/1/6531def34c550000/22c930f6-18ad-4396-9f69-a01c80_1ef3dyy.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/757062064/e8759295f7376585df009ebb/image.png?expires=1794512700&signature=c8f997be3aa5fed3d69677fd753a5ddb06d0d12294176d6a6837b9de5e4269f0&req=cyUgFs98nYdbFb4f3HP0gF%2FCl2YxpJRXAUNtJ%2BplmsvgrfGfc6oRqRIVkm6B%0AUSuQsLarGpyCG19Nng%3D%3D%0A)