Determining an Optimal Database Design for Global Street Addresses

As a programmer, you face the challenge of designing a database to store street address information from various countries around the world. This article explores the possibilities and provides a practical approach for achieving this goal.

Common Database Structure for Global Addresses

While street addresses vary across countries, certain common elements exist. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) provides standardized address data for numerous countries, including fields such as:

• Address Line (x4)
• Locality
• Region
• Postal Code
• Country

Field Delimitation

Each address line can accommodate specific components, including:

• Building
• Sub-Building
• House/Premise Number
• Thoroughfare
• Sub-Thoroughfare
• Sub-Locality

While three address lines are often sufficient, additional lines can be employed as needed. Commas serve as effective line separators.

Simplified Data Entry

Enforce essential fields (e.g., locality, postal code, country) while allowing flexibility for optional ones (e.g., region). This approach simplifies data entry and caters to geographic variance.

Locality Considerations

Clarity is crucial when defining locality. Distinguish between map locality and postal locality, which may differ based on postal authority decisions. However, the postal code resolves discrepancies to ensure accurate delivery of mail.