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On the wrong side of the tracts? Evaluating the accuracy of geocoding in public health research

Author

Listed:
  • Krieger, N.
  • Waterman, P.
  • Lemieux, K.
  • Zierler, S.
  • Hogan, J.W.

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to determine the accuracy of geocoding for public health databases. Methods. A test file of 70 addresses, 50 of which involved errors, was generated, and the file was geocoded to the census tract and block group levels by 4 commercial geocoding firms. Also, the "real world" accuracy of the best-performing firm was evaluated. Results. Accuracy rotes in regard to geocoding of the test file ranged from 44% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32%, 56%) to 84% (95% CI=73%, 92%). The geocoding firm identified as having the best accuracy rate correctly geocoded 96% of the addresses obtained from the public health databases. Conclusions. Public health studies involving geocoded databases should evaluate and report on methods used to verify accuracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Krieger, N. & Waterman, P. & Lemieux, K. & Zierler, S. & Hogan, J.W., 2001. "On the wrong side of the tracts? Evaluating the accuracy of geocoding in public health research," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(7), pages 1114-1116.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2001:91:7:1114-1116_6
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    Cited by:

    1. Nicholas Malizia, 2013. "Inaccuracy, Uncertainty and the Space-Time Permutation Scan Statistic," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(2), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Sundquist, Kristina & Theobald, Holger & Yang, Min & Li, Xinjun & Johansson, Sven-Erik & Sundquist, Jan, 2006. "Neighborhood violent crime and unemployment increase the risk of coronary heart disease: A multilevel study in an urban setting," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(8), pages 2061-2071, April.
    3. Ana Isabel Ribeiro & Andreia Olhero & Hugo Teixeira & Alexandre Magalhães & Maria Fátima Pina, 2014. "Tools for Address Georeferencing – Limitations and Opportunities Every Public Health Professional Should Be Aware Of," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(12), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Jared A. Fisher & Maya Spaur & Ian D. Buller & Abigail R. Flory & Laura E. Beane Freeman & Jonathan N. Hofmann & Michael Giangrande & Rena R. Jones & Mary H. Ward, 2021. "Spatial Heterogeneity in Positional Errors: A Comparison of Two Residential Geocoding Efforts in the Agricultural Health Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-13, February.
    5. Phillips, Ghasi S. & Wise, Lauren A. & Rich-Edwards, Janet W. & Stampfer, Meir J. & Rosenberg, Lynn, 2009. "Income incongruity, relative household income, and preterm birth in the Black Women's Health Study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(12), pages 2122-2128, June.
    6. Root, Elisabeth Dowling & Meyer, Robert E. & Emch, Michael E., 2009. "Evidence of localized clustering of gastroschisis births in North Carolina, 1999-2004," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(8), pages 1361-1367, April.

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