SERVICES
Geocoding
FAQ’s
Can RATA geocode records in US territories?
RATA is one of the few companies nationwide able to geocode records in the US territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. We use proprietary geocoders designed by RATA since commercial geocoders ignore these areas.
What is RATA's Geocoding fallback hierarchy?
RATA will always attempt to obtain Absolute Match values for all addresses being processed. If an address is not unable to be assigned an Absolute Match after manual interaction, then fallback methods will be utilized. RATA will always return the most precise fallback value that can be determined for a particular address (ZIP+4, ZIP+2, 5 digit ZIP). All records containing fallback values will be assigned Geocode precision codes so that they might be reviewed, corrected and re-geocoded.
Why aren't RAM records eligible for the $50,000 guaranty?
RATA is able to offer the $50,000 guaranty on the GeoPlus product, because RATA has control of the overall file precision levels. Since RAM files only range from 10 - 20% of a customers file, RATA cannot guaranty how the other 80 - 90% the values were obtained, or if they are correct. Although we do not offer the $50,000 guaranty, we will justify or defend any values that might be questioned along the way.
Can RATA Geocode Rural Routes and P.O. Boxes?
RATA can correctly geocode Rural Routes in most cases. Many geocoders will assign values that correlate to the Post Office that does the delivery, but our process involves data that can in most cases geocode more closely to the actual property location on the Rural Route itself! As for PO Boxes, RATA's process in most cases returns the geocode values for the Post Office location itself, since this is where the PO Box resides. In fallback situations, both the Rural Route and PO Box matches can result in a centroid of the ZIP code in cases where data are simply not available.
Why is GeoPlus right for Compliance Applications?
Regulators emphasize that the starting point of CRA and HMDA compliance is good quality data. The single most important aspect of data quality is how well it is geocoded. RATA Associates, LLC has assisted lending institutions since 1989 in complying with HMDA and CRA needs. We are recognized among all regulatory agencies as an experienced and professional service bureau whose geocoding results can be trusted. When you use RATA's Service Geocoding you will:
- Be spared the substantial time required to interactively or manually match addresses to the correct census tract.
- No longer need to rely on Zip Code centroiding to assign a census tract.
- Be confident that your next exam's geocoding results will meet all regulatory requirements.
- Have more time to focus on analyzing your data.
How does GeoPlus Work?
GeoPlus is the optimal solution for CRA and HMDA geocoding. The Comply™ Suite allows you to easily transmit address files to RATA's geocoding facility in Florida and electronically receive them back geocoded and ready to use in the Comply™ Suite for analysis and submission.
Using a proprietary methodology developed and improved over the last 10 years of regulatory reporting, RATA takes your address files and returns the highest precision-level geocode possible for each individual address (MSA, FIPS State, FIPS County and Census Tract). The addresses are processed as follows:
- All addresses are standardized using both U.S. Postal Service CASS certified software and manual techniques.
- All addresses are processed through a thirteen-stage process designed to maximize the number of accurate matches.
The fact that GeoPlus meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements allows RATA to offer the "GeoPlus Guaranty" that your institution will not be fined for Geocode related issues!
