Ordnance Survey AddressBase
Ordnance Survey AddressBase is a complete address data product in the UK. As of August 2024, the file contains over 40 million unique property reference numbers (UPRNs) linked to individual addresses and locations. AddressBase allows companies to standardise and validate addresses with a high degree of accuracy, optimising operational efficiency and improving customer interactions.
Introduction
What it is:
Ordnance Survey AddressBase is a comprehensive database which contains all known addresses and location details in the UK, each linked to a Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN). The UPRN is a unique identifier for every addressable location in the UK, enabling exact location matching and address verification. AddressBase is vital for companies seeking to maintain accurate and structured address data, improving communication, service delivery, and location-based analytics.
Legal Compliance
Relevant Regulations:
Utilising the AddressBase data ensures companies comply with data accuracy requirements under regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which promotes data accuracy and compliance.
Compliance Benefits:
By holding accurate address information through the use of UPRN data from AddressBase, businesses can reduce the likelihood of potential issues related to undeliverable mail, making sure they are complying with data accuracy standards and improving their operational credibility. This is particularly beneficial for industries with strict location and identity validation needs.
Benefits for Businesses
Operational Benefits:
AddressBase improves data accuracy in address data by reducing the likelihood of undeliverable or returned mail and enhancing the effectiveness of mailing operations.
Reputational Benefits:
All businesses should ensure they are using correct address information as this helps to maintain a positive brand image as all mailed communications reach the intended recipients, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Financial Benefits:
Utilising AddressBase data to ensure that all contact lists contain accurate address data reduces the costs associated with undelivered mail and returned items, leading to increased ROI and reduced costs in mailing operations.
Data Collection
Sources of Information:
AddressBase data is maintained and supplied by Ordnance Survey and the data is collected from:
- Local authorities and government agencies
- Data from Royal Mail and other postal service updates
- Regular changes, updates, and new addresses registered across the UK
Data Accuracy and Updates:
AddressBase data is updated regularly, typically monthly, to ensure that the information available is as up to date as possible. Regular updates ensures that companies have access to the most current address information available.
Application and Usage
Use Cases:
Businesses use UPRN data from AddressBase to validate and standardise address data within their CRM systems, so they have the most current and accurate information for their customers. This is essential to improve the accuracy of direct mail campaigns and enable effective delivery of products and communications.
Implementation:
Companies can integrate AddressBase data into their address management systems, either through direct database integration or via data cleansing services, to routinely check and update their address lists. This helps maintain the quality and efficiency of business communications and mailing operation. This ultimately helps simplify service delivery and enhances location-based decision-making.
