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Using the Address Validation Map

FlowForth includes a built-in address validation feature that checks whether a location's address can be found and displays it on an interactive map. This helps ensure your location data is accurate and enables map-based visualization for route planning.

How Address Validation Works​

When you click Validate Address on a location, FlowForth sends the address to a geocoding service (powered by OpenStreetMap) to look it up. If the address is found, the service returns the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), which are saved to the location record.

What Gets Validated​

The geocoding service uses the following address fields to find the location:

  • Street Address
  • Address Line 2 (if provided)
  • Postal Code
  • City
  • Country

If the address cannot be found with all fields, FlowForth will automatically retry without the Address Line 2 field, since building or apartment details can sometimes prevent a match.

Validating an Address​

From the Location Detail Page​

  1. Open a location's detail page.
  2. Click the Validate Address button.
  3. If the address is found:
    • A green checkmark appears indicating the address was validated successfully.
    • The latitude and longitude coordinates are displayed.
    • An interactive map preview appears showing the location with a marker.
  4. If the address is not found, you'll see a message indicating the address could not be validated. Try adjusting the address fields and validating again.

Address validation map with marker and coordinates

Address validation map with marker and coordinates

From the Add Location Form​

You can also validate the address while creating a new location:

  1. Fill in the address fields on the add location form.
  2. Click Validate Address before saving.
  3. Review the map preview to confirm the address is correct.
  4. Save the location — the coordinates will be stored along with the other details.

The Map Preview​

When an address is successfully validated, an interactive map is displayed using OpenStreetMap tiles. The map shows:

  • A marker pinpointing the validated location.
  • The street-level view (zoom level 16) centered on the coordinates.
  • The latitude and longitude values displayed to 6 decimal places.

You can close the map preview by clicking the close button.

Map preview with marker and coordinate display

Map preview with marker and coordinate display

Automatic Geocoding​

In addition to manual validation, FlowForth automatically geocodes locations in the background:

  • On creation — When a new location is created, it is automatically queued for geocoding.
  • On address change — When you update a location's address, the coordinates are refreshed automatically.
  • During import — Locations created or updated via bulk import are automatically queued for geocoding.

Background geocoding happens asynchronously, so coordinates may take a few moments to appear after creating or updating a location.

Tips for Successful Validation​

  • Be specific — Include the street number along with the street name for more accurate results.
  • Use standard formatting — Write addresses in the conventional format for the country (e.g., "Keizersgracht 123" for Dutch addresses).
  • Check the country — Make sure the correct country is selected, as this significantly affects geocoding accuracy.
  • Simplify if needed — If validation fails, try removing the Address Line 2 field or simplifying the street address.
  • Verify on the map — Always review the map marker position to confirm the geocoded location matches the actual address.
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Address validation uses the OpenStreetMap Nominatim geocoding service. While highly accurate for most European addresses, some very new streets or rural addresses may not be found. In these cases, you can still create the location without validated coordinates.

See also​

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