Adding Geocoding Functionality to Convert Addresses to Coordinates

[limwualice]

Issue Description:
As part of our data processing pipeline, we need to convert addresses to longitude and latitude coordinates. This will allow us to perform spatial analysis and visualization based on the location data. We can leverage geocoding services to achieve this functionality.

Proposed Solution:

• Choose a geocoding service provider: We need to select a reliable and suitable geocoding service provider such as Google Maps Geocoding API, MapQuest Geocoding API, or OpenCage Geocoder.

• Obtain API credentials: Obtain the necessary API credentials (API key or authentication tokens) from the chosen geocoding service provider.

• Implement geocoding function: Create a function that takes an address as input and uses the geocoding service to retrieve the latitude and longitude coordinates for that address.

• Integrate geocoding function: Integrate the geocoding function into our data processing pipeline, applying it to the relevant address columns in our data.

• Test and handle edge cases: Thoroughly test the geocoding functionality, considering cases where the geocoding service may not return results or when addresses are invalid or ambiguous.

• Update documentation: Update the project documentation to include instructions on how to obtain geocoding API credentials and incorporate the geocoding functionality into the data processing workflow.

Additional Considerations:

Rate limits and usage restrictions: Be aware of any rate limits or usage restrictions imposed by the chosen geocoding service provider. Implement appropriate strategies, such as batching requests or implementing caching mechanisms, to stay within the service's limitations.
Error handling: Implement robust error handling and logging mechanisms to capture any errors that may occur during geocoding and address any issues promptly.

Related Tasks:

Obtain API credentials from the chosen geocoding service provider.
Implement the geocoding function to convert addresses to coordinates.
Integrate the geocoding function into the data processing pipeline.
Test the geocoding functionality with various address scenarios.
Update project documentation with instructions on using the geocoding functionality.

Expected Deliverables:

Geocoding function to convert addresses to coordinates.
Updated data processing pipeline with integrated geocoding functionality.
Project documentation with instructions on obtaining API credentials and using the geocoding feature.

Resources:
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/geocoding/overview