GB2477306A

GB2477306A - Assigning postal addresses

Info

Publication number: GB2477306A
Application number: GB1001413A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mohammed Saleh Taher Benten
Original assignee: SAUDI POST
Current assignee: SAUDI POST
Priority date: 2010-01-29
Filing date: 2010-01-29
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Also published as: GB201001413D0

Abstract

A national postal address, comprises:(a) a zipcode formed from five digits which in turn subdivide a territority or geographical area into postal regions, postal sectors within each region, postal branches within each sector, postal divisions within each postal branch and postal quarters within each postal division according to geographical location in the postal division relative to a pre-determined axis point 28 of the postal sector; and(b) a building address number comprising:(i) a parcel number based on a local coordinate system defining the location of the parcel;(ii) a building number based on the location of the building in the local coordinate system and its position in relation to a road on which it is located, taking into account the direction of the road; and optionally(iii) a unit number indicative of specific residential or business premises within the building. The coordinate system may be based upon the World Coordinate System of Universal Transverse Mercator.

Description

METHOD OF ASSIGNING POSTAL ADDRESSES

Technical field

[0001]This invention relates o methods for assigning postal addresses.

In particular, i provides methods for assigning numerical addresses in a unique manner that identify the geographical location of an address.

Background art

[0002]The generation of postal addresses can be particularly complex. In many countries, the address includes a combination of city names, street names and sree numbers. Code numbers such as zipcodes can also be used bu these generally only indicate a particular region and cannot identify a single building. Where road and city infrasrucure is many years old, such addresses are often well-mapped and indexed. However, where infrasrucure is new, and/or where there is major expansion of addresses, the addition of addresses can be problematic. Also, changes in city or road names can cause problems as can addition of buildings within existing address boundaries.

[0003] Because of these problems, i is also often difficuft for compuerised systems o located addresses unambiguously, sometimes needing a user o select from a range of possible addresses before i is possible o provide an unambiguous location for the address in question.

[0004] Even when combined with GPS data, i can be difficuft o locate physical addresses using the postal address alone, leading o delay or irregularity in delivery of goods or services.

[0005]ft is an object of this invention o provide a method of assigning addresses that allows a unique numerical address o be generated for each postal address in a manner that ties the address code number o the geographical location in a logical manner.

Disclosure of the invention

[0006]A first aspect of this invention provides a method of assigning a naionaI posaI address, comprising: (a) creating a zipcode comprising: (i) a single digit postal region number that is defined for a predetermined sub-division of the national erriory in which the address is located; (ii) a single digit postal sector number that is defined for a predetermined sub-division of a postal region according o is geographical location within the postal region; (iii) a single digit postal branch number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal sector according o is geographical location relative to a pre-deermined axis point of the posaI sector; (iv) a single digit postal division number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal branch according o is geographical location relative to a pre-deermined axis point of the posaI sector; and (v) a single digit postal quarter number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal division according to is geographical location in the postal division relative o a pre-determined axis point of the postal sector; and (b) creating a building address number comprising: (i) a parcel number based on a local coordinate system defining the location of the parcel; (ii) a building number based on the location of the building in the local coordinate system and is position in relation o a road on which i is located, taking into account the direction of the road; and optionally (iii) a unit number indicative of specific residential or business premises within the building.

[0007]The postal regions can be defined according o existing adminisraive divisions, road networks and geographical features.

[0008]In one embodiment, each postal region is divided into a maximum of eight postal sectors according o existing adminisraive divisions, geographical features, assigned financial resources for posaI services, and population density and disribuion. The pool of assignable numbers can be sub-divided according o predetermined geographical considerations.

[0009] Each postal sector can be divided into a maximum number of posaI branches, for example eight branches per sector. The axis point of the sector can be a major road crossing point, or the location of a major city in the sector. Assignment of branch numbers can be according o distance from the axis point and the pool of branch numbers can also be sub-divided for branches on opposite sides of the axis point.

[0010] Each postal branch can be divided into a number of postal divisions. The geographical size of the divisions can be subsanially equal or can differ according o geographical features or population density. The divisions can be defined by the road network of the postal branch. Numbers can be assigned according o distance of the division from the axis point.

[0011]Each postal division can be divided into a number of postal quarters, for example up o nine quarters. The geographical size of the quarters can be selected from a number of predetermined sizes according o population or building density. The quarters can be defined by the road network of the postal branch. Numbers can be assigned according o distance of the quarter from the axis point.

[0012]The local coordinate system used for parcel numbering can be based on a system such as the World Coordinate System of Universal Transverse Mercator. The number can be derived by obtaining the coordinate value of the cenroid of the parcel and subracing the minimum coordinate value of the postal quarter in which i is located. The derivation of the number may also involve addition or subracion of factors o the x and y coordinates according o the size of the quarter.

[0013]The building number can be obtained from the x or y coordinate of the building according o the direction of the road on which the building is located, and which side of the road on which the building is located.

[0014]The method according o the invention can be implemented within a web-based system for identifying the physical location of an address based on is numerical address obtained by this method.

[0015] Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following

description.

Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Figure 1 shows the srucure of a zipcode generated by the method of the invention; Figure 2 shows the disribuion of postal sectors in the Commercial Capital Sector; Figure 3 shows the allocation of branch numbers within a landlocked sector; Figures 4 and 5 show the allocation of branch numbers within coastal sectors; Figure 6 shows the disribuion of divisions within a branch; Figures 7 and 8 show the allocation of parcel numbers in relation o position on roads; and Figures 9 and 10 show the determination of principal direction for angled roads.

Mode(s) for carrying out the invention [0017]This invention will be described in relation o a unified national addressing system as a mechanism for creating postal addresses for each location inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which contains all address including a building number and additional numbers using a local co-ordinate system that is consisen with the World Co-ordinate System.

[0018]The method according o the invention is based on the generation of a five cell zipcode 12 expressed as a five digit number. As shown in Figure 1, the digit in each cell has a meaning, representing a spatial area and indicating a specific geographical space inside the Kingdom. The five cells comprise respectively a region number 14, a sector number 16, a branch number 18, a division number 20 and a quarter number 22. The number assigned o each of the five cells are atIribued according o the rules as given below.

[0019]The first digit 14 of the zipcode number reIaes o the postal region. The entire Kingdom is divided into eight key regions on the basis of adminisraive divisions that already exist in the Kingdom and also considering the disribuion of the road network and geographical feaWres. Thus, the Postal Regions are become as shown in Table 1 below: Table 1 Postal Regions

POSTAL REGION DMINISTRATIVE AREAS COVERED

1 RIYADH 2 MAKKAH AL MUKARRAMAH 3 EASTERN REGION

I MADINAH AL MUNAWWARAH AND TABW

L QASIM AND HAIL

6 SIR, NAJRAN AND AL BAHA 7 NORTHERN FRONTIER AND AL JAWF 8 1AZAN [0020]The second digit 16 of the zipcode number relates o the postal sector. All postal regions are divided into sectors. Each region is divided into a maximum of eight sectors, the numbers for which are defined according o the rules se ou below.

[0021]Secor number 1 is reserved for the use of the government sector or for future special services.

[0022] Referring o the Commercial Capital Sector as shown in Figure 2, the sectors located in the southern pare of the Commercial Capital Sector south of the regional capital 2 take even numbers 4, 6, 8, and those located in the northern pare of the Commercial Capital Sector take odd numbers 3, 5, 7, 9, (Figure 2). The purpose of this kind of disribuion of numbers for sectors is o facilitate easy reach o a postal sector, which is, geographically located in a particular region.

[0023] Factors o be taken into consideration when defining postal sectors include: boundaries of the divisions of adminisraive areas of the Kingdom; natural and geographical factors such as mountains, plains and valleys that fall between the adminisraive areas; economic resources available in a region for providing services such as mail disribuion; and population density and its disribuion over the sectors.

[0024]The third digit of the zipcode relates o the postal branch 18. All posaI sectors are divided into branches, the numbers for which are defined according o the rules se ou below.

[0025]As with the sectors, branch number 1 is reserved for the use of the government sector or for future special services.

[0026]The sectors are divided into branches taking into considering various factors. The main axis point 24 of each sector is identified in order o provide a basis for the numbering of postal branches.

For landlocked cities, the main axis point can be a major road inersecion close o the geographical centre of the sector. The branches which are located o the west of the axis point 24 take odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9), the number increasing the further west of the axis point. In a corresponding manner, the branches which are located o the ease of the axis point of take even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) the number increasing the further ease of the axis point (Figure 3).

[0027] For littoral and cosal cities, the numbering of the branches is applied according o the arrangement of the sector relative o the bank or coast. For coastal cities with sectors lying parallel o the coastline 26, the numbering of branches in these cities can be numbered from one end of the postal sector o the other. For example, in Figure 4 the numbering sars a the southern end of the sector and increases in the northern direction.

[0028] For sectors that do no lie completely parallel o the coastline 26 the numbering of branches can be disribued with even numbers closer o coastline and odd numbers further from the coastline 26 as is shown in Figure 5.

[0029] When determining the boundaries of the postal branches for all sectors, whether land-locked or coastal (parallel o coastline or extending inland from the coastline), the boundaries of branches are selected o align with the main roads of the sector, if possible, or where i is not, o a lease take into account the position of the main roads on that sector.

[0030]The fourth digit of the zipcode refers o the postal division 20. All posaI branches are divided into divisions, the numbers for which are defined according o the rules se ou below.

[0031]Each branch can be divided into a maximum of nine divisions. The posaI divisions are defined so as o be approximately equal in size. Variations in size may exist for reasons of geographical factors existing between postal divisions and/or in relation o the population density for the area.

[0032]The postal divisions are defined on the basis of main streets and side srees as shown in Figure 6.

[0033] Divisions are allocated numbers based on the position relative o the axis point 28 of the sector. For example, the division located closest o the axis point taking the lowest number, the number increasing for divisions progressively further from the axis point as shown in Figure 6.

[0034]The fifth and final digit of the zipcode number refers o the postal quarter 22. Each division can be divided into a maximum of nine quarters. The postal quarters are defined so as o be of a predetermined area. The maximum size of the quarter is no more than a 4x4 kilometre square. This size may be reduced o a maximum of a 2x2 kilometre square for more populated areas. If the area is highly crowded with buildings, the maximum size may be a lxi kilometer square.

[OO35]Quarers are allocated numbers based on the position relative o the axis point of the sector. For example, the quarter located closest o the axis point taking the lowest number, the number increasing for quarters progressively further from the axis point.

[0036]The boundaries of quarters are in accordance with the classes of roads contained in the division, aligning firstly with expressways and main roads, then with main srees and side streets and finally with minor srees.

[0037] Once a zipcode has been created in the manner described above, a special postal address can be created for each building or location within this zipcode on the basis of rules described below.

[0038] In order o create a unified postal addressing system, a local co- ordinate system has been created on the basis of the World Co-ordinate System of Universal Transverse Mercator with the data of WGS-i984 (UTM WGS-84) for the respective zone for each city.

[0039]The first pare of this address is the parcel number, the parcel being a part of the postal quarter. This is obtained by calculating the distance between the centre point (cenroid) of the parcel and the base point of the area covered by the relevant zipcode (i.e. the quarter). To do this, the minimum co-ordinate of the zipcode/quarer is subraced from the co-ordinate of each parcel cenroid. This provides values for all parcels in the zipcode which are then numbered with the local coordinates in the manner described below.

[0040] 2000 is added o the longitude (X) value obtained after subracing the minimum X co-ordinate of zipcode and X co-ordinate of the parcel cenroid (o the nearest absolute value). In this way the maximum value of longitude (X) for the parcel will no exceed more than 5999 as the maximum dimension of the zipcode/quarer is 4000 meter as is described above.

[0041]6000 is added o the laiude (Y) value obtained after subracing the minimum Y co-ordinate of zipcode and Y co-ordinate of the parcel cenroid (o the nearest absolute value). In this way the maximum value of laiude (Y) for the parcel will no exceed more than 9999 as the maximum dimension of the zipcode/quarer is 4000 meter as is described above.

[0042]This provides a base local coordinate for each parcel. This base coordinate can be used o create a specific number for each building according o the classification system described below.

Each building has a local coordinate in this system [0043] For the class of buildings which face a road 30 extending in an eas/wes direction, the X co-ordinate is take as the primary number. If the building is on the right hand side S when facing the ease direction of the road (i.e. the south side), i takes an odd number (obtained by adding or subracing 1 from the building X coordinate if i is no already an odd number). Therefore, the primary numbers of these buildings will be an odd number between 2000 and 5999. The Y co-ordinate is taken as an additional number for these buildings (see Figure 7). If the building is on the left hand side N when facing the ease direction of the road (i.e. the north side), i takes an even number (obtained by adding or subracing 1 from the building X coordinate if i is no already an even number). Therefore, the primary numbers of these buildings will be an even number between 2000 and 5999. The Y co-ordinate is taken as an additional number for these buildings (see Figure 7).

[0044] For the class of buildings which face a road 32 extending in a north/south direcUon, the Y co-ordinate is taken as the primary number. If the building is on the right hand side E when facing the north direction of the road (i.e. the ease side), i takes an odd number (obtained by adding or subracing 1 from the building Y coordinate if i is no already an odd number). Therefore, the primary numbers of these buildings will be an odd number between 6000 and 9999. The X co-ordinate is taken as an additional number for these buildings (see Figure 8). If the building is on the left hand side W when facing the north direction of the road (i.e. the west side), i takes an even number (obtained by adding or subtracting 1 from the building Y coordinate if i is no already an even number). Therefore, the primary numbers of these buildings will be an even number between 6000 and 9999.

The X co-ordinate is taken as an addiionaI number for these buildings (see Figure 8).

[0045] For parcels facing a diagonal road, i is first necessary o calculate the angle of the deviation of the road from an eas/wes datum W-E o decide whether the principal direction of the road 34 is north/south or eas/wes. If the angle a of the deviation of the road 34N is between 45° and 135° i is considered a north/south road (see Figure 9); if no i is considered as an eas/wes road 34E (see Figure 10). Once the principal direction has been determined, the rules se ou above for allocation of parcel numbers can be applied.

[0046] For parcels facing wo roads (parcel located in a corner), classification follows the rules below.

[0047] Where the roads have differing saus (main/expressway, main street, side sree, eec.), the parcel takes the classification of the highest saus road road.

[0048] Where the wo roads have the same saus, the road in which the parcel covers more area is taken a the cIassificaion of the parcel.

[0049] Where the wo roads have the same saus and the parcel covers the same area in each, the road in which the main door or access of the building is located is taken a the classification of the parcel.

[0050] If the parcel is located in a road with an exact angle of 450 either road can be selected for classification.

[005 1]The number for local co-ordinates typically refer he centre of the building or parcel. However, any value within the area of the parcel can be taken with the condition that the value should no pass beyond of the boundary of the parcel in question.

[0052] Where buildings containing a group of residential of business units, serial numbering is applied o each unit as necessary.

[0053]Applicaion of the method described above allow a unique address number o be provided for all postal locations within a erriory in a way that allows the geographical location to be easily located.

[0054]The method of the invention may also be implemented in a web site o allow the geographical location o be pinpointed by means of a map or photograph. By inpuWng the address code, the location can be determined from the rules se ou above and a visual indication generated.

[0055] Various changes within the scope of the invention will be apparent.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of assigning a national postal address, comprising: (a) creating a zipcode comprising: (i) a single digit postal region number that is defined for a predetermined sub-division of the national territory in which the address is located; (ii) a single digit postal sector number that is defined for a predetermined sub-division of a postal region according to its geographical location within the postal region; (iii) a single digit postal branch number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal sector according to its geographical location relative to a pre-determined axis point of the postal sector; (iv) a single digit postal division number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal branch according to its geographical location relative to a pre-determined axis point of the postal sector; and (v) a single digit postal quarter number that is defined for a pre-determined sub-division of a postal division according to its geographical location in the postal division relative to a pre-determined axis point of the postal sector; and (b) creating a building address number comprising: (i) a parcel number based on a local coordinate system defining the location of the parcel; (ii) a building number based on the location of the building in the local coordinate system and its position in relation to a road on which it is located, taking into account the direction of the road; and optionally (iii) a unit number indicative of specific residential or business premises within the building.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the postal regions are defined according to existing administrative divisions, road networks and geographical features.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each postal region is divided into a maximum of eight postal sectors according to existing administrative divisions, geographical features, assigned financial resources for postal services, and population density and distribution.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the postal sector numbers are distributed according to predetermined geographical considerations.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each postal sector is divided into a maximum number of postal branches.
6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the axis point of the sector is a major road crossing point, or the location of a major city in the sector.
7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein branch numbers are assigned according to distance from the axis point.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein branch numbers are assigned according to position on opposite sides of the axis point.
9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the geographical size of the postal divisions are substantially equal or differ according to geographical features or population density.
1O.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the postal divisions are defined by the road network of the postal branch in which they are located.
11.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein postal division numbers are assigned according to distance of the postal division from the axis point.
12.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the geographical size of the quarters is selected from a number of predetermined sizes according to population or building density.
13.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the postal quarters are defined by the road network of the postal branch.
14.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein postal quarter numbers are assigned according to distance of the quarter from the axis point of the postal sector in which it is located.
15.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the local coordinate system used for parcel numbering is based on the World Coordinate System of Universal Transverse Mercator.
16.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the parcel number is derived by obtaining the coordinate value of the centroid of the parcel and subtracting the minimum coordinate value of the postal quarter in which it is located.
17.A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the derivation of the parcel number involve addition or subtraction of factors to the x and y coordinates according to the size of the quarter.
18.A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the building number is obtained from the x or y coordinate of the building according to the direction of the road on which the building is located, and which side of the road on which the building is located.
19.A web-based system for identifying the physical location of an address based on its numerical address obtained by a method according to any preceding claim.
20.A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the physical location is displayed on a map or aerial photograph.