Why We Need an Open Geocoding Standard for Logistics

#algorithms #opensource #showdev #sideprojects

And why I built Locations Code
Modern e‑commerce logistics still relies on traditional addresses — a system designed centuries ago for humans, not for automated sorting, routing algorithms, or last‑mile delivery.

The result is predictable: addressing errors cause ~45% of delivery failures, generating customer service overhead, reverse logistics, and lost loyalty.

We need something better.
Something universal, stable, machine‑friendly, and open.

That’s why I built Locations Code.
https://www.locationscode.com

Locations Code converts latitude/longitude into a fixed 8‑character alphanumeric code, with:

global uniqueness
~30m operational precision
no dependency on languages or administrative borders
no proprietary database
reversible encoding
open‑source algorithm

It’s designed specifically for:

e‑commerce logistics
last‑mile delivery
food delivery
emergency situations
warehouse automation
geospatial clustering
market analysis

Locations Code is Occam's Razor applied to logistics:
a single, stable, and technologically validated element removes ambiguities in address descriptions.

Plus Code (compound) is tied to administrative areas
What3words creates a Tower of Babel
Address standardization is a race without a finish line, a dog chasing its tail.
Locations Code takes a different approach:
instead of trying to “fix” addresses, it bypasses them entirely.

The user simply collects the Locations Code of their delivery point (https://www.dove6.it/mobile) once and inserts it into all their orders.
From that moment on, automated sorting and last‑mile delivery know exactly where to go — with zero ambiguity.

A real-world example

In addition to the traditional address, the customer provided the GPS coordinates to reach it — and the Locations Code makes that information usable for logistics.