How Geocoder and Search 7 Determines Location of Large-Area Postal Codes

Have you ever wondered which location (latitude, longitude) is returned when GS7 is used to geocode a postal code that covers a large area? This article explains the logic behind the position selection.

When geocoding a postal code that spans a large area, GS7 applies a hierarchical fallback mechanism to determine the most representative location:

1. City POI of the Largest City/District: The primary position is based on the Point of Interest (POI) of the biggest city or district within the postal code.
2. HERE Postal Code Boundaries Layer: If a city POI is not available, GS7 falls back to the position derived from HERE Postal Code Boundaries layer content.
3. Street Section Closest to Geometric Center: If neither of the above options is available, GS7 uses the display-position of the street section closest to the geometric center of the postal code.

This KB article was last updated with the latest available information on December 5, 2025.