Searching With QAS Pro - QAS.com

Which Search Method Should I Use?It is strongly recommended that you integrate Typedown searching as the primarysearching method, and use Single Line searching as a secondary option,especially if you have multiple datasets. This is because Typedown provides aconsistent method of entering search information across all datasets (for example,a postal/ZIP code followed by a street name), and reduces the likelihood of errorsby verifying data as it is entered.While Single Line searching allows you to enter any combination of addresselements, you need some knowledge of each dataset's address information inorder to decide which part of the address will return the most search results, andhence provide optimum performance. For example, entering a postal code for aUK address will return an average of fifteen possible full address matches.However, an Australian postal code could cover several localities (whichcorresponds to thousands of addresses).Typedown SearchingIn Typedown searching, you start by typing the most general address element (forexample, a postcode, county, town or locality in the United Kingdom) and, oncethat has been found, you move on to more specific parts of the address (forexample, the street name, property number, organisation name or PO Box).QAS Pro API searches on the string that you enter, which can be as little as onecharacter. When you use Typedown searching, QAS Pro will always look for anexact match first. If an exact match is found, and other close matches are belowthe match threshold, all of the matches are returned. However, if the closematches exceed the match threshold, only exact matches are returned.Note that any mixture of upper and lower case characters can be used, as QASPro API does not differentiate between upper and lower case text.It is usually faster and more efficient to type in the postcode or ZIP code, than itis to use other address elements, such as a town name.The following sections describe the types of search you can perform using theTypedown mode.24