The chart below illustrates the general relationship between address components in Italy, as well as the associated checkbox in the rating interface. Please note that different modes have slightly different interface but the associated checkboxes indicated in the chart below are common among them.
Use Sub-Locality Checkbox when present to report issues regarding Sub-Localities. If checkbox is not present, continue using “Country specific issue”
Below is a table showing the address components expected for each type of result in Search and Autocomplete.
Expected Address Components
In Italian locale and language users often omit/shorten/modify the way they search for specific results. This impacts on matching between the query and the results. To verify address components such as for examples street numbers with suffix, unit numbers or small localities, use official sources available (postal services, official websites or social pages, secondary relevant services, governmental databases, …), compare the results provided and use your best judgement to evaluate them and rate against results expectation.
Indications in following pages are based on Search, but are shared with other modes. Punctual indication is provided whenever instruction diverge for a specific mode.
Italian users might often drop special characters or the apostrophe when typing a query. Consider the result as matching the query regardless of the presence/lack of special characters in the result.
User query | Result | Rating |
[via primož trubar savogna] | Via Primoz Trubar 34070 Savogna d’Isonzo GO Italia | Navigational: even if the result is located in a bilingual Slovenian-Italian region, the language is Italian, and it should be rated as matching the user query even if the result is missing the correct diacritics. |
[sant alfio catania] | Sant’Alfio 95010 Sant’Alfio CT Italia | Navigational: the result is matching regardless of the missing apostrophe. |
It is common for Italian users to omit or add articles and prepositions to their queries. Articles and prepositions such as “in, di a, il, la, …” and their articulated forms “nel, nella, del, della, …” should be ignored when rating for Relevance, as long as the street name is matching.
User query | Result | Rating |
[piazza san francesco] fresh viewport over Rome | Piazza di San Francesco d’Assisi 00153 Roma Italia | Navigational: the user omitted the preposition “di”, the result is a perfect match. |
[piazza re di roma] fresh viewport over Rome | Piazza dei Re di Roma 00183 Roma Italia | Navigational: the user omitted the preposition “dei”, the result is a perfect match. |
[via crocifer] fresh viewport over Rome | Via dei Crociferi 00187 Roma Italia | Navigational: the user omitted the fn “dei”, the result is a perfect match. |
[piazza dell’unit] fresh viewport in Trieste | Piazza Unità d’Italia 34121 Trieste Italia | Navigational: user added a preposition in street name, result is very prominent match in Trieste. |
Streets named after one or more persons are very common, with or without honorific terms. Users query for this type of streets/addresses in different ways, omitting the first name of the person the street is dedicated to, or using the initial only, or omitting the honorific title. For example, “Via Giuseppe Garibaldi” will frequently be queried as “Via Garibaldi” or “Via G. Garibaldi”. In cases like this, the intent is clear despite mismatches between the name variation used in query and the street name returned.
User Query | Result | Rating |
[viale mazzini rom] | Viale Giuseppe Mazzini 00195 Roma Italia | Navigational: the result is a perfect match regardless of the missing name in user query. |
[piazza conte di cavour roma] | Piazza Cavour 00193 Roma Italia | Navigational: the result matches the intent regardless the missing first name and title in the street name returned |
[via s.pacinotti firenze] | Via Antonio Pacinotti 50131 Firenze Italia | Navigational: the query contains a typo. Since Via S. Pacinotti does not exist in Florence, the result is a match regardless the misspelling in the abbreviation. |
It is expected that users might omit the street type (classifier) as in [Roma Colombo 20] for Via Cristoforo Colombo 20 Roma, or type the wrong street type in their queries, for example using Via instead Viale or Vicolo.
Consider it primary intent if a result with the same street name but a different street type exists close to the fresh viewport/user location, and the closest result with the same street type is located considerably further away. However, if a less common street type (as Vicolo, Largo, Strada comunale) is entered by the user, then it’s less likely for the more common street type (as “Via”) to be the primary user intent. The result with the uncommon street type should be considered the primary user intent.
User query | Result | Rating |
[via fratelli alinari] fresh viewport in Florence | Largo Fratelli Alinari 50123 Firenze Italia | Navigational: the closer match to the street type entered by the user is in Montevarchi, 50km away from Florence. The result in the fresh viewport is considered a match regardless of the street type. |
[via tysandros 1] | Lungomare Tysandros 1 98035 Giardini di Naxos ME Italia | Navigational: the street name is quite unique and it is expected that the user might not be aware of the infrequent street type “lungomare”. |
[viale gabrie] fresh viewport in Catania | Via Gabriele d’Annunzio 95128 Catania Italia 1^’ | Navigational: the result is a large avenue within fresh viewport, and it’s understandable that users might query it using “Viale” instead of “Via”. This result is a match regardless of the street type. |
Street numbers with a one letter suffix or extension (1A, 1/A, 1 B, 1/B) or a Latin numeral (1 Bis, 1 Ter,…) refer to split properties and should be considered separate street numbers in respect to the full street number (ie. 1). The full street number should not be considered primary intent unless it’s possible to prove that the split number queried does not exist. Since the extensions are used in Italy to mark an access related to a specific street number, it makes sense to apply the rule from global Guidelines 5.1.7. Address-Result Connection. An exception to this are the extensions used for colors in a few cities like Firenze (see Red Numbers chapter 2.4.3 below).
User query | Result | Rating |
[Via Manzoni 203/b, bari] | Via Alessandro Manzoni 203/B 70122 Bari Italia | Navigational: perfect match |
Via Alessandro Manzoni 203 70122 Bari Italia | Good: the result without extension refers to an Association while 203/B is a house. Both located in the same building, applied Address-Result connection | |
[Via Strabone 2/a lodivecchio] | Via Strabone 2 Int. A 28655 Lodi Vecchio LO Italia | Good: The result returned looks correct but in this case the extension is returned as a unit. Address-Result connection applies |
[via s. fermo 18 int 14 padova] | Via San Fermo 18 35137 Padova Italia | Good: The result does not include the unit number requested, so its relevance is rated according to AddressResult connection |
Note on Address Verification mode:
Sometimes in Address verification mode it can happen to see addresses with unexpected formatting in query. In cases like this, use your best judgement to understand if the odd appearance of the address in query can be due to typing mistakes by user. Then, evaluate if the address can be valid and rate trying to consider all the components in query that make sense.
User query | Result | Rating |
B Milano Via Giovanni Battista Piranesi 46, Milano 20137 | Via Giovanni Battista Piranesi 46 20137 Milano Italia | Valid: the unexpected B at the beginning of the query results is likely to be in wrong position. Incorrect – Street number: Number 46/B exists. Address returned is Incorrect as number 46 is returned. |
Merged numbers are more common for business locations, as they are the result of the merge of two previously independent adjacent street numbers (14 and 16) into one single new number (14/16). This new merged number (14/16) should not be confused with the colloquial unit number formulation (as in “14 interno 16”, colloquially queried as “14/16”). When the queried address is proven to be a merged address, please consider a result for either of the two numbers (14 or 16) or the result for the merged number (14/16) itself as matching.
User query | Result | Rating |
[via valtellina 25/27 milano] | Via Valtellina 25 20159 Milano Italia | Navigational: Official website confirms that the address belongs to Alcatraz night club, that owns both the numbers in the query. |
In a few cities (Florence, Genova, Savona) the traditional address system is based on colors other than numbers. On the same street, the same number can appear twice in non-adjacent locations: a black one for residential addresses and a red one for businesses. The color translates in the suffix “R” added to the Red street numbers (as per official postal format). The black/blue numbers have no suffix. For example: Via Porta Rossa 15/R, Firenze is occupied by the restaurant “Casa del Vin Santo” but Via Porta Rossa 15, Firenze is a private house located on the same street but 4 blocks west of the restaurant, between the two businesses with address 63/R and 65/R.
User query | Result | Rating |
[via del corso 25/r firenze] | Via del Corso 25/R 50122 Firenze Italia | Navigational: this address correspond to a coffee place called “Cucciolo Bar Pasticceria” located at 43.7714951,11.2570773, three blocks away from #25. |
[via del corso 25/r firenze] | Via del Corso 25 50122 Firenze Italia | Bad: this result refers to a private house located at 43.7714914, 11.2554238, the western end of Via del Corso in Firenze, not a match with the queried #25/R. |
In some parts of Venice the traditional addressing system with numeration based on the area (Sestiere) is still in place and used, along with the standard one based on streets.
User query | Result | Rating |
[san marco 485] | San Marco 485 20124 Venezia Italia | Navigational: this address matches the queried one, based on areal numeration (Sestiere San Marco + house number 485) |
Campiello del Vin 485 20124 Venezia Italia | Navigational: this address is located in San Marco even though at first look it does not look so as it is using the standard street format instead of the traditional one | |
Calle del Forno 485 30126 Venezia Italia | Bad: the address returned is not located in the area queried ^6 |
Minor spelling mistakes both in the result name for search or in suggestion name for Autocomplete should be marked as Partially Correct for Name Accuracy. Minor spelling errors include incorrect/missing diacritics and apostrophes, spacing or capitalization inaccuracies or unusual abbreviations.
Result name | Correct name | Rating |
Staccoli Caffê | Staccoli Caffè | Partially correct: the result name contains the incorrect diacritics, the name is still recognizable. |
Comune Di Bagnoregio | Comune di Bagnoregio | Partially correct: prepositions in public offices should not be capitalized. |
Azi.Agraria Angeli di Varano | Az. Agraria Angeli di Varano | Partially correct: the abbreviation for “Azienda” is incorrect and a space is missing. Both are minor spelling errors. |
In Italy the official names of Business/POI may contain both the legal name of the Business/POI and the name of the owner. These are normally not necessary but as long as the name of the Business/POI matches the official name t e result is correct.
User query | Result Name | Rating |
[Le Cave del Ceppo Trezzo] | Azienda Agricola Le Cave del Ceppo di Dondoni Raffaele Palmiro | Partially Correct: Official website does not use owners’ names even though correct based on business registry |
Azienda Agricola Le Cave del Ceppo | Correct: As the name of the owner is not necessary, the result is correct without its inclusion as on official website. | |
[Bar] | Bar dello Sport snc di Antonio Terracina | Partially Correct: Official sources confirm the name “Bar dello Sport” but the company type and owner name cannot be verified. |
Many businesses like banks, supermarkets or gas stations have been through merges in the last few years. This can cause discrepancies between sources. User might still be looking for the business using the previous name they are used to. Returning the branch with the new name is Correct and Relevance should not be demoted. On the other hand, the name returned for the POI should match the official sources even though outdated imagery or other sources continue using the old one.
Example: Intesa Sanpaolo acquired local branches such as “Cassa del Risparmio del Veneto” and “Cassa del Risparmio del Friuli Venezia Giulia”. These branches are named as Intesa Sanpaolo which is the expected Name now unless the official website still returns the previous name.
User query | Result | Rating |
[cassa di risparmio del veneto] | Intesa Sanpaolo Piazza del Mercato 11 30175 Venezia Italia | Correct match: sources confirm the local branches are named after the major bank. |
Cassa di Risparmio del Veneto Via IV Novembre 4 3102 Mogliano Veneto TV Italia | Name Incorrect: sources confirm the local branch is now part of Banca Intesa, some outdated imagery still display previous name against the website. | |
[intesa sanpaolo udine] | Intesa Sanpaolo Piazza Giovanni XXIII 14 33100 Udine Italia | Name Correct: CariFVG was acquired by Intesa, official website name is Intesa Sanpaolo so the name is correct despite outdated imagery still displaying the CariFVG |
Results related to gas stations (benzinaio) and tobacco shops (tabaccheria) should return the store front name or a recognizable brand name. The owner name alone should be rated Incorrect for name accuracy. If the brand/store front name cannot be verified, please mark the result’s name as Can’t Verify. Note that there are some small businesses, such as hairdressers or pharmacies for example, for which the customary business name is composed by the business type and the owner name (as in “Farmacia Dr. Gallo” or “Parrucchiera Graziella”), in this case the result should not be demoted for the presence of the owner name. As a general rule, the name should match w at’s visible on t e store front or in official resources.
Result name | Correct name | Rating |
De Luca Emilio | TotalErg | Incorrect: the owner name should not be the only component of the result name for gas stations. |
Stazione di Servizio Esso di Mancini Andrea | Esso | Partially Correct: Name includes expected brand, but also additional components as like owner’s name that even if correct, are not visible on the store front nor expected |
Moriconi Benedetto | Tabaccheria | Incorrect: the owner name should not be the only component of the result name. The store front has only the generic “Tabacchi” signage. |
Tabaccheria Santi Daniela | Tabaccheria Santi | Partially Correct: storefront name is Tabaccheria Santi, including family name but not the first name, that often is only used in business registry |
Parrucchiera Alfonsina | Parrucchiera Alfonsina | Correct: the result name matches the store front and official resources. |
Farmacia Dott.ssa Laura Perissinotto | Farmacia Perissinotto | Correct: the name of the doctor operating the pharmacy is not in store front but is included in longer version of the name in website |
Each address has to be presented in the appropriate format. When all information is correct and present but not in the order expected, mark it as Correct with formatting issues. This includes issues such as the order of address components, valid but redundant components, and other minor issues that are not necessarily considered wrong.
Capitalization and other grammar rules are not always perfectly respected in Italy. For examples there are street signals in Padova with “VIA ORTO BOTANICO” and “via orto botanico” or “VIA DONATELLO” and “via donatello”. Format expectations are to use standard grammar and punctuation rules for Italian language. So “VIA ORTO BOTANICO” is an unexpected formatting and rated Incorrect – street name as well as “via donatello” (name should always be capitalized).
Result name | Correct name | Rating |
Via S. Pietro e Paolo | Via SS. Pietro e Paolo | Incorrect – street name: correct abbreviation for Santi/ Santissimo/Santissimi is “SS.” (ss. and Ss. also correct) |
Localita’ Selva 3, Canossa | Località Selva 3, Canossa | Incorrect – street name: the street name has the apostrophe instead of the correct diacritic |
Via le Unità d’Italia | Viale Unità d’Italia | Incorrect – street name: the extra space in the street type is a bad spelling |
Via Santa Maria Maggiore | Via di Santa Maria Maggiore | Incorrect – street name: verified street name includes the preposition. |
Via Amicis | Via De Amicis | Incorrect – street name: the preposition is part of the surname of Edmondo De Amicis and cannot be omitted |
Via IV Novembre 30027 San Donà di Piave Venezia | Via Quattro Novembre 30027 San Donà di Piave VE | Correct with formatting issue: address is returned with mandatory components, expected format for province is code and not full name. Format for street name is Quattro. |
Piazza IV Novembre Piazza 4 Novembre | Piazza Quattro Novembre | Correct with formatting issue: number in street name is not aligned with standard formatting (see below) |
National Authority ISTAT provided guidelines on name formatting for streets including numbers or dates. While street signals might be not always aligned to most recent recommendations, it is expected that street names follow standard formatting. Variations should be rated as Correct with formatting issue
Street Name | Correct formatting | Correct Examples |
Street Names with full date | Day and Year -> Arabic numbers Month -> alphabetic | Via 18 Agosto 1944 |
Street Names with partial dates (Roman) | Roman number -> alphabetic | Viale Quattro Novembre |
Street Names with Day and Month | Day and Month -> alphabetic | Via Venticinque Aprile |
Street Names with Month and Year | Month -> alphabetic Year -> Arabic numbers | Via Maggio 1898 |
Below is a list of all mandatory components for each type of result in Maps Search. Country is considered an optional component for all results within the test locale. The examples below do not take into account all specific issues in name or address. For details on how to rate different components, please refer to chapter 2 charts and chapter 3 subchapters.
Municipality is the core of the administrative and address system in Italy. They are equal to a City, which is an honorific title given to some localities for historical reasons or for relevance.
Hamlets or Villages instead are areas outside municipality territory but still under its administrative control. They can be “POSTAL” or not, depending if the postal system by Posteitaliane recognigses them.
Example of postal village Madonna di Campiglio
Posteitaliane expectations are to include postal village as locality or municipality if the locality is not postal. Istat and other government sources are based on Municipality only.
Example: Via Pradalago 10 in Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo TN
*https://geodati.gov.it/geoportale/geoviewer/
This creates scenarios where, especially POIs, use address components in different ways. In order to keep the most of granularity and build up a consistent frame of expectations for users, the standard expected components are the same for POIs as for GEO, with Village included when Postal.
Note:This format applies to both GEO addresses, localities, sub-localities results) and POI results located in Postal Villages, across different services Search, Autcomplete, …)
As already described in chapter 2, some areas of Venice use area based numeration as a traditional system along with the standard one. It is local use to query and refer to an address by area + number. This system exists in central neighbourhoods (Sestieri) of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, Giudecca and other areas in Burano and Pellestrina. (Source: Geoportale Comune Venezia)
While the Relevance should consider both the Insular and Standard system as a valid match, the expected address format would be including both the two components to provide users with the best granularity and most information possible.
*not for POI results
Result Search) | Correct Address | Address Rating |
Ottica Carraro San Marco 3706 30124 Venezia Italia | Ottica Carraro San Marco 3706 Calle de la Mandola 30124 Venezia Italia | Correct with formatting issue: address is correct but standard format for insular Venice expects street name |
Ottica Carraro Calle de la Mandola 3706 30124 Venezia Italia | Correct with formatting issue: address is correct but standard format for insular Venice expects area name | |
Ottica Carraro San Marco 3706, Calle de la Mandola 30124 Venezia Italia | Correct: Website confirms Calle de la Mandola & San Marco 3706 Venezia, the format expectations are for street on second line for Search | |
Ottica Carraro San Marco 3706 Calle de la Mandola 30124 Venezia Italia | Correct: Website confirms Calle de la Mandola & San Marco 3706 Venezia, the format used matches specific expectations |
The following components are mandatory for POI/Business results in Search:
Mandatory Components | Example | ||
Title | [POI/Business Name] | Le Logge del Vignola | Al fogolar da Mander |
Address Details | [Street Name] [Street Number] [Unit Number] [Postal Code] [Sub-Locality]1[,][Locality][Prov.]2 [Country] | Via delle Erbe 6 53045 Montepulciano SI Italia | Via Garibaldi 5 33090 Solimbergo, Sequals PN Italia |
1[Sub-locality] the village is expected when it is a postal locality. In those cases addresses have 2 territories, postal village sub-locality) and municipality/city locality)
2[Province] the standard expectations for results is to have the province/metro city in two letters code when the city and the province are not the same otherwise is omitted (Ex. Milano, MI ^ Milano).
In cases such as Forlí or Cesena, both capitals of a merged Province Forlì-Cesena, FC is expected province code for both cities. Same goes for Massa and Carrara MS)
How to rate results in Search:
Result | Address Rating |
Fuorirotta Via Daste e Spalenga 28/A 24020 Gorle Bergamo Italia | Addresses should be rated Correct with formatting issue as the Province is expected in code. |
Fuorirotta Via Daste e Spalenga 28/A 24020 Gorle Italia | Address Incorrect – Region State for missing province code. |
Nord Est Cafè Via Borsieri 35 20159 Milano MI Italia | Address Correct with formatting issue. Province code is not expected for cities that are capitals of Province like Milano |
Al fogolar da Mander Via Garibaldi 5 33090 Sequals PN Italia | Address Incorrect – Sub-Locality. The villages of Solimbergo is Postal and hence is expected in address |
Al fogolar da Mander Via Garibaldi 5 33090 Solimbergo PN Italia | Address Incorrect – Locality. The villages of Solimbergo is Postal and hence is expected in address but so is the municipality of Sequals |
In Autocomplete, due to the different type of service, the Province code and Postal Code is not expected for Business/POI. The expected components for POI/Business suggestions in Autocomplete are the following:
Mandatory Components | Example | ||
Title | [POI/Business Name] | Le Logge del Vignola | Al fogolar de Mander |
Address Details | [Street Name] [Street Number][,][Unit N.] [Sub-Locality]1[,][Locality] | Via delle Erbe 6, Montepulciano | Via Garibaldi 5, Solimbergo, Sequals |
How to rate suggestions in Autocomplete:
Suggestion | Address Rating |
Fuorirotta Via Daste e Spalenga 28/A, Gorle | Both the Addresses are Correct. The first one contains all expected components, the second one include province and country that are not expected but optional. If returned do not demote |
Fuorirotta Via Daste e Spalenga 28/A, Gorle BG, Italia | |
Fuorirotta Via Daste e Spalenga 28/A, Gorle Bergamo, Italia | Address is Correct with formatting issue: Province is not mandatory but if returned should be displayed in code |
Al fogolar da Mander Via Garibaldi 5, Sequals PN, Italia | Address Incorrect – Sub-Locality. The villages of Solimbergo is Postal and hence is expected in address |
Al fogolar da Mander Via Garibaldi 5, Solimbergo PN, Italia | Address Incorrect – Locality. The villages of Solimbergo is Postal and hence is expected in address but so is the municipality of Sequals |
Al fogolar da Mander Via Garibaldi 5, Solimbergo, Sequals | Address Correct. Both postal village and municipality displayed as expected |
Names: Official locators do not use capitalization in a consistent way. Consider as valid and do not demote cases where the capitalization is standard even if some locator uses a different one
Example: Milano Centrale is Correct even though official Trenord locator uses STAZIONE MILANO CENTRALE and the dedicated website uses MILANO CENTRALE.
Transit POIs are considered as POI without an expected address as per Global Guidelines. For the Italian locale this means that lowest address level required is locality even though official sources provide a full address. Some extra/optional components can be:
Search
Autocomplete
The following components are mandatory for Address results in Search:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Non postal/Municip | Ex2. In Postal Village | |
Title | [Street Name] [Street Number][Unit N.] | Via Grazia Deledda 1 | Via Elvira 6 |
Address Details | [Street Name] [Street Number] [Unit Number] [Postal Code] [Sub-Locality]1[,][Locality][Prov.]2 [Country] | Via Grazia Deledda 1 24027 Nembro BG Italia | Via Elvira 6 38086 Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo TN Italia |
How to rate results in Search:
Result | Address Rating |
Viale Milano 47838 Riccione Rimini Italia | Addresses should be rated Correct with formatting issue as the Province is expected in code RN. |
Viale Milano 47838 Riccione Italia | Address Incorrect – Region State for missing province code. |
Via Palestro 00185 Roma Italia | Address is Correct with formatting issue as the Province code is not expected for cities that are capitals of Province like Roma. |
Via Elvira 6 38086 Pinzolo TN Italia | Address Incorrect – Sub-Locality. The villages of Madonna di Campiglio is Postal and hence is expected in address |
Via Elvira 6 38086 Madonna di Campiglio TN Italia | Address Incorrect – Locality. The villages of Madonna di Campiglio is Postal and hence is expected in address but so is Pinzolo (Munic.) |
Via Elvira 6 38086 Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo TN Italia | Address Correct. Both postal village and municipality displayed as expected |
Note: In case of an address with some wrong components ie. street number) and province with formatting issue for being returned in full and not in code, there is no need to mark the checkbox ‘other’ or ‘Region-State’ for the address
The following components are mandatory for Address suggestions in Autocomplete:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Non postal/Municip | Ex2. In Postal Village | |
Suggestion | [Street Name] [Street Number][,][Unit N.] [Sub-Locality][,][Locality][Prov.], [Country] | Via Grazia Deledda 1 Nembro BG, Italia | Via Elvira 6 Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo TN, Italia |
How to rate suggestions in Autocomplete:
Suggestion | Address Rating |
Via Grazia Deledda 1 Nembro, Italia | Address is missing Province, required for address type results, rating should be Incorrect – Region/State |
Via Grazia Deledda 1 Nembro BG, Italia | Address is Correct displaying all necessary components in proper format |
Via Grazia Deledda 1 Nembro Bergamo, Italia | Address is Correct with formatting issue as the Province is not expected, but if returned it needs to be correct and in code |
Via Elvira 6 Pinzolo TN, Italia | Address Incorrect – Sub-Locality. The villages of Madonna di Campiglio is Postal and hence is expected in address |
Via Elvira 6 Madonna di Campiglio TN, Italia | Address Incorrect – Locality. The villages of Madonna di Campiglio is Postal and hence is expected in address but so is Pinzolo (Munic.) |
Additional Formats/Special Cases:
Street Numbers with Suffix
As seen in the Relevance section, there are several types of suffix for street numbers, some identify an independent street number, some a unit number. Unit numbers are not a required component in traditional Italian address system but if this component is present on official sources, then it should be verified correct or marked Incorrect – Unit number. If the suffix is referring to an independent street number, it should be rated as a Street Number component.
Split Addresses: Street numbers with a one letter suffix (1A, 1/A, 1B, 1/B) or a Latin numeral (1 Bis, 1 Ter,…) should be considered different entities from each other and from the street number with no suffix.
Merged Addresses: The result with only one of the two numbers (44 or 46) instead of the merged number (44/46) should be rated Correct as per Global Guidelines.
Red Numbers: The missing or extra /R for the Red and Black/Blue Numbers in Florence, Savona and Genoa should be marked under Incorrect – Street number.
Result | Correct | Rating |
Via Alessandro Manzoni 203/A, Bari | Via Alessandro Manzoni 203/B, Bari | Incorrect – Street number: 203/A and 203/B are two independent street numbers. |
Via Giuseppe Cosattini 44, Udine | Via Giuseppe Cosattini 44/46, Udine | Correct: #44 is not a separate entity from #44/46, so the result should not considered incorrect. |
Via del Corso 25, Firenze | Via del Corso 25/R, Firenze | Incorrect – Street number: 25 and 25/R are two different entities. A red number should have the /R suffix. |
Via de’ Tornabuoni 1/R, Firenze | Via de’ Tornabuoni 1, Firenze | Incorrect – Street number: the result for a black/blue address should not include the /R suffix as 1 and 1/R are to separate entities. |
Milestone Address – KM House Number
Some buildings, both residential and commercial, located on long streets (es. Via Salaria) might have no street number and use a milestone numeration instead. The correct format for this street number is KM + [decimal number], where the number indicates the number of kilometers from the beginning of the street, example: Via Appia Nuova KM 17,600, Ciampino. This address format should be rated as street number component.
Result | Correct | Rating |
Il Buon Gusto da Valerio Via Appia Nuova KM 17,600, Ciampino RM Italia | Il Buon Gusto da Valerio Via Appia Nuova KM 17,300, Ciampino RM Italia | Incorrect – street number: the two milestones refer to different locations. “Via Appia KM 17,600, Ciampino” is the address for “Nerogiardini Show Room” |
Addresses with No Street Number (SNC)
Addresses that have formally no street number assigned, use the notation “SNC” (“Senza Numero Civico” = without street number). If the result contains a numerical street number instead of the official “SNC”, please rate the address accuracy as Incorrect – Street number.
Result | Correct | Rating |
Conad Via Jenner 2, Cagliari Italia | Conad Via Jenner SNC, Cagliari Italia | Incorrect – street number: official address for this business is with no street number. N. 2 is a residential complex |
Province Code when Locality and Province are the Same
A correct address format includes the province code only and not the full province name (VE instead “Provincia di Venezia” or “Venezia”). The province code should be omitted if the locality and the province name are the same (in Italian: “Capoluoghi di Provincia”).
Result | Correct | Rating |
Viale Zara 20159 Milano MI Italia | Viale Zara 20159 Milano Italia | Correct with formatting issue: Milano does not need province code. |
Via della Repubblica 24020 Pradalunga Bergamo Italia | Via della Repubblica 24020 Pradalunga BG Italia | Correct with formatting issue: province code should be displayed as a code. |
If the street is a local street name (Via, Corso, …), postal code, locality and province code are mandatory. If the street name is a Route name/number (i.e. Strada statale 7, SS2, …) then the full name of the route should be returned, and the lowest admin in which it’s included. The following components are mandatory for Street results in Search:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Non postal/Municip | Ex2. In Postal Village | |
Title | [Street Name] | Via Monte Napoleone | Via Elvira |
Address Details | [Street Name] [Postal Code][Locality][Prov.]2 [Country] | Via Monte Napoleone 20121 Milano Italia | Via Elvira 38085 Pinzolo TN Italia |
The following components are mandatory for Street suggestions in Autocomplete:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Non postal/Municip | Ex2. In Postal Village | |
Suggestion | [Street Name] [Locality][Prov.]2, [Country] | Via Monte Napoleone Milano, Italia | Via Elvira Pinzolo TN, Italia |
Incorrect street type
If the street name returned has the incorrect street type, and this is verified in street level imagery and/or official sources, please rate the address accuracy as Incorrect – street name.
Result | Correct Address | Address Rating |
Via Zara 20159 Milano Italia | Viale Zara 201459 Milano Italia | Incorrect – Street Name: correct name is Viale and not via Zara |
Additional Formats/Special Cases:
National, Regional and Provincial routes
National, Regional and Provincial routes in Italy have two mandatory components and one optional component. The components are:
*not in Autocomplete
Mandatory Components | Example | |
Long route (national) | ||
Title | [Route Name] | A1 – Autostrada del Sole |
Address Details | [Route Name] [Country] | A1 – Autostrada del Sole Italia |
Medium route (contained in a province) | ||
Title | [Route Name] | SP 11 Orzinuovi – Acquafredda |
Address Details | [Route Name] [Province] [Country] | SP 11 Orzinuovi – Acquafredda Provincia di Brescia Italia |
Short route (contained in a municipality) | ||
Title | [Route Name] | Strada Statale 684 Tangenziale Sud dell’Aquila |
Address Details | [Route Name] [Postal code]* [Locality][Prov.]2 [Country] | Strada Statale 684 Tangenziale Sud dell’Aquila 67100 L’Aquila Italia |
Examples (not exhaustive) of correct forms for routes: SS14 var/B; SS 14 var/B; Strada Statale 14 var/B; Strada Statale 14 var/B Variante di San Donà di Piave; Strada Statale 14 variante B;
Note: many of the National routes have been recently downgraded to Regional and Provincial routes with consequent name change. Some Regions and Provinces created a new set of route naming conventions (example: “SP ex SS 420” and “SP CR ex SS 420”) so please check on up-to-date street level imagery and official sources/wiki pages for the current naming of the route at the pin location.
Result Address | Correct Address | Rating |
S.S. N. 127 | SS 127 | Correct with formatting issue: the “N.” should not be present in route results. Expected naming “SS” |
Strada Statale di Chianciano | Strada Provinciale 146 di Chianciano | Incorrect – street name: the route number is missing and the correct name for this route is now SP 146 (the portion that stretches in Tuscany has been downgraded to provincial road). |
Strada Statale 3 bis Flaminia | Strada Statale 3 Bis Tiberina | Incorrect – street name: mandatory components are correct, however the alternative route name is incorrect as refers to the SS 3 Via Flaminia. |
SP ex SS 580 | SP ex SS 580 | Correct: all components in the result are verified correct. |
The following components are mandatory for Sub-localities results in Search. Note that Sub-Localities include “Frazioni” and urban areas (Districts, Municipalities, Neighborhoods). In Search, postal code is expected for Hamlets but not for urban areas.
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Village | Ex2. Neighborhood | |
Title | [Sub-Locality] | Madonna di Campiglio | Trastevere |
Address Details | [Sub-Locality] [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [Country] | Madonna di Campiglio 38086 Pinzolo TN Italia | Trastevere Roma Italia |
The following components are mandatory for Address suggestions in Autocomplete:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Village | Ex2. Neighborhood | |
Suggestion | [Sub-Locality] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [,] [Country] | Valrovina Bassano del Grappa VI, Italia | Porta Romana Milano, Italia |
Use of neighborhoods in address
Neighborhoods are divisions mainly used within major cities. They are not a mandatory component for address results and are not required. In case they are displayed rate as Correct with formatting issue, unless you can prove the neighborhood returned is incorrect.
Result | Correct | Address Rating |
Via Flavio Stilicone 00175 Cinecittà, Roma | Via Flavio Stilicone 00175 Roma | Correct with formatting issue: the address is within Cinecittá but not a mandatory component. |
Via Cola Montano 20159 Porta Romana Milano | Via Cola Montano 20159 Milano | Incorrect – Sub-Locality: The address is located out of the neighborhood returned. |
The following components are mandatory for standard Locality results in Search:
Mandatory Components | Example | ||
Title | [Locality] | Seriate | Milano |
Address Details | [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [Country] | 24068 Seriate BG Italia | Milano Italia |
The following components are mandatory for Address suggestions in Autocomplete:
Mandatory Components | Example | ||
Suggestion | [Locality] [Prov.]2 [,] [Country] | Seriate BG, Italia | Milano Italia |
Postal codes in Italy are not necessarily alligned with territory divisions. Hence a postal code can be unique to a municipality (and sub localities within), can be shared to multiple municipalities in the same province, or can be one of multiple codes in a single City. The expected components for Postal Code results in Search are:
c | Mandatory Components | Example |
Postal code in a single municipality | ||
Title | [Postal Code] | 22014 |
Address Details | [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [Country] | 22014 Dongo CO Italia |
Postal code shared across municipalities | ||
Title | [Postal Code] | 24020 |
Address Details | [Postal Code] [Prov. Descriptive] [Country] | 24020 Provincia di Bergamo Italia |
Postal code in multi code city | ||
Title | [Postal Code] | 20159 |
Address Details | [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [Country] | 20149 Milano Italia |
The expected components for Postal Code results in Autocomplete are:
c | Mandatory Components | Example |
Postal code in a single municipality | ||
Suggestion | [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2 [,] [Country] | 22014 Dongo CO, Italia |
Postal code shared across municipalities | ||
Suggestion | [Postal Code] [Prov.] [,] [Country] | 24020 BG, Italia |
Postal code in multi code city r | ||
Suggestion | [Postal Code] [Locality] [Prov.]2[,] [Country] | 20149 Milano, Italia |
The following components are mandatory for Provincia, Città Metropolitana and Region results in Search:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Province | Ex2. Metro Area | Ex3. .Region | |
Result Title | [Province/Metro_Area/Region] | Provincia di Sondrio | Città Metropolitana di Milano | Toscana |
Address Details | [Province/Metro_Area/Region] [Country] | Provincia di Sondrio Italia | Città Metropolitana di Milano Italia | Toscana Italia |
The following components are mandatory for Provincia, Città Metropolitana and Region results in Autocomplete:
Mandatory Components | Ex1. Province | Ex2. Metro Area | Ex3. Region | |
Suggestion | [Province/Metro_Area/Region] [Country] | Provincia di Sondrio Italia | Città Metropolitana di Milano Italia | Toscana Italia |
Historical-cultural areas are territories that are known and recognizable for different reasons and their size can vary from urban zones to over regional. Expected address components should begin with the closest admin level in which the area is contained, up to the Province. Expected components for Colloquial areas results in Search are:
c | Mandatory Components | Example |
Area in a Province | ||
Title | [Colloquial area] | Castelli Romani |
Address Details | [Colloquial area] [Prov.] [Country] | Castelli Romani RM Italia |
Area in a Region/Country | ||
Title | [Colloquial area] | Riviera Romagnola |
Address Details | [Colloquial area] [Country] | Riviera Romagnola Italia |
Italian is the only common official language for the whole Country. Nevertheless, there are bilingual areas where other languages area used: Val d’Aosta (French), Trentino Alto Adige (German and “Ladino”), and Friuli Venezia Giulia (Slovenian).
Results in these languages should be considered without demotion if they match the name of the business, feature or POI, or the related address.