Why does addressing present unique challenges for some airports? It’s simple. Airports are essentially miniature cities with multiple buildings on a single site. Throw complex addressing logic into the mix, and the addressing challenge becomes even more arduous. Just ask the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).

GOAA manages address assignments for two airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). GOAA’s custom-built addressing tool, built using Flash software, stopped functioning when Adobe stopped supporting Flash technology in 2020. The Aviation Authority had to revert to manual addressing processes, increasing the possibility of address duplication and human error. This drawback, along with the time needed to interpolate address numbers manually, prompted GOAA to search for a solution that would automate address selection, validation and assignment.

Given its unique operational structure, GOAA understood all too well that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. For starters, MCO’s terminal buildings have an atypical addressing logic, with address numbers changing for each level of the building. Additionally, the outbuildings, trailers, meters and utilities all had their own unique addresses with exceptions to standard addressing rules. As a result, GOAA needed a solution, preferably with preconfigured tasks and rules, which could meet their specific needs. But who would build it? That's where Woolpert stepped in.

Woolpert currently provides CAD, GIS and BIM support to GOAA and to address this issue, Woolpert implemented Esri’s Address Data Management Solution with GOAA maps, tasks and attribution rules. Working within Esri's ArcGIS Pro software, GOAA would be able to manage their various addressing scenarios and produce a final, accurate address database without requiring a custom application development. The project team applied airport-specific addressing logic to this out-of-the-box tool, which was ready for immediate use and did not expend additional time and money.

There were additional benefits of taking this route to GOAA’s addressing solution. They included:

• Familiar user interface: The Address Data Management Solution is built upon Esri’s ArcGIS Pro software and provides a familiar interface for GIS staff. This means GIS analysts responsible for managing databases can adapt quickly and easily to the new product.
• Functionality during updates: When software or technology updates occur, the tool will continue working and upgrading. The airport’s addressing logic is built into the Addressing Solution, so it can adapt to upgrades to maintain functionality.
• Zero-fee upgrades: Custom-built tools would require consultant/developer effort to handle updates to the system. Implementing these upgrades costs money. Fortunately, the new solution doesn't require additional costs for necessary upgrades.

These advantages were embraced by GOAA and have facilitated a significantly easier user experience by way of a responsive, standardized and consistent ArcGIS Pro user interface.

Fortunately, due to the versatility of the software and its expansive applications, this modified, out-of-the-box Esri Address Data Management Solution can benefit others, as well. Airports, organizations, municipalities or anyone else with unique addressing logic can use the same software and incorporate different rules to fit their specific needs.

Thanks to the ease of use and versatility of this approach, it is one addressing solution that can truly deliver.