Matching numbers that aren't exactly same

Question

Hi,

Is there a way to match numbers from two data sets that don't match exactly?

As you can see, names overlap in some cases as well. Latitude & longitude are similar but don't match exactly.

There is more than 500 rows in the second data set which I need to map to the first set.

NameLatitudeLongitudeCalculated 3 month avg rainfallActual Total Rainfall_Last 3 monthsANNA CREEK-28.9136.1776609.589360APPILA-33.05138.4389.7428571476.4ARDROSSAN CREEK-34.42137.9212839.7829825ARNO BAY-33.91136.5765.5653061237.6ARTHUR RIVER COMP-33.34117.03232307.893547.4AUGATHELLA POST OFFICE-25.8146.58118.96666673.4AYRSHIRE DOWNS-21.97142.7212901.37872176.4

NameLatitudeLongitudePopulation as at 30 June 2016ANNA -28.86136.675102APPILA-33.35138.832343ARD-34.72137.324894ARNO BAY-33.91136.671989ARTHUR RIVER COMP-33.04117.030AUGATHELLA-25.56146.586844 DOWNS-21.17142.726000

Thanks.

grossal · Accepted Answer

Hi @Ishi_ta,

I think you have a couple options:

1) Round numbers

Create a new column for Latitude and Longitude with rounded numbers (Formula Tool) and Join them together on the rounded numbers, you can still provide the original (more precise) coodinates.

2) Spatial Join

Create points try to spatially join them when they have a very small distance between each other. You can probably use the Find Nearest Tool.

I'll attach my workflow. You'll probably need some fine tuning with the "Max distance" and/or "How many nearest points to find?".

Regards

Alex