Database Normalization

Question

I\'m new to database design and I have been reading quite a bit about normalization. If I had three tables: Accommodation, Train Stations and Airports. Would I have address

Answer 1

I can only add one more constructive note to the answers already posted here. However you choose to normalize your database, that very process becomes almost trivial when the addresses are standardized (look the same). This is because as you endeavor to prevent duplicates, all the addresses that are actually the same do look the same.

Now, standardizing addresses is not trivial. There are CASS services which do this for you (for US addresses) which have been certified by the USPS. I actually work for SmartyStreets where this is our expertise, so I'd suggest you start your search there. You can either perform batch processing or use the API to standardize the addresses as you receive them.

Without something like this, your database may be normalized, but duplicate address data (whether correct or incomplete and invalid, etc) will still seep in because of the many, many forms they can take. If you have any further questions about this, I'll personally assisty you.