# Geocoders

A geocoder allows a user to convert an address in text form into geographic coordinates (like latitude and longitude). A geocoder can be optionally associated with a market. By connecting a geocoder to a market, all the shipping and billing addresses belonging to that market orders will be geocoded. The geocoded coordinates can serve many purposes: placing markers or positions on the map, validating the accuracy and reliability of an address, performing target marketing, location-based promotions, and other ecommerce operations.

Commerce Layer currently supports [Google](https://docs.commercelayer.io/core-api-reference/google_geocoders) and [Bing](https://docs.commercelayer.io/core-api-reference/bing_geocoders) geocoder integration.

You can set up a geocoder from the admin UI. All you need to do is choose a meaningful name that helps you identify it within your organization and add the API key provided by the selected geocoding service.

<details>

<summary>Data model</summary>

Check the related [ER diagram](https://commercelayer.io/docs/data-model/geocoders) and explore the flowchart that illustrates how the geocoder resource relates to the other API entities.

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
This is an **immutable API**, meaning that create, update, and delete operations are not allowed on this endpoint. You can only fetch a list of geocoders or a single geocoder object. For the full set of available CRUD actions to the specific geocoder type endpoints.
{% endhint %}