Using Google Maps for geocoding of spatial datasets

Google Maps offers a great API that can help spatial researchers to find the corresponding coordinates (longitude/latitude) of addresses. With a bit of scripting, entire datasets can be localised at no cost. I have put a little example online. The code is available from the same location. In case you need to geocode a large number of observations, it would be better run to a stripped-down version of the script directly at your machines. Please be aware: Google limits their service to 20k requests per day. I am sure, you'll find a way around this upper threshold.