# Mapping Augmentation
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/places/documentation/use-cases/mapping-augmentation/index.md

Merchant location data is a foundational component of many mapping, search, and location intelligence solutions. However, maintaining accurate and comprehensive points of interest (POIs) at scale can be challenging due to new business openings, closures, relocations, and changes in merchant information.

Places API can be used to enrich existing mapping datasets with Mastercard's global merchant location intelligence. Organizations can search for merchant locations, retrieve detailed business attributes, and augment their existing POI records with merchant information such as location details, business categorization, and operational status. This can help improve map coverage, increase search relevance, enhance location accuracy, and create richer location-based experiences for end users.

### Where it applies {#where-it-applies}

* **Mapping \& Navigation Providers** augment existing POI datasets with merchant intelligence to improve location accuracy, coverage, and search experiences.
* **Search \& Discovery Platforms** improve local search relevance by supplementing business listings with enriched merchant information and location attributes.
* **POI Data Aggregators** use merchant location intelligence to expand coverage, validate records, and improve the quality of commercial location datasets.
* **Location Intelligence Providers** incorporate merchant data into geospatial analytics models, trade area analysis, and market intelligence solutions.

## Relevant Endpoints {#relevant-endpoints}

[Places Search](https://developer.mastercard.com/places/documentation/api-reference/index.md#tag/Places/operation/searchPlacesUsingPOST)
Identify merchant locations corresponding to existing POIs or geographic areas. Turn on the radius search parameters and insert geo-coordinates to transform your search into a rendered list of "nearby" merchants locations.

## How it works {#how-it-works}

Diagram placesFindAllPlaces

## Useful Links {#useful-links}

* [View the full Open API Specification](https://developer.mastercard.com/places/documentation/api-reference/index.md)
* [Review the APIs error responses](https://developer.mastercard.com/places/documentation/codes-and-formats/index.md)