Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do your ratings come from?
We calculate our location ratings based on widely used and high-quality datasets such as OpenStreetMap or Overture Maps.
For each indicator, we consult with at least 50 home seekers who explain to us how they understand a specific indicator, such as healthcare access, and what is important to them.
Based on this, we develop algorithms that analyze the data and calculate our conclusions, displaying each indicator on a scale from 0 (very poor) to 100 (very good). These algorithms are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure consistently accurate ratings.
2. How do the calculations work?
To clarify this, we’ll use an example for one indicator: hospital care for a specific address. Many ratings work similarly (indicators such as accessibility or ambient noise are based on different methodologies).
First, the algorithm loads all relevant locations for this topic, i.e., all hospitals in the surrounding area.
Next, the quality of all loaded hospitals is assessed, e.g., based on their size.
We then calculate how long it takes to reach each hospital from this address, using different modes of transportation: on foot, by car, by bike, and even in a wheelchair.
Based on travel times, each hospital is assigned a score (the longer it takes to get there, the lower the score). This score primarily considers accessibility on foot and by car. We use the other modes of transportation to create focused ratings, such as for people with physical disabilities.
All scores are then combined to calculate an overall score, which also considers how many hospitals should be nearby for a good score. This varies by category; for example, we expect much more variety for a good score in restaurants.
The overall score is then displayed on a percentage scale, with 0% representing a complete lack of access to hospitals, and 100% representing excellent care. 50%, an average score, indicates that adequate facilities can be expected.
Of course, the rating algorithms are much more complex than shown here. Nevertheless, this explanation should give you a first overview to better understand our methodology.
3. Do you collect data yourselves?
4. How can we be sure that your values are accurate?
We invest a lot of time developing our indicators together with our users (e.g., what exactly does accessibility mean), study key publications on the subject (e.g., analyses of what is important to home seekers), and also receive scientific advice, e.g., from Prof. Gigla of TH Lübeck.
The data we use to calculate the values are generally of good quality and are updated monthly. However, there may be times when the values do not match your perception because you have a different understanding, e.g., of what “loud” means. It is also possible that datasets contain gaps or locations are not mapped correctly (just as it can happen that a place you found on Google Maps does not exist).
The quality of our ratings is constantly improving. We evaluate our analyses on a large scale, regularly interview home seekers about our results, and also incorporate feedback from this Lagecheck (see below).
5. I am dissatisfied with a rating or want to provide feedback. How can I do that?
For each indicator, there is an option to provide feedback (thumbs up/down below the rating). We store these messages (anonymously, of course).
Our team regularly discusses your feedback to understand where our ratings do not match your perception. We then come up with solutions and incorporate them into the next versions of our indicators.
6. Can the location check replace an in-person visit?
No. We believe that the ratings are helpful to:
- rule out unsuitable residential areas,
- gain a good first impression of a neighborhood,
- and better understand difficult questions (e.g., regarding noise levels, child-friendliness, or accessibility).
However, no online tool can replace a personal visit. Unfortunately, we cannot (yet?) show how a location feels to you personally.