New Zealand cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV,SQL,XML,JSON formats
Last update : 15 January 2025.
This is the best list of 2501 cities in the New Zealand available in 4 formats ( CSV, Json, SQL, XML ). We have cleaned up the Geoname database to leave only the towns, capitals and villages. All are all associated with regions and sub-regions (where available).
Each file contains the following data: Geoname_ID, City, Alternate_Name, Country_Code, Region, Sub_region, Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, Population, Timezone, Fcode_Name. See the FAQ below for a detailed explanation.
Here is an example of the data from the New Zealand file that you are going to retrieve. The data is displayed here in the form of a table:
Geoname_ID | City | Alternate_Name | Country_Code | Region | Sub_region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Population | Timezone | Fcode_Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2194035 | Albert Town | Newcastle | NZ | Otago | Queenstown-Lakes District | -44.68333 | 169.2 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2194067 | Aka Aka | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.29355 | 174.79235 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188001 | Mahuta | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.58333 | 175.08333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
11352307 | Tuki Tuki | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Hastings District | -39.70857 | 176.93786 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188740 | Kohumaru | NZ | Northland | Far North District | -35.06667 | 173.53333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189000 | Kauangaroa | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Whanganui District | -39.92438 | 175.28292 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2192340 | Claremont | NZ | Canterbury | Timaru District | -44.4 | 171.08333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2186733 | Moengawahine | NZ | Northland | Whangarei | -35.63333 | 174.05 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187072 | Maungawera | NZ | Otago | Queenstown-Lakes District | -44.63333 | 169.2 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184555 | Pipiroa | NZ | Waikato | Hauraki District | -37.21667 | 175.48333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2190450 | Greerton | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Tauranga City | -37.72541 | 176.13346 | 4128 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187911 | Makeokeo | NZ | Waikato | Otorohanga District | -38.03333 | 175.13333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
6236085 | Te Rangiita | NZ | Waikato | Taupo District | -38.9095 | 175.90909 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187952 | Makaraka | NZ | Gisborne | Gisborne District | -38.65 | 177.96667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2183628 | Raukokore | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Opotiki District | -37.65 | 177.88333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179742 | Waiwera South | Waiwera | NZ | Otago | Clutha District | -46.21667 | 169.5 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2191665 | Dorie | NZ | Canterbury | Ashburton District | -43.88333 | 172.15 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2183620 | Raumati Beach | Raumati | NZ | Wellington | Kapiti Coast District | -40.91667 | 174.98333 | 5241 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2184358 | Port Robinson | NZ | Canterbury | Hurunui District | -42.86667 | 173.3 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187191 | Matapara | NZ | Waikato | Otorohanga District | -38.21667 | 175.55 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2192941 | Brooklyn | NZ | Wellington | Wellington City | -41.30586 | 174.76257 | 3855 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2181805 | Tataramoa | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | -40.1345 | 176.14788 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |||
2185512 | Opononi | NZ | Northland | Far North District | -35.5 | 173.4 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187350 | Marakerake | NZ | Otago | -45.06667 | 170.75 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |||
2185162 | Owen River | NZ | Tasman | Tasman District | -41.65 | 172.45 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2190199 | Haunui | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | -40.60848 | 176.04634 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |||
2192389 | Cheltenham | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Manawatu District | -40.15 | 175.66667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179023 | Windwhistle | NZ | Canterbury | Selwyn District | -43.5 | 171.68333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2191736 | Dipton | NZ | Southland | Southland District | -45.9 | 168.36667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
6245062 | Ohauiti | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Western Bay of Plenty District | -37.76559 | 176.17637 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2193703 | Avondale | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.88333 | 174.7 | 21400 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2181782 | Taumangi | NZ | Waikato | South Waikato District | -38.03333 | 175.76667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179581 | Waverley | Waverley Town District | NZ | Taranaki | South Taranaki District | -39.76667 | 174.63333 | 819 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2187908 | Maketu | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Western Bay of Plenty District | -37.76667 | 176.45 | 1197 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189881 | Ho Ho | Blue Spur | NZ | West Coast | Westland District | -42.71667 | 171.03333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
6236685 | Te Teko | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Whakatane District | -38.03653 | 176.79358 | 441 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
8128798 | Pukehangi | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Rotorua District | -38.13635 | 176.20787 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
10126014 | Pembroke | NZ | Taranaki | Stratford District | -39.32367 | 174.22909 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2186617 | Morere | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Wairoa District | -38.98333 | 177.8 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179287 | Whangarei Heads | NZ | Northland | Whangarei | -35.81667 | 174.5 | 1392 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2207724 | Devonport | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.82972 | 174.79944 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188865 | Kerrytown | NZ | Canterbury | Timaru District | -44.28333 | 171.2 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2192467 | Caversham | NZ | Otago | Dunedin City | -45.9 | 170.48333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2183728 | Rangiriri | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.4305 | 175.12971 | 1833 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2191614 | Drummond | NZ | Southland | Southland District | -46.15 | 168.15 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184355 | Port Waikato | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.39014 | 174.72755 | 783 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189900 | Hobsonville | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.79823 | 174.64807 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189457 | Jacksons | Jackson | NZ | West Coast | Westland District | -42.75 | 171.51667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2189777 | Horopito | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Ruapehu District | -39.35 | 175.38333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184477 | Pohokura | NZ | Taranaki | Stratford District | -39.16938 | 174.67174 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179198 | Whatanihi | NZ | Marlborough | Marlborough District | -41.23333 | 173.85 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
6618896 | Cooks Beach | NZ | Waikato | Thames-Coromandel District | -36.83828 | 175.74451 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188706 | Komata North | NZ | Waikato | Hauraki District | -37.33333 | 175.66667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187406 | Manukau | NZ | Northland | Far North District | -35.23333 | 173.21667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187170 | Matatoki | NZ | Waikato | Thames-Coromandel District | -37.21667 | 175.61667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2193765 | Ashley Clinton | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Central Hawke’s Bay District | -39.95 | 176.25 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2185785 | Okains Bay | Okains | NZ | Canterbury | Christchurch City | -43.71667 | 173.03333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2192391 | Chatton | NZ | Southland | Gore District | -45.98333 | 168.91667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2190705 | Massey Glen | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.68333 | 175.06667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2182020 | Tainui | NZ | West Coast | Westland District | -42.76667 | 170.91667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2182524 | Southbrook | NZ | Canterbury | Waimakariri District | -43.33333 | 172.6 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2183681 | Rapahoe | NZ | West Coast | Grey District | -42.36667 | 171.25 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184343 | Potters Creek | NZ | West Coast | Westland District | -43.35 | 170.21667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
6248934 | Riverton/Aparima | NZ | Southland | Southland District | -46.34842 | 168.01008 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2186503 | Motupipi | NZ | Tasman | Tasman District | -40.85 | 172.85 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187813 | Manaroa | NZ | Marlborough | Marlborough District | -41.11667 | 174.03333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2185863 | Ohau | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Horowhenua District | -40.66667 | 175.25 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189616 | Hurleyville | NZ | Taranaki | South Taranaki District | -39.63333 | 174.5 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2180158 | Waimea West | NZ | Tasman | Tasman District | -41.33333 | 173.1 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189347 | Kaawa | NZ | Waikato | Waikato District | -37.51082 | 174.88363 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2185259 | Otokia | NZ | Otago | Dunedin City | -45.95 | 170.2 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2193627 | Bainesse | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Manawatu District | -40.41004 | 175.37987 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2187469 | Mangawhata | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Manawatu District | -40.4 | 175.43333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179856 | Waitane | NZ | Southland | Southland District | -46.18333 | 168.7 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2192614 | Cardiff | NZ | Taranaki | Stratford District | -39.36667 | 174.23333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2189146 | Kakanui | NZ | Otago | -45.18333 | 170.9 | 443 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |||
2187175 | Matata | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Whakatane District | -37.88333 | 176.75 | 681 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2207740 | Takapuna | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.79167 | 174.77583 | 8900 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2185448 | Orere Point | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.96667 | 175.25 | 345 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184373 | Port Craig | NZ | Southland | Southland District | -46.21667 | 167.35 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179627 | Warwick Junction | NZ | West Coast | Buller District | -42.13333 | 172.23333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2193473 | Becks | NZ | Otago | Central Otago District | -45 | 169.73333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2192380 | Cheviot | Mackenzie,McKenzie | NZ | Canterbury | Hurunui District | -42.81667 | 173.26667 | 425 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2189630 | Hunterville | Hunterville Town District | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Rangitikei District | -39.93656 | 175.56835 | 411 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2189921 | Hinuera | NZ | Waikato | Matamata-Piako District | -37.88333 | 175.76667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188689 | Koputaroa | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Horowhenua District | -40.57785 | 175.33836 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184811 | Patangata | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Central Hawke’s Bay District | -39.91667 | 176.71667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188851 | Kikiwa | NZ | Tasman | Tasman District | -41.65 | 172.86667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2188737 | Kohuratahi | NZ | Taranaki | Stratford District | -39.0899 | 174.77441 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179241 | Wharekuri | NZ | Canterbury | -44.69971 | 170.43514 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |||
2181589 | Te Awanga | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Hastings District | -39.63333 | 176.98333 | 768 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
6232192 | New Lynn | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.90694 | 174.68704 | 21670 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2180928 | Totara | Totaratahi | NZ | Otago | -45.13333 | 170.86667 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2185434 | Ormondville | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Tararua District | -40.10906 | 176.26405 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2179417 | Whakamarama | NZ | Bay of Plenty | Western Bay of Plenty District | -37.73333 | 176 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2194046 | Albany | Albani,Albany Village,Okahukura,Olmpani,Ōkahukura,Όλμπανι,Албани,البانی، نیوزی لینڈ | NZ | Auckland | Auckland | -36.71667 | 174.7 | 10850 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2206359 | Hawera | hauera,havera,ჰავერა,ハウェラ | NZ | Taranaki | South Taranaki District | -39.59167 | 174.28333 | 10400 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | |
2186367 | Murimotu | NZ | Manawatu-Wanganui | Rangitikei District | -39.55 | 175.68333 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2184078 | Puketapu | NZ | Hawke’s Bay | Hastings District | -39.51667 | 176.8 | 0 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place | ||
2191913 | Darfield | Horndon | NZ | Canterbury | Selwyn District | -43.48333 | 172.11667 | 3120 | Pacific/Auckland | populated place |
New Zealand: A Geographical Exploration of a Diverse Island Nation
A Country Shaped by Nature and Isolation
New Zealand, an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains and dense rainforests to golden beaches and active volcanic regions. The country consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands, each contributing to New Zealand’s diverse geography. Its isolation from the rest of the world has allowed for the evolution of unique ecosystems, making it one of the most biodiverse countries globally.
The geography of New Zealand is marked by a combination of mountainous terrain, fertile plains, rugged coastlines, and temperate rainforests. From the volcanic plateau of the North Island to the Southern Alps of the South Island, the country’s geography has significantly influenced its culture, economy, and settlement patterns. Understanding the geographic distribution of cities, towns, and regions across this varied landscape provides valuable insights into how human settlements interact with their environment.
New Zealand’s natural resources, including its extensive forests, fertile land, and proximity to the sea, have made it a hub for agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The country’s cities, with their varying proximity to mountains, rivers, and coasts, have developed accordingly, creating a dynamic relationship between urban centers and the surrounding landscape. Obtaining detailed geographic data, including the latitude and longitude of New Zealand’s cities and regions, is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this intricate connection.
The Regional Distribution of Cities and Provinces
New Zealand’s political and administrative structure is divided into regions, each with distinct geographical characteristics. The country is made up of 12 regions, including well-known urban hubs like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, as well as more rural and remote areas. The regions are further subdivided into cities, towns, and districts, with each having its own role in the national economy and culture.
Auckland, located on the North Island, is the largest city and serves as New Zealand’s economic and cultural powerhouse. Known for its harbors, beaches, and stunning parks, Auckland is the country’s most populous city and an international hub for trade, business, and tourism. It is strategically located between two large harbors, making it a key center for shipping and maritime activity. As New Zealand’s largest city, its geographic placement at the northern tip of the North Island ensures that it plays a crucial role in connecting the country to the Pacific region.
Wellington, located at the southern tip of the North Island, serves as the political capital of New Zealand. Nestled between hills and a rugged coastline, Wellington is famous for its wind, beautiful harbor, and vibrant arts and culture scene. It is also a key center for government and international diplomacy. The capital’s location at the edge of the Cook Strait, separating the North and South Islands, makes it a focal point for both regional connections and maritime trade.
Christchurch, situated on the South Island, is New Zealand’s third-largest city and the largest in the South Island. Known as the "Garden City" for its green spaces, parks, and nearby nature reserves, Christchurch has a unique blend of urban and rural living. Its location near the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains provides easy access to both outdoor adventures and urban amenities. The city is also a major gateway for tourists exploring the natural wonders of the South Island, such as Fiordland and Mount Cook.
Further out from these urban centers, smaller cities and towns such as Hamilton, Dunedin, and Napier provide essential services, economic support, and cultural heritage to their regions. These cities often act as centers for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, each shaped by their proximity to surrounding resources, such as fertile farmland or scenic coastlines. Smaller towns in the rural South Island, such as Queenstown, are famous for their natural beauty and adventure tourism, contributing to New Zealand’s economy by attracting visitors from around the globe.
Understanding the geographic distribution of New Zealand’s cities, including their regions and departments, as well as their latitude and longitude, provides essential data for analyzing regional development, infrastructure, and resource allocation. Geographic data on these locations enables better planning for infrastructure, emergency management, and sustainable development.
Latitude and Longitude: Mapping New Zealand’s Diverse Geography
The use of latitude and longitude is essential for mapping the geographic features of New Zealand. Given the country’s diverse terrain, from the flatlands of the Waikato region to the steep slopes of the Southern Alps, precise geographic coordinates are crucial for understanding how cities and regions relate to one another. This data helps create a clear picture of how New Zealand’s urban areas are connected to its natural resources, infrastructure, and population distribution.
For instance, the latitude and longitude of Auckland provide insights into its importance as New Zealand’s primary port city, situated between two harbors. Similarly, the coordinates of Wellington help demonstrate its strategic position at the entrance to the Cook Strait, an essential maritime passage connecting the North and South Islands. Christchurch’s coordinates reflect its accessibility to both the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps, emphasizing its central role in the South Island’s agriculture and tourism sectors.
By obtaining geographic data for cities like Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua, it becomes possible to assess the connections between major urban centers and more remote rural areas. The geographic spread of New Zealand’s towns and cities, combined with accurate coordinates, can assist in planning infrastructure projects such as transportation networks, water distribution systems, and waste management.
The Environmental Geography of New Zealand
New Zealand’s environment is diverse and largely shaped by its geography. The country is home to a range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests and fertile plains to dry shrublands and alpine regions. The country’s geographic location, isolated from continental landmasses, has allowed unique ecosystems to evolve. These include species like the kiwi, the tuatara, and the Hector’s dolphin, which are found nowhere else in the world.
The central and southern regions of New Zealand are dominated by the Southern Alps, a major mountain range running through the South Island. These mountains are home to New Zealand’s highest peaks, including Mount Cook, and have a profound effect on the country’s climate and biodiversity. The alpine environment supports a variety of species adapted to cold, high-altitude conditions, and provides opportunities for tourism in the form of skiing, mountaineering, and nature exploration.
In contrast, the North Island is more volcanic and geothermal, with regions like Rotorua famous for their hot springs and geysers. The North Island’s fertile farmland is supported by volcanic soils, creating ideal conditions for agriculture. These regions, with their varying climates, ecosystems, and resources, influence the urban and rural development patterns of New Zealand.
Geographic data, including precise coordinates of cities and natural reserves, is vital for managing New Zealand’s unique landscapes. The country’s environmental policies focus on protecting these ecosystems, ensuring sustainable land use, and conserving its natural resources. Accurate geographic data allows the government to monitor changes in land use, water systems, and biodiversity, supporting policies that balance development with environmental preservation.
Geographic Data for Sustainable Development
For New Zealand, geographic data is a cornerstone of sustainable development. As a country with a strong agricultural base and a booming tourism industry, it faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Geographic data, such as the latitude and longitude of cities and regions, allows policymakers to make informed decisions about land use, resource management, and the creation of transportation networks.
By obtaining detailed data on the locations of cities and their surrounding regions, planners can optimize infrastructure projects to ensure that rural and urban areas are properly connected. Accurate geographic data also enables better management of natural resources, such as water, land, and energy, ensuring that New Zealand's economy continues to grow without compromising its unique ecosystems.
In addition, as New Zealand deals with the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events, geographic data is essential for disaster preparedness and resilience planning. Understanding the location and vulnerability of coastal cities like Wellington and Dunedin, or alpine regions prone to avalanches and storms, allows the government to implement effective risk management strategies.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s geography, defined by its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is key to understanding the country’s development and future sustainability. The relationship between urban centers and the natural environment, shaped by mountains, plains, and coastlines, is crucial for effective planning and resource management. By obtaining detailed geographic data on the cities, regions, and departments of New Zealand, including their precise latitude and longitude coordinates, researchers, urban planners, and policymakers can make informed decisions that will guide the country toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
FaQ about New Zealand
- Geoname_ID: This is a unique identifier for each place or geographical name in the Geoname database.
- City: The name of the place, which can be a town, village or any other form of human settlement.
- Alternate_Name: Other names or appellations that the place may have. These alternative names may be in different languages, dialects or even local names.
- Country_Code: This is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for the country in which the place is located. For example, "US" for the United States, "FR" for France.
- Region: This represents the first-order administrative division in which the location is situated. For example, this could be a state, province or territory.
- Sub_region: This is a second-order administrative division, such as a county or district, within the region.
- Latitude: The geographical latitude of the location, usually in decimal degrees.
- Longitude: The geographical longitude of the location, also usually in decimal degrees.
- Elevation: The elevation or altitude of the location in relation to sea level, usually measured in metres.
- Population: The estimated number of inhabitants or population of the location.
- Timezone: The time zone in which the location is located, in accordance with global time zone standards.
- Fcode_Name: This is a code that categorises the type of location. For example, "PPL" could mean a populated place, while "PPLC" could be the capital of a political entity.