Evaluating geospatial accuracy for equity analyses: A case study of the U.S. National Bridge Inventory

•This study provides a three-phased approach for validating spatially matched infrastructure and socioeconomic data.•While place code would be useful for matching socioeconomic indicators, we conclude that the availability and accuracy of NBI place codes is not sufficient for equity analyses.•The study finds that 30.5 m (100 ft) circular buffers and Thiessen polygons are the best matching techniques.•This approach can apply at the state and county but not at the place and census tract level without further quality control.•This study proposes that for equity-based infrastructure decisions, agencies should mandate checks on geospatial coordinates.