Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap
January 27, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Data Management, GIS Tips
Geocoding is a process that enables you to match database records to a real world location based upon attribute fields such as addresses, PINs, Cities, etc. Carrying out this process in ArcMap is very simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
Note: This example uses addresses, but other attributes can be used.
1. Compile Address Table – This can be done in excel, access, or other compatible file format .
Read more on: Excel in ArcGIS Desktop
2. Create Address Locator – The address locator will be based upon the data that needs to be located and the reference data.
- Open ArcCatalog
- Open desired folder for Locator to be saved in
- Right click in contents area
- Click New -> Address Locator…
3. Choose Locator Style – This will depend upon the source data and reference data. These data types need to correlate.
4. Set Address Locator Options
- Name and Description
- Reference data – The data you will match to such as address points, streets, or city points.
- Match corresponding fields – This will vary by locator style. US Streets is shown here.
- Set Matching Options – You will find which configuration works best through trial and error.
- Click Ok
Your locator has now been create and is shown in ArcCatalog via the “House” icon.
5. Add Address Table to Map – You can add Excel tables directly into ArcMap (9.2 or later) or create a .dbf table to be added in.
6. Right Click Table -> Geocode Addresses…
7. Add Locator to Map and Select it to be Used – You will need to browse to the folder (via the “Add..” button) that contains the created locator.
8. Complete Locator/Geocoding Options
- Select Corresponding Input Fields
- Choose Output Location
- Click Ok
Status is updated during geocoding process and results are shown on map.
10. You can Review or Rematch Any Address
- Right Click on geocoded point file in Table of Contents
- Data -> Review/Rematch ddresses…
- Follow options in Interactive Rematch Dialog
K SLack on Fri, 25th Sep 2009 5:01 pm
Great post. But how do I make it work with city, state, and zip data?
My excel is formated with separate columns for: 1) Street Number and name, 2) City, 3) State, and 4)zipcode.
My reference data contains L&R street numbers, street name, direction, city, etc data
That said, none of my points geocode and I’ve tried the Street locator and all the others.
Please help
Timothy on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 8:01 am
K,
It should work with the City, State, Zip locator. Make sure when you create your locator, you select the corresponding fields that match your reference data.
Let me know if you need additional help.
Timothy
skumar on Fri, 26th Aug 2011 4:46 am
This is v good, i worked on arcview earlier but no idea in arcmap but now its easy. Thanx