How do I map (geocode) addresses?
In order to match addresses to a street network, you must set up an address locator service using the ArcCatalog prior to selecting the geocode option in ArcMap. The Address Locator is essentially a set of instructions that tells the GIS how the attribute table of a particular street network is constructed, so it can appropriately match addresses to that network. In order to set up the locator service, you will need to know how the street network table is constructed – does it contain just the street address, or are there zip codes (also called zones) as well? Does it differentiate between addresses on the left and right side of the street? Is the network in a shapefile or geodatabase format? Examining the file and viewing the associated metadata will help you answer these questions and set up the service. For more information, see the following resources: • ArcGIS Desktop Help for Geocoding • Three Standard Geocoding Methods – an article from Directions Magazine • • BatchGeocode.com –
