This document defines geocoding as assigning locations to addresses by comparing them to a reference layer. It discusses benefits like mapping customer locations for deliveries or expansion planning. Requirements include ArcGIS software, an address locator with rules to assign locations, and reference data covering the area. The geocoding process involves building an address locator specifying interpretation methods, relating inputs to reference data, and delivering geocoded outputs. The document provides examples of attribute and structure types that can be geocoded and discusses considerations for reference data, alternate names, and output options.

1. Geocoding

2. Definition
• Geocoding is the process of assigning a location
to addresses in a table by comparing the
addresses to those in a reference layer.

3. Benefits of geocoding
• Map customer locations
 Planning deliveries
 Giving directions
 Planning future expansion
• Internet mapping
 Driving directions
 Real estate
• Government applications
 Crime analysis
 Voter validation

7. What do you geocode?
•Tabular data with zip codes, addresses
or latitude and longitude…
 Text
 Databases

8. Requirements for geocoding
• ArcCatalog – create address locators, geocoding
• ArcMap – display geocoded results
• Address locators – rules for assigning a location to
an address
• Reference layer – address locator assigns address
based on information in this layer

9. Addresses
• Come in a variety of formats

10. Geocoding process

11. Reference data
• Needs to cover the same area as data to be
geocoded
• Needs to have adequate level of detail
• Needs to be current
• Needs to be standardized
 Use standard abbreviations
 Standardize Addresses tool in ArcToolbox

12. Address locator
• Specifies the method to
interpret a particular type
of address input, relate it
with the reference data
and deliver a geocoded
output.
• The rule base is a
collection of files used to
translate the address
data into the desired
output

13. Building an address locator
• Use ArcCatalog

14. Building an address locator

15. Alternate names
• A second table used in the geocoding process that
can contain other names for an address, old
names, or named landmarks (schools, parks,
hospitals, etc.)
• Makes use of a join field to tie it back to the
original reference data records

16. Geocoding process

17. Address locator styles

19. TIGER Files: Polygon Topology
• Zip Code
• American Indian Reservation
• Alaska Nature Village Statistical Area
• Tribal Designated Statistical Area
• Tribal Jurisdiction Statistical Area
• Alaska Nature Regional Corp.
• FIPS State Code
• FIPS County Code
• MCD
• Place
• Census Tract/Block Numbering Area
• Tabulation Block

20. US Streets

21. US One Range

22. Single Field

23. Output options
• Side offset
• End offset

24. Geocoding
• Can do single addresses with the Find tool
• Can do a table of addresses with Geocode
addresses under the tools menu

25. Post-geocoding
• Review or rematch results
• Place uncoded addresses

27. Geomasking
• Why Geomasking?
 Confidentiality of a patient’s identity
• In the database: latitude and longitude
• On a map: specific point
• Two main purposes of geomasking
 Release of data for subsequent analysis
• Spatial patterns (e.g. obesity trends)
 Maps for public release

29. WEB Sites to Visit
• http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/
• http://www.geocode.com/geocode.htm
• http://www.mapquest.com
• http://www.zipinfo.com