Step 1: Prepare Your Data
Start by preparing your data in a format that ArcGIS Pro can read. For this tutorial, we will use a table of addresses that includes street addresses, cities, states, and zip codes. If your data is in an Excel spreadsheet, you can convert it to a standalone table in ArcGIS Pro using the Excel to Table tool.
Step 2: Geocode Your Table
To geocode your table, right-click on the table you want to geocode and select Geocode Table. This will open the Geocode Table tool interface. You will have the option to follow a guided walkthrough or access the tool directly.
Step 3: Choose Your Geocoding Service
If you have an organisational license, you will typically have access to Esri’s ArcGIS World Geocoding Service. This service accepts addresses and returns geographic coordinates. If you do not have access to this service, alternative geocoding services are available online, including state and regional address locators published as ArcGIS Server services. For a broader look at geocoding service options and pricing, see our Guide to Geocoding API Pricing.
Step 4: Add a Connection to the Geocoding Service
Once you have found a suitable geocoding service, copy its URL. In ArcGIS Pro, navigate to the Insert tab, go to Connections, and select New ArcGIS Server. Paste the URL of the geocoding service and click OK.
Step 5: Add the Locator to Your Project
After adding the server connection, you can find it in the Catalog pane under Servers. Right-click on the Locators folder and select Add Locator. Choose the geocoding service you just added and click OK.
Step 6: Configure the Geocoding Process
Return to your table and select Geocode Table again. In the input locator field, select the locator you just added. You will be prompted to specify whether your address data is stored in a single field or across multiple fields. For this example, select multiple fields and map each column to the appropriate address component.
Step 7: Run the Geocoding Tool
Click Run to execute the geocoding process. When the tool finishes, you will see a summary of the results, including the number of matched, unmatched, and tied records.
Step 8: Rematch Unmatched Addresses
If there are unmatched addresses, you can start the rematch process. This allows you to review each unmatched or tied record and confirm or correct the match manually.
Step 9: Save Your Edits
Once you have confirmed the matches, save your edits. You can continue to refine your geocoding results until you are satisfied with the match rate.
Conclusion
Geocoding in ArcGIS Pro is a straightforward process, particularly when you have access to Esri’s ArcGIS World Geocoding Service. If you do not have access to that service, state and regional address locators are often available at no cost as publicly published ArcGIS Server services.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about geocoding in ArcGIS Pro.
What is geocoding in ArcGIS Pro?
Geocoding is the process of converting addresses, place names, or other location descriptions into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) that can be placed on a map in ArcGIS Pro.
How do I perform geocoding in ArcGIS Pro?
You need an address locator or a geocoding service. Use the Geocode Table tool to supply your address data and the locator, which then generates point features representing those locations.
What is an address locator, and how do I create one in ArcGIS Pro?
An address locator defines the rules for translating non-spatial data, such as addresses, into geographic coordinates. In ArcGIS Pro, you can build a custom locator using the Create Locator tool by specifying reference data such as a street network feature class and the matching style.
What types of address locators are available in ArcGIS Pro?
ArcGIS Pro supports several locator styles, including street address, point address, postal, and place name locators. The appropriate style depends on the format and detail level of your input data.
Can I use online geocoding services in ArcGIS Pro?
Yes. ArcGIS Pro supports the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service and any other geocoding service published as an ArcGIS Server REST endpoint. Using the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service requires an ArcGIS Online account and consumes credits.
How do I batch geocode multiple addresses in ArcGIS Pro?
Prepare a table of addresses in a format supported by ArcGIS Pro, such as an Excel file, a CSV, or a geodatabase table. Then use the Geocode Table tool to process the entire list in one operation.
What are the common issues encountered during geocoding, and how can I resolve them?
Common issues include unmatched addresses, incorrect results, and missing data. These are often resolved by cleaning the input address data, adjusting the minimum match score, or improving the reference data used by the locator.
How can I improve geocoding accuracy in ArcGIS Pro?
Use high-quality, up-to-date reference data, standardise your input addresses, choose an appropriate locator style, and adjust settings such as spelling sensitivity and minimum match score to suit your data.
How do I handle unmatched addresses after geocoding?
Review unmatched addresses in the geocoding results and attempt to rematch them interactively. ArcGIS Pro’s rematch workflow lets you edit the address text or adjust the geocoding options for individual records and then confirm the corrected match.
Can I customise the output format of geocoding results in ArcGIS Pro?
Yes. You can select which output fields to include, choose the output coordinate system, and control how the geocoded points are symbolised on the map.
How do I geocode international addresses in ArcGIS Pro?
To geocode international addresses, you need a locator with global coverage, such as the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service, or a custom locator built from international reference data.
How can I save and share my geocoding results in ArcGIS Pro?
Geocoding results can be saved as feature classes in a file geodatabase or as shapefiles. You can then share them by exporting to common formats or publishing them as a hosted feature service.
