Q: How do I geocode a list of addresses in ArcGIS?

Answer

Geocoding is a method by which one can plot a list of addresses spatially. First, prepare your data:

• Address/street numbers and street names have to be in the same field and not separated by commas (e.g. 123 Main St rather than 123, Main St).
• Make sure column headings do not have spaces or special characters and are less than 8 characters.

Next, you can use the geocode tool in ArcMap:

1. Add your table with addresses to ArcMap.
2. Right click on the table and select Geocode Addresses.
3. Click Add to choose an Address Locator. If you are a member of the MIT Community you can download address locators for the United States from the same IS&T website from which you download ArcGIS: https://ist.mit.edu/arcgis. You can also create your own address locator if you have the appropriate street data.
4. In the Address Input Fields section, select one of the following options:
   1. Single Field—The complete input address, such as 303 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta GA 30308, is stored in one field in the address table.
   2. Multiple Fields—Each input address is broken down into multiple fields, such as Address, City, State, and ZIP Code for a general United States address.
5. Click the drop-down arrow of each input address field and select the corresponding field from the input address table.
6. Click OK to start geocoding the table.
7. You can review and modify the unmatched addresses by clicking on the Review/Rematch Addresses button in the Geocoding toolbar:

Click Customize > Toolbars if you do not see the Geocoding toolbar.

Further Resources

• ESRI: Geocoding a table of addresses in ArcMap
• ESRI: About rematching a geocoded feature class

See Also

• ArcGIS Landing Page

Created by MIT GIS Services. Email gishelp(at)mit.edu for more assistance.