Geocoding is the process of converting addresses (such as street names, house numbers, postcodes and place names) into geographical coordinates (such as latitudes and longitudes), which can be used to place these locations on a digital map. A well-designed geocoding process avoids unnecessary manual work and greatly benefits the efficiency of your process.

As the term suggests, reverse geocoding is the opposite of geocoding. In reverse geocoding, geographical coordinates (such as latitudes and longitudes) are converted into addresses or locations, such as street names, house numbers, postcodes and place names. This process makes it easier to identify and understand locations on a map.

Reverse geocoding is mainly used in navigation systems to retrieve information about the location where the vehicle is currently located. In the world of geographic information systems, reverse geocoding is mainly used in mobile apps.

Geocoding and reverse geocoding processes can make or improve your ArcGIS processes more efficient in a number of ways. In particular, geocoding is often used to:

• You can use geocoding to increase data quality by converting addresses into geographical coordinates and then adding them to your database.
• Both geocoding and reverse geocoding can help you better understand the locations on your map. It makes identifying patterns, trends and relationship in your dataset easier.
• Use geocoding to perform spatial analysis based on address data. For example, you can calculate distances between locations or the proximity of certain facilities to a location.
• Geocoding and reverse geocoding can improve navigation functionalities set up based on your GIS data. For example, if your GIS data guides route planning for maintenance teams.
• Do colleagues now manually look up an address using a coordinate? With the help of geocoding, this is no longer necessary. With geocoding, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary manual work.

Addresses geocoding can be done manually. Batch geocoding is a more efficient method of geocoding. Based on a geocoding service like the Esri World Geocoding Service, a batch of addresses, hence the term, are converted into coordinates.

Batch geocoding can save a lot of time. Upload a CSV, XLS or TXT file and the geocoding service does the work, which you would otherwise have to do manually, in one go for your entire address list. On paper, this process sounds very simple. However, the practice is a bit more recalcitrant. We regularly get queries from customers who need guidance on how to bring a batch geocoding process to a successful conclusion.

A geocoding service is an online service or API that enables geocoding and reverse geocoding processes in your GIS. The ArcGIS Geocoding Service is one such example and is integrated into ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise. This geocoding service provides global coverage and supports batch geocoding.

To use geocoding in the ArcGIS Experience Builder, you can add and configure Search Widgets in your App. Then you can use geocoding in the Experience Builder. To do this, go through the following steps:

• Open the Experience to which you want to add geocoding functionality.
• Select the 'Widgets' tab on the left side of the screen.
• Drag the 'Search' widget to the area you want to apply geocoding to.
• Click on the widget to configure it. Add the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service as the geocoding source.
• Optional: you can change the appearance of the widget and visualisation to suit your personal preferences, if you find this desirable.
• Save the App and publish your changes to apply them permanently.

Go through the following steps to use geocoding functionalities in the ArcGIS Web AppBuilder:

• Open the WebApp you want to add geocoding to.
• Click on the 'Widgets' tab at the top of your screen.
• Click the 'Add Widget' button and select the Geocoder widget.
• Configure the widget by clicking on the pencil icon. Add the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service as the geocoding source.
• Optional: customise the visual features of the widget based on your personal preferences.
• Save the App and publish your changes to apply them permanently.