Geocoding is the process by which non-spatial data (address files) are linked to geographic coordinates and converted to map data (points on a map showing address locations). Geocoding requires a reference database (i.e., a standard reference such as road centerlines) and a specialized software application that calculates where addresses are located along the road centerlines. Most desktop GIS software packages have the ability to geocode. In addition, there are numerous geocoding services available on the Internet.

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