Frequently asked question

Is it possible to use Esri basemaps as reference data to create address locators?

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Answer

No, Esri basemaps cannot be used as reference data for creating address locators because most Esri basemaps are rasters by default. Address locators can only be created from vector data because it contains the necessary attribute values, such as house numbers or street names, that are used to match the addresses and locations by the address locator.

Use vector data as reference data from the following sources:
  • Esri vector basemap group in ArcGIS Online
Esri provides an online group containing a set of Esri vector basemaps available for use in ArcGIS Online. To view the group, visit the following page: Vector Basemaps. To open a vector basemap from this group in ArcGIS Online, see the following documentation: Choose basemap.
  • Esri Data and Maps
Esri Data and Maps provides vector data that can be used as reference data. Accessing Esri Data and Maps requires an Esri account that is connected to an organization.

To download a map, follow the steps below:
  1. Sign in to Esri Accounts.
  2. Go to My Organization > Download.
  3. Select the ArcMap version.
  4. Go to Additional Downloads > Data and Maps for ArcGIS.
  5. Use the downloaded map as reference data to create an address locator. For more information, refer to the following documentation: Creating an address locator.

Article ID:000015332

Software:
  • ArcMap
  • ArcGIS Online

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