Coordinate system for Zip only (no address)

Question

Hi all,
I have a dataset with only zip codes.  I'm trying to geocode but cannot find a coordinate system that will allow me to match to a zip code-level.

I see Tom Tom has something, not sure if it's a coordinate system, allowing users to do this, but I do not have access to those files (see attached screen shot).

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25339[/ATTACH]

Can anyone recommend a solution to geocoding to zip-only level and allowing me to match?

Thanks

Screen shot 2013-06-18 at 11.33.21 AM.png

JosephBaker · Answer

Thanks for the advice.  Learned how to create an address locator and thereby geocode correctly.  Much appreciated.

JoeBorgione · Answer

Thanks much, Joe.
I have a shape file for zip codes (Tiger shapfiles), so do I need to add that as a layer on my map first?  I was tasked with geocoding this excel list of zip codes (I suppose, basically getting X,Y coordinates and mapping out).  I tried geocoding to the .pri coordinate file within the Tiger shapefile but got no matches.

You need to create a locator using your Tiger data.  Refer to the links provided above and see if you can figure it out.  You'll get more out of it doing it that way.  I could give you all the answers but where is the fun in that?

JosephBaker · Answer

Thanks much, Joe.
I have a shape file for zip codes (Tiger shapfiles), so do I need to add that as a layer on my map first?  I was tasked with geocoding this excel list of zip codes (I suppose, basically getting X,Y coordinates and mapping out).  I tried geocoding to the .pri coordinate file within the Tiger shapefile but got no matches.