Geocode Error Using ArcGIS Server Locator

Question

Hello everyone.  I'm trying to geocode about 3000 addresses from a CSV file using ArcGIS 10.0 SP3.  I have tried using the following ArcGIS server link:

http://tasks.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services/Locators/TA_Address_NA.GeocodeServer

When I run the following python script I get an error after about 10-15 minuntes.  Seems like sometimes it works, others it doesn't without changing anything.

arcgisscripting.ExecuteError: ERROR 000010: Geocode addresses failed.
Failed to execute (GeocodeAddresses).

Is it a timeout issue?  I have noticed when the network traffic at my location is slower it works fine.  Still takes a while though.  Should I be using a local locator?  If so, which one.  I'm not very familiar with these locators.  Tried to create one but kinda got lost.  Other tips to speed it up?  Can anyone help me out?

Thanks

Matt_Payne · Answer

Charles,

If you are using these geocoding services to batch geocode and do not have a subscription purchased, please see Sarah Osborne's post from a different forum yesterday:

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/79425-ArcGIS-10.1

If you do have the subscription then the issue may be related to inconsistencies in the network or with the data.  The Python script probably does not contain the issue, but we won't count it out just in case.  I would first focus on if you are set up with the subscription for batch geocoding.

Matt

JoeBorgione · Answer

Hello everyone.  I'm trying to geocode about 3000 addresses from a CSV file using ArcGIS 10.0 SP3.  I have tried using the following ArcGIS server link:

http://tasks.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services/Locators/TA_Address_NA.GeocodeServer

When I run the following python script I get an error after about 10-15 minuntes.  Seems like sometimes it works, others it doesn't without changing anything.

arcgisscripting.ExecuteError: ERROR 000010: Geocode addresses failed.
Failed to execute (GeocodeAddresses).

Is it a timeout issue?  I have noticed when the network traffic at my location is slower it works fine.  Still takes a while though.  Should I be using a local locator?  If so, which one.  I'm not very familiar with these locators.  Tried to create one but kinda got lost.  Other tips to speed it up?  Can anyone help me out?

Thanks

Can't help much with the ArcGISOnline thing; I suppose you have a paid subscription?  Without one I dn't think you can do batch geocoding.

Personally I shy away from CSV files when performing any sort of geoprocessing.  I like to use real-live database tables of addresses.  I also prefer local locators since I have control over the data.  Choosing a locator style depends on the data you have access to as well as the format of your addresses.

You may want to start here to gain a little more knowledge of the subject.