Composite Geocoder Issues

[DavidHugens]

Currently I am trying to build a composite geocoder so that I do not have to run multiple locators and export .dbf tables of unmatched addresses for each. When I create the composite, the first (and most effective) locator does not work (does not produce any results). However, when I run them all individually, and in the same order as were specified in the composite, there is no issue. All I am trying to do is expedite the process as there are a lot of datasets that need geocoding.

Any ideas on why the composite will not work when the individuals will? Any help or input is appreciated. Thanks!

[JoeBorgione]

Currently I am trying to build a composite geocoder so that I do not have to run multiple locators and export .dbf tables of unmatched addresses for each. When I create the composite, the first (and most effective) locator does not work (does not produce any results). However, when I run them all individually, and in the same order as were specified in the composite, there is no issue. All I am trying to do is expedite the process as there are a lot of datasets that need geocoding.

Any ideas on why the composite will not work when the individuals will? Any help or input is appreciated. Thanks!

Seems like there was a post not long ago on this very subject. Try a search and see what turns up; I'm pretty sure it was in the last 3-4 months.

[BradNiemand]

Try the following thread.  About half way down (posted on 2/09/11) I give a workaround to a bug that will be fixed at 10.0 SP3.

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/22064-New-geocoding-engine-is-terrible

Brad

[JoeBorgione]

Try the following thread.  About half way down (posted on 2/09/11) I give a workaround to a bug that will be fixed at 10.0 SP3.

http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/22064-New-geocoding-engine-is-terrible

Brad

That's the one I was thinking of!

[DavidHugens]

Thanks for the help, but seeing as we're still running 9.3, I don't know if the bug fix you provided will work. I've started compiling a new composite geocoder from scratch and checking each individual locator as I go. I'll be sure to update as things progress.

[JoeBorgione]

Thanks for the help, but seeing as we're still running 9.3, I don't know if the bug fix you provided will work. I've started compiling a new composite geocoder from scratch and checking each individual locator as I go. I'll be sure to update as things progress.

I've never had a problem with composites in 9.3 or 9.3.1 which is where I'm now.  If you are trying to create a composite on ArcSDE/ArcGIS Server, that won't work.  You can only have a composite in a personal or file geodatabase. 

If you'd like to post some of your data here and describe the locators you are stringing together, I might be able to take a look at it.  Misery loves company right?  That way if if bails out for both of us, two sets of eyes may be better than just one.