Geocoding differences between StreetMaps NA and World Geocoder

[EricKlein]

Could someone please summarize the differentiators between geocoding U. S. addresses using the StreetMaps NA address locator data that comes with ArcGIS for Desktop product and geocoding using the new (credit-consuming) World Geocoding service from the desktop environment?  For example, how do the two compare in terms of age of the data, presence of rooftop data points vs. address range interpolation, additional functionality, etc.?  In other words, under what circumstances might it make sense to incur the cost (credits used) to geocode with the new service?

Thanks!

[PatrickPeters1 · Accepted solution]

I have provided a general summary of the differences between the StreetMap (SMP) locators that come with the ArcGIS Desktop media and the World Geocoding Service/ArcGIS Online (WGS) below:

VENDOR
SMP - TomTom
WGS - Here (formerly NAVTEQ), with a few exceptions mostly in Asia

VINTAGE OF REFERENCE DATA
SMP - 2009
WGS - 2012

GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
SMP - Canada and USA
WGS - 100+ countries

LOCATOR DETAIL PROVIDED
SMP - StreetAddress and Postal only
WGS - PointAddress down to Administrative Place (varies by country based on the quality of the vendor reference data)

COST/USAGE
SMP - Free with ArcGIS Desktop/unlimited geocoding
WGS - Free for single geocodes/geosearch or by subscription for batch geocoding - 40 credits per 1,000 geocodes (price of credits vary by country of residence)

For more information about the WGS, use this link:
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/arcgis-rest-api/#/Service_coverage/02r300000018000000/

Pat Peters
StreetMap Premium product engineer
ppeters@esri.com