What does geocoding refer to in GIS?

Geocoding is the process of transforming addresses into geographic coordinates, such as latitude and longitude. This is a crucial function in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) because it allows for the mapping and analysis of data associated with specific locations. By converting textual address information into a spatial format, geocoding enables users to visualize and analyze geographic data more effectively, facilitating a wide range of applications from urban planning to logistics and emergency response. The ability to pinpoint exact locations on a map based on addresses is foundational to many GIS projects, helping to integrate various datasets into a spatial context for further analysis or decision-making.