What does geocoding refer to?

Geocoding specifically refers to the process of converting addresses, such as street addresses, into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). This conversion is essential in many GIS applications, as it allows for the mapping and analysis of locations based on address data. By transforming these textual descriptors into numerical values, geocoding enables users to create accurate geographic representations of points on a map, facilitating spatial analysis and various location-based services.

While creating maps from raw data is an important aspect of GIS, this process encompasses more than just geocoding and includes data visualization and analysis techniques. Similarly, the method of converting satellite images into 3D models pertains to photogrammetry and remote sensing, which are different disciplines within GIS. Categorizing geographic data involves organizing data based on attributes without necessarily converting it into geographic coordinates. Hence, these alternative definitions do not accurately capture the essence of geocoding.