What tool should a GIS user use to geocode addresses in ArcMap?

The Geocode Addresses tool is specifically designed for converting addresses into geographic coordinates, which is the primary function of geocoding in GIS. This tool matches input addresses with a reference dataset—like a streets layer or a geocoding service—that contains geographic locations for those addresses. By utilizing the Geocode Addresses tool, a user can easily create point features corresponding to the addresses provided, which can then be visualized or analyzed within ArcMap.

In contrast, the Go To XY tool is primarily used for locating a point in the map based on specific X and Y coordinates rather than converting addresses to geographic locations. The Spaghetti tool refers to handling and manipulating a type of data organization and is not relevant for geocoding addresses. The Feature Class tool, on the other hand, deals with managing and editing feature classes within a geodatabase but does not specifically relate to the process of geocoding addresses.