Which sources are typically used to create a composite locator?

Creating a composite locator in ArcGIS Pro involves bringing together multiple locators, allowing for more comprehensive address matching and geocoding. The purpose of a composite locator is to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the geocoding process by integrating various address sources.

Using other locators as a basis for a composite locator is particularly effective because it allows the system to leverage the strengths of multiple locators, each potentially optimized for different geographic areas or address formats. By merging these locators, the composite locator can provide improved performance in locating addresses that may not be present in a single locator alone.

In contrast, reference data with addresses and input data with addresses are typically used for addressing or geocoding tasks but do not by themselves create a composite locator. Online locator services are also valuable for geocoding but are not specifically designed to be combined into a composite locator. The true power of a composite locator comes from the integration of existing locators, making it a more versatile tool for address matching and geocoding tasks.