I have two spatial files one point and one polyline both are projected in the same (Albers - meters). I have completed a spatial join using ArcMap (Target file point - Join file - line, match option Closest, with a Distance field generated). I used SQL 2012 (see code below - both files with matching spatial projection). The (using Cross Apply) joining of the point data (crash) to the closest road is correct however I am unable to get the two methods to reconcile on the distance. For example in ArcMap the distance computed (and I verified using the ruler tool) is 434 meters, while the same point join for the SQL code is 199 meters. Any suggestions on how to reconcile these two methods is helpful. This is my fledging effort to do more spatial work in SQL and move away from ESRI. Thank you.
SELECT
AARD_TEST.OBJECTID,PR,SEGL,NFCOID_1,pt.OBJECTID,pt.Distance,pt.Shape,pt.CRASH_ID
FROM[GM].[dbo].[AARD_TEST]
CROSSAPPLY(
SELECTTOP1AWASH.OBJECTID,AWASH.SHAPE.STDistance(AARD_TEST.Shape)Distance,AWASH.Shape,AWASH.CRASH_ID
FROMAWASH
WHEREAWASH.Shapeisnotnull
ORDERBYAWASH.Shape.STDistance(AARD_TEST.SHAPE)
)pt;