I am trying to create a feature class using census data, i.e. census blocks. The initial dataset list the GEOID as text. I can't edit to be LONG data. So, I went into the geodatabase and created a feature class with all the same attributes. When I enter the appropriate GEOID number (either by hand or copy and paste) and create a new row the entered GEOID changes from 290950135022002 to 2147483647. It does this no matter what GEOID I place in the attribute cell on whatever row I select. I tried copying the GEOID values into Excel then formatting the cell to number, no decimal places, then tried entering (manually and copy and paste) in the GEOID in the feature class I am trying to create and the number changes as shown above. Am I missing something?
Thanks In Advance
Mark