Best practice to export a feature class (stored in file geodatabase ) to feature dataset (of different coordinate system),

Question

According to ArcGIS, if a feature class is exported to feature dataset, then the coordinate system of the feature class will be automatically converted to be the same as the coordinate system of the feature dataset.

Does projecting the feature class before exporting to the feature dataset produce more accurate results?

Thank you

Best

Jamal

Yuriko · Answer

When exporting geoprocessing results directly into a feature dataset one isn't provided the option to set the transformation within the tool, but this can be set in the Geoprocessing Environment parameters. Thanks for posting your topic as I have used Feature Datasets to manage issues of spatial reference and haven't fully explored the subtleties.

JamalNUMAN · Answer

I have applied the scenario below

* I got a feature class in Israel_TM_Grid and Feature Dataset with “Palestine_1923_Palestine_Grid”

* This feature class is exported to Feature dataset without projection.

* The feature class is converted to Palestine_1923_Palestine_Grid and then exported to the feature dataset

* The XY coordinates are calculated and appear to be equal.

The only ambiguous point here, is which transformation is used as the feature class is directly exported to the feature dataset?

NeilAyres · Answer

When exporting from the data frame, if a geographic transformation has been selected, then the output will correctly reflect that.

I am very sure that the underlying projection / transformation algorithms are the same, whether using the project tool, data frame export or export into a feature dataset.