Need help combining multiple feature classes into one

Question

Hey y'all,

I'm fairly new to Model Builder, but that doesn't make me any less ambitious.  I've already been applying skills we picked up from the UC this week.  I'm building a rather complex model.  Right now, I have it broken down into 4 different models.  I've managed to get them all to work but the last one, and I would have thought it would be the easiest.

This last model is to combine several features classes into 1.  Yes, I know I could just merge them, but I'm building a tool that will be used again in the future.  I don't want to have to manually merge 40+ feature classes.  They are all in the same .gdb.  Their field names/type are identical. I've been using a variety of methods and nothing has worked.  I've tried a variety of iterators, including iterate feature classes.  The geoprocessing looks like it is working, going from feature class to feature class. But at the end of it, only features from 1 of them are in the output.

Here's a pic of my most recent model with a glimpse of the output, along with the report.  I'm not sure why Wilson is there, but I can't edit it.  Thanks in advance for any feedback.

PS... is there a way to join 2 different models that each have an iterator?

GeorgiaLeonard · Answer

Thank you!  I'll try this once I get back from vacation!

SiqiLi · Answer

Hi @GeorgiaLeonard,

Please check the image below. Hope it helps.

In the image, I have Append tool which can add multiple datasets (FC1, FC2, and FC3) to an existing dataset (Target). The Target dataset has the same fields with the input datasets. It is also saved in a different geodatabase with my input datasets to avoid being iterated over by the Iterate Feature Classes tool.

If you prefer the Target and input datasets in the same geodatabase, you can also try using the Iterate Feature Classes Wildcard parameter. In my case, if I put the Target dataset into the ToolData.gdb and I don't want it to be iterated over, I can set the iterator wildcard value to be "FC*".