topic Is there a trick to creating a join to a zip code field in ArcMap? in ArcGIS Mapping and Charting Questions

Is there a trick to creating a join to a zip code field in ArcMap?

JohnSutter — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 20:33:44 GMT

After loading a map based on zip codes USA_Zip_codes, I have attempted to join an external zip code file. None of the records join.

The map shows the field format as Text length = 10, Read Only = no. The excel spreadsheet (xlsx 2016) is using a column called Zip_code with a format text. No records join on these fields no matter what I do.

Any suggestions? My ultimate goal is to simply create a map of gradient shaded zip codes based on a value range.

Thanks .... I am new to ArcMap

Re: Is there a trick to creating a join to a zip code field in ArcMap?

DanPatterson_Retired — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:26:54 GMT

They have to be exact matches...

If there is text in the values, then the case is different between the two you will have issues.

If one is a number (1234) and the other looks like a number but is text ( "1234" ), then you need to convert the number to text or the text to a number.

Perhaps if you show examples of the values you have in the two it would help

It is also better to convert excel to geodatabase tables before doing a join in any event. And if you are using shapefiles, produce featureclasses in a geodatabase to boot.