topic Re: Utility networks, topology, and schema changes in ArcGIS Utility Network Questions

Utility networks, topology, and schema changes

AmyRoust — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:14:36 GMT

If I need to make a change to the schema of a feature class that participates in a utility network (or trace network):

1. Do I need to disable topology first?

2. Are there any schema changes that would require recreating the utility network?

Examples of what I mean by schema changes:

I want to add a field to a line feature class that participates in the utility network. The field doesn't factor into any of the rules of the UN - it's just a field to track a URL to a video of the CCTV video for the asset.
I want to remove a field from a line feature class that participates in the utility network. The field doesn't factor into any of the rules of the UN. It's a Notes field that we no longer need.

Re: Utility networks, topology, and schema changes

RobertKrisher — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:28:19 GMT

You can find the comprehensive list of which changes require disabling the network topology or are not allowed on utility network management tasks page.

Schema changes that do not affect the utility network do not require disabling the network topology. Adding or removing a new field to a class the belongs to a utility network does not require disabling the network topology, as long as those fields don't have any network attributes associated with them.

Re: Utility networks, topology, and schema changes

AmyRoust — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:21:18 GMT

Thank you, Robert. That was exactly what I needed.