topic Re: shape file in ArcMap Questions

shape file

NajmehServatsamarein2 — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:14:19 GMT

Hello. I try to save a shapefile with the symbiology. so my coworkers can open it in their map. but any time they open the shape file they need to set the source. and after that the symbiology that I have created doesn't show. they need to symbiology again. I tried save as layer but still same problem. is there any other way ?

Re: shape file

AdrianWelsh — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:58:42 GMT

What software are you using? In ArcGIS Pro you can save the shapefile as a Layer Package. This way all things get preserved in this process, including symbology.

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/overview/layer-package.htm

Re: shape file

David_Brooks — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:00:15 GMT

@NajmehServatsamarein2 what software are you using? ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro?

Shapefiles don't support symbology, so when you set the symbology in Map or Pro, you'll need to export a layer file to accompany the shapefile. Then if the end user drags and drops in the layer file and repoints to the shapefile source, then you should be good to go.

Make sure you set the symbology on the shapefile you've exported. If you have symbology that's derived from ObjectID in a file geodatabase (for example), then you may lose the symbology as shapefile unique IDs are FID.

Re: shape file

NajmehServatsamarein2 — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:46:51 GMT

I am using ArcMap 10.5.1

Re: shape file

AdrianWelsh — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:53:12 GMT

That is good to know! Layer packages work in ArcMap too:

https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.6/map/working-with-arcmap/creating-a-layer-package.htm

I know you said that you saved as a 'layer', but the layer package is more 'guaranteed' in my opinion!

Re: shape file

walnutriver — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:55:58 GMT

Shapefiles don't retain symbology when sending the shapefile to another person.

Re: shape file

NajmehServatsamarein2 — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:57:20 GMT

so if I save as a layer package do they can change or edit?

Re: shape file

AdrianWelsh — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 21:05:18 GMT

Yes. Once they import the layer package, it is theirs to make do with. They can do whatever they need to do. The benefit of the layer package with GIS files is that it will work for shapefiles, geodatabase feature classes, etc.

Re: shape file

NajmehServatsamarein2 — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 21:14:13 GMT

thank you very much!