topic Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file? in Data Management Questions

How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

BrianBenton — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:55:38 GMT

I have a shape file with CAD linework (watermain pipe) and an MDB (from the local City GIS department for turnover) file with a table of headers that I need to apply to the shape file linework. How to I get the fields from the MDB file to my shape file?

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

DarrenWiens2 — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:01:27 GMT

Is your MDB file a personal geodatabase feature class or table?

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

BrianBenton — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:03:54 GMT

It is a personal geodatabase.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

DarrenWiens2 — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:11:25 GMT

Without any other information, it sounds like you may be able to use the Append tool. Append adds features from a feature class (your CAD linework) to another feature class (your personal geodatabase feature class), using the latter's table schema. You can match up fields between the two using the field map parameter.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

BrianBenton — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:24:32 GMT

The MDB file is empty. All it contains is the headers for the fields that I need to populate for each pipe in my CAD file (diameter, length, material, etc.) So I need those fields in my SHP file so I can fill in the data.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

DarrenWiens2 — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:29:38 GMT

I would append the features to the MDB feature class, then export back out to shapefile if you need it in that format. This will give you an empty table, with the fields you need, associated with your shapefile features.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

WesMiller — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:50:38 GMT

You may want to check your mdb for domains. A quick tour of attribute domains—ArcGIS Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

NeilAyres — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:04:30 GMT

If the feature in the mdb is an empty line feature class (check with Catalog), you may be able to use the "load" function.

In what format is your input data, you saying it comes from CAD, but is it still like that?

Anyway, once you have the input sorted, right click on the target in Catalog, and select the option "load data".

This dialog also gives you the opportunity to map input and output fields.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

DarrenWiens2 — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:14:04 GMT

Is this identical to Append?

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

NeilAyres — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:22:09 GMT

Similar I suppose.

But load doesn't apply a schema test as far as I am aware. Well, only if you only load one file at a time. If you select multiple files, then they all have to have the same schema.

Just gives you a dialog of source variables and what they might be mapped to. If you have a input attribute like "Myatt", but the target has "My_att", the right hand side (target) variable will be blank until you select it.

Works pretty well.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

BrianBenton — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:41:28 GMT

This did the trick for me. I was able to append the CAD linework into the database then export the layer as a new shape file. I could load and manipulate the new shape file accordingly.

Thank you and everyone else that helped.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

NeilAyres — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 06:29:28 GMT

Thinking about it....

The loader wizard is probably a wrapper around the append tool.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

JonathanLlagas — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 06:56:46 GMT

mdb extension is database, you need to make database connection.

Re: How do I get MDB file fields to a shape file?

JonathanLlagas — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 07:05:47 GMT

What type of mdb you make (MS Database Program or File/Personal Geodatabade)