topic Re: Update column of selected features in Data Management Questions

Update column of selected features

GeospatialTechnology — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:07:16 GMT

Hello,

How do I update a column off all the selected features in a table with the same value.

Say I wanted to update all the selected feature with "Y".

I would use the 'Update Column' function in MapInfo. What is the equivelent in ArcGIS?

Thanks for any help!

Re: Update column of selected features

JonathanQuinn — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:16:25 GMT

If you have records selected within a column, just right click on the column and go to Field Calculator. This will update solely that field with whatever you enter in the Field Calculator.

Re: Update column of selected features

WilliamMortimer — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:50:28 GMT

Field Calc is what you need - as per Jonathan's reply.
Few extra notes however:
1. Working outside edit mode will also be faster with field calc, but there is no 'undo'.
2. Remember with field calc you will need quotes on certain data types etc.

If you are using field calc to populate a new field - its best to create the new field based on your data requirements.
Domains are great with field calc, and you can edit them quite fast (if you are using a geodatabase - you can have domains)
The advantage with domains is they can be customised as well.
Worth thinking about if you have lots to do...

Hope this helps as well.
William.