topic Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset in Geodatabase Questions

Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

ZJKosel — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 15:40:46 GMT

I'm looking to move multiple sets of layers within a Geodatabase to a Feature Dataset. I was curious if it was possible to further organize this Feature Dataset by dividing it into other Datasets (Boundaries, Transportation, Elevation, etc.). However, when right-clicking on a Feature Dataset and selecting "new", there isn't an option to create a second Feature Dataset within the existing one. Is there a workaround for this?

Thanks,

ZJK

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

JayantaPoddar — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 15:52:36 GMT

You cannot create feature datasets within another feature datasets.

You need to create multiple Geodatabases, each containing multiple datasets. These datasets can contain multiple feature classes within them.

You need to manage it using the following breakup based on your business requirement.

Geodatabase > Feature Dataset > Feature Class

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

ZJKosel — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:28:04 GMT

Thanks for the clarification!

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

BillFox — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:39:32 GMT

make sure the parent/child security of datasets will work as you intend it to

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

yockee — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 03:36:18 GMT

Feature Dataset is not meant for organizing data like Folder and Sub-folder behavior. Their primary purpose is for organizing related feature classes into a common dataset for building a topology, a network dataset, a terrain dataset, or a geometric network. Also, having a lot of FD will generate traffic inside your EGDB.

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

Anonymous User — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 23:42:00 GMT

I came here to ask do you really need feature datasets, or just multiple geodatabases with feature classes? Yockee, thankfully, has outlined the purpose of feature datasets. I would like to add to this, creating feature datasets creates locks. Use them only if you really need them for the purpose they are designed for.

Re: Feature Dataset within Feature Dataset

Kevin_MacLeod — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:28:55 GMT

True. But I think many agencies do not realize their lock issues stem from this and use FDs like folders. (as well as for networks or topo) Which, kind of makes sense. Connecting to a bunch of GDBs would be annoying especially in Pro. Many agencies have dozens of FDs as 'folders'. If Esri created the concept of 'folders' and 'sub folders' in EGDB SDE RDBMSs that would be fantastic. With the power of SQL should be possible create so to the user it will look and act like a file system. It would also enable storing and organizing Views by 'folder' too.