topic Re: Edit variable names in ArcGIS attribute table in New to GIS Questions

Edit variable names in ArcGIS attribute table

EvanMarkel — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 17:35:11 GMT

I'm talking about actually changing the names, not just the alias. Is this possible?

TomSellsted — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 17:54:01 GMT

Evan,

Yes! In ArcToolbox, you can use the Alter Field tool. It will let you change the name of the field and aliases too.

ArcToolbox>Data Management Tools>Fields>Alter Field

Regards,

Tom

EvanMarkel — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:02:15 GMT

Don't seem to have "Alter Fields"

TomSellsted — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:30:33 GMT

What version of ArcGIS are you using? You must be on an older version...

TomSellsted — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:36:27 GMT

I believe this functionality was added at 10.2.

EvanMarkel — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:47:46 GMT

Ah maybe that is the problem. I'm on 10.1. Surprised this option wasn't added in much much older versions like version 1.0

Thanks for your help. I've made the edits via the long way. Exported to dbf, made the edits in excel, etc.

TomSellsted — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:50:03 GMT

You are welcome!

DarrenWiens2 — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 19:48:46 GMT

If you're going to go to all that trouble, why not:

1.) Add a new field, with new name

2.) Calculate from old field to new field

For what it's worth, the free version of ETGeoWizards has the Rename Field tool.