topic using a MDB file in arc map in New to GIS Questions

using a MDB file in arc map

MikeHenson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:52:33 GMT

Greetings...

I am an occassional arcmap user. Mainly working with shape files. I have received a mdb file from a client. I do not know how to get this file into arcmap. I was hoping it was just a drag and drop from the catalog, but that didn't work. I'd appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks.

MKH

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

MitchHolley1 — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:10:22 GMT

What version of ArcGIS are you using? Did you try using the 'Add Data' button?

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

MikeHenson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:22:38 GMT

using 10.3.1

used the add data button. got this message . Tables show up in the table of contents, but no data in the map.

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

Greg_Mattis — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:23:04 GMT

Open ArcMap
Click 'Add Data' button (as mentioned above)
Navigate to where the .mdb file is stored
Double Click on the .mdb file (this will allow you to see the data that is housed inside the personal geodatabase)
Select the data you want to add to ArcMap
Click Add

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

Greg_Mattis — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:25:59 GMT

Hi Mike are you using ArcGIS Desktop Basic?

Esri Support published this technical article. Their solution is that you would need to upgrade to either ArcGIS Desktop Standard (ArcEditor) or ArcGIS Desktop Advanced (ArcInfo)

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

JayantaPoddar — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:32:53 GMT

If you are still unable to add the data, could you expand the MDB (to see its content) in ArcCatalog, and send a screenshot? Or better, if you could zip the MDB and share with me for testing @ joypoddar.87@gmail.com

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

AbdullahAnter — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:35:47 GMT

For clarify , that error because you add geodatabase file in arc map , but you shoud open geodatabse inside the browse window and add the feature class of geodatabase. not all geodatabase.

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

MikeHenson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:49:57 GMT

sent

Re: using a MDB file in arc map

JayantaPoddar — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:19:43 GMT

The MDB file looks like a simple access file, and not a Personal Geodatabase. So, there is no spatial data.

Also I couldn't find any field containing Lat./Lon. values which could have been mapped. Maybe you will need to go back to your client for shapefiles/Geodatabase/Lat./Lon. values.

NOTE: ArcMap reads Personal Geodatabase, not an MS Access File, although both have MDB extension.