How to prevent editors from adding features to database

[AaronRowzee]

I have an enterprise GIS environment running MS SQL and not the typical SDE environment. I have several people who have edit rights to a handful of datasets within the enterprise database, but I'd like to prevent them from added feature classes to the datasets. Is this possible through ArcGIS or do I need to figure out a way to do it in the MS SQL permissions?

[VikramS]

Go to ArcCatalog --> Login in using SDE Admin User Login and Go to the Feature Class --> Manager --> Privileges --> Uncheck editing Privileges for user

[AaronRowzee]

Thank you for the quick response, Vikram S. But just to be clear, removing "editing" from a dataset will still allow them to edit features within that dataset, just not "edit" the dataset itself by adding new features?

[JoeBorgione]

There in lies one of the problems with using Feature DataSets within the Enterprise gdb environment.  As I recall, if a particular login is denied write privileges for a feature dataset, the precludes any editing by that login to any feature classes within that feature dataset.

[AaronRowzee]

So its an all or nothing situation?

Is there a way around this? A method of organization outside of datasets?

[JoeBorgione · Accepted solution]

Feature datasets were never intended as a method if organization as they are too often used.  There are a number of threads on this forum that discuss the topic.  That said, you may want to consider individual enterprise data bases as an alternative to feature datasets as a method of organization.  Another alternative is to replicate from the enterprise gdb to a file gdb that allows read only.  When replicating features within a feature dataset you will first replicate the entire dataset, and then move those features out of the dataset as stand alone features on an as needed basis.

[YungKaiChin]

You can simply uncheck 'Insert' for a given editor or editor group or role.

1. Right click the feature class

2. Manage > Privilege

3. Uncheck Insert