Attribute data in a geodatabase

[DonFreeman]

In a geodatabase, is it feasible to maintain most or all of the attribute data in a related table separate from the feature class? If yes, would it be a problem if there were no matching records in the attribute table? Could the relate or join be permenant so the attribute data is always readily available?

Here's my situation. There is a feature class containing many construction projects. I want to build a map service (feature service) that displays some but not all of these projects. The projects to be displayed and their attribute data will be based on the data in a separate table (presently a dbf) that changes frequently. The data in this table (and the table itself) is generated by a separate program. So the idea is, rather than replace the entire feature class in the geodatabase, I could just replace the table (possibly by an automated script) and everything would be updated.

Would this work and how would I set it up?
Thanks

[JakeSkinner]

Yes, this will work.  What you will have to do is set up a relate in ArcMap.  However, you need to have matching records in the feature class that match that of the DBF table.  For example, a parcel ID number.  The field names do not have to be the same, but the values do.

You can create the relate by right-clicking on the feature class in ArcMap > Joins and Relate > Relate.  After the relate is created, save the map document and then publish it to ArcGIS Server.  As the DBF table is updated with the application, the service will automatically reflect these changes.

Note:  this relationship is only maintained in this map document.  If you add the feature class to another map document, you will have to recreate the relate.

[DonFreeman]

OK Jake. Thanks, I will try it with a relate.
I already tried it with a join which seemed to work but I couldn't retrieve the field data from the map service.
- D

[JakeSkinner]

With the relate, if you add the service to ArcMap and use the identify tool you can drill down to the related dbf table.  I have not tested this with a web application though.

[DonFreeman]

With the relate, if you add the service to ArcMap and use the identify tool you can drill down to the related dbf table.  I have not tested this with a web application though.

Actually, I was able to get it to work with a join. I just had to preface the fieldname with the table reference in the maptip.

 <TextBlock Text="{Binding [TIP_PROPOSED.ST_NAME]}" Foreground="Black" />

Thanks

[deleted-user-OvQ2biYmIWQS]

I believe that I am trying to do something similar in Arcsde 10.  I am trying to use a stand alone table with updated property ownership changes lined to parcel account numbers.  Would a "relate" know to replace certain attribute fields with the data from the stand alone table?   Is this something that would require a script?  I'm not very versed in scripting yet but wouldn't mind giving it a shot.

[JakeSkinner]

I believe that I am trying to do something similar in Arcsde 10.  I am trying to use a stand alone table with updated property ownership changes lined to parcel account numbers.  Would a "relate" know to replace certain attribute fields with the data from the stand alone table?   Is this something that would require a script?  I'm not very versed in scripting yet but wouldn't mind giving it a shot.

The relate will only link the feature class to the stand alone table using a primary and foreign key so when you select a parcel, you can see all the related information in the stand alone table.

Are you looking to have attributes in the feature class update from the related table attributes?