Merging points layers produces Null values in attribute table
Dear all,
I am currently attempting to merge 70 different point layers, each point representing a residence location (one layer for each neighborhood). Each of the point layers contains five attributes (OID *, Shape *, CID, OID* and Religion) that are all equally named and contain equal datatypes in all layers. The values for the the attribute 'Religion' are produced through a join between each layer and an Excel on OID *. An example attribute table is shown below.
The goal is to merge all the different layers into a single layer that contains a single attribute 'Religion' and correctly stores the subsequent values for this attribute of all origin input layers. Using the Merge (Data Management) tool, the point layers are in fact merged, but the resultant attribute table is not as expected. It only produces values for those attributes that belong to the input data layers, any attributes that originate from the joined Excel sheets show <Null> values. Besides, the output attribute table stores a single 'Religion' attribute for each input layer, whereas I aim to have a single attribute for this that stores the values for all input layers. Below, part of the output attribute table using the Merge tool is shown.
Could any please point out what is causing this output, and how I should adjust the operation to produce the desired output.
I would bring your Excel data into your feature classes before doing the Merge operation. To do this:
- Add a Religion field to each point layer
- Join your excel data using OID
- Calculate the values for your Religion field from the joined data using the Field Calculator
- Remove the join
- Repeat for all point layers
Then merge your point layers:
You will notice in the Merge tool field map all the religion values are being assigned to a single output field. When the merge is complete all of your data should be there:
