Attach sewer data PDF to segment data

[robertcortes]

I'm trying to add some functionality to out city's current public sewer layer.  I'd like to be able to attach either PDF(s) of picture files to a sewer segment.  Anyone done this before?  The idea is to have the system display the file name, number etc when the user hovers over the segment.

Thanks,

[MarkStewart]

Hi Robert,

There are actually a few ways you could accomplish this, and you would just choose the one that best meets your workflow needs.

1.  Probably the most common method is using hyperlinks.  You can find out how to create and manage hyperlinks here - http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00s500000004000000.htm

2.  Another alternative is html popups.  These are very similar to hyperlinks, except that they will open the picture or pdf in a small html popup within ArcMap, instead of using the file's default application (e.g. Acrobat Reader for pdfs).  You can find out about html popups here - http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Setting_HTML_pop_up_properties_for_fea...

3.  If you just want to have users see a picture for the segment, you could use a Raster Attribute.  This stores an image as an attribute value directly on the table, instead of linking out to a separate file, like hyperlinks and html popups.  You can find out about raster attributes here - http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//009t000001np000000

4.  Finally, if your sewer data is in the geodatabase, you can take advantage of Geodatabase Attachments.  This lets you attach the multiple pictures or pdfs to the actual data.  It does require an ArcEditor or ArcInfo license to enable and create the attachements, but users with an ArcView license can read them.  You can find out more about attachments in the geodatabase here - http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//001t000003vt000000.htm

Hope that helps.

[NicholeKrist1]

Since I looked for hours and couldn't find an exact answer to what I needed I thought I would post the answer I come up with.

+To add attachments to an individual feature within a feature class in a sde database:
Note: These instructions assume that attachments are already configured for the layer in question.
1. Start editing the workspace or layer that wish to add attachments to.
2. Select the feature you would like to add the attachment to, right-click on it and select â??Attributesâ?�

3. The Attributes window will appear.

4. Using the attachment manager, choose â??Addâ?� to add a new attachment. Can be any format, but the primary ones you will be adding are PDF and JPEG.

5. Close the dialog and you will now see you attachment listed under the Attachments drop down. If you are not in an editing session your attachments will be available when you use the identify tool.
6. Save your edits and stop editing.