Feature Class to Shapefile with definitions not values

Feature Class to Shapefile: Keeping the Story in Your Data

So, you’ve got a geodatabase humming with carefully defined feature classes, complete with those handy attribute domains that make data entry a breeze and keep everything consistent. But now you need to share that data as a shapefile. We’ve all been there. The problem? Shapefiles, bless their simple hearts, don’t play nice with those fancy domains. A straight-up conversion can leave you with a shapefile full of cryptic codes instead of the descriptive text that actually gives your data meaning. Imagine handing that off to someone – it’d be like giving them a puzzle with half the pieces missing! Let’s dive into how to avoid this data-sharing disaster and make sure your shapefiles tell the whole story.

The Domain Dilemma: Why Shapefiles Fall Short

Think of geodatabase domains as a way to keep your data honest. They’re like a set of rules that say, “This field can only contain these values.” Coded Value domains are particularly useful; they link a code (like “1” or “A”) to a real-world description (like “Asphalt” or “Residential”). This keeps your geodatabase tidy and efficient.

Now, shapefiles… well, they’re the old reliable workhorses of the GIS world, but they’re not exactly known for their sophistication. They have a few quirks:

• Short and Sweet (and Sometimes Cryptic) Field Names: You only get 10 characters for field names. Abbreviation city!
• Limited Data Types: Shapefiles aren’t as flexible as geodatabases when it comes to the kind of data they can store.
• No Domain Love: This is the big one. Shapefiles simply can’t store those domain definitions.
• Size Matters (and Shapefiles are a Bit Self-Conscious): Shapefiles max out at 2GB.

The bottom line? When you convert a feature class with domains to a shapefile, you lose the descriptive text. You’re left with just the codes, which might as well be gibberish to anyone who doesn’t have the secret decoder ring.

Cracking the Code: Methods for Saving Your Descriptions

Alright, enough doom and gloom. There are definitely ways to get those domain descriptions into your shapefiles. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:

1. The “Domain to Table” Two-Step

This is a classic workaround that involves creating a lookup table and then joining it to your data. It’s a bit like creating your own Rosetta Stone.

2. ArcGIS 10.1 and Beyond: “Transfer Field Domain Descriptions”

If you’re using a newer version of ArcGIS (10.1 or later), you’re in luck! There’s a handy environment setting that does the heavy lifting for you.

3. Python to the Rescue!

For those who like to get their hands dirty (or need to automate things), Python scripting with ArcPy is the way to go. This gives you the most control and flexibility.

A Few Words of Caution

• Shapefile Quirks Still Apply: Remember, shapefiles are still shapefiles. You’re still limited to short field names, and certain data types might not translate perfectly.
• Size Matters: Keep an eye on that 2GB limit. If your data is massive, consider using a file geodatabase instead.
• Character Encoding: Shapefiles can be a bit finicky with non-English characters.
• Consider Alternatives: If possible, think about using other formats like GeoJSON or file geodatabases. They’re often a better choice for sharing complex data.

The Takeaway

Shapefiles might be old-school, but they’re still a common currency in the GIS world. By using these techniques, you can make sure your shapefiles carry the full story of your data, not just a bunch of confusing codes. Choose the method that works best for you, keep those limitations in mind, and happy data sharing!