Transferring attributes between features
Release 9.3 Last modified May 14, 2009	Print all topics in : "Spatial adjustment"

About transferring attributes between features

Note: This topic was updated for 9.3.1.

The Attribute Transfer Mapping functions support the interactive transfer of attributes between features. The Attribute Transfer Mapping dialog box allows you to set the source and target layers and specify which fields to use as criteria for the attribute transfer.

Once you have identified the common fields in the source and target layers, they can be matched. These matched fields will define which attributes are transferred when using the Attribute Transfer tool. You also have the option to transfer the geometry of the feature by checking the Transfer Geometry check box.

The Attribute Transfer tool allows you to transfer the attributes of a feature to another feature. This transfer is based on matching the fields that are specified in the Attribute Transfer Mapping dialog box.

Use the Attribute Transfer tool to select a source feature followed by a target feature. When the transfer is complete, verify the target feature's attributes using the Identify tool .

How to transfer attributes between features

Using the Attribute Transfer Mapping dialog box

1. Click the Spatial Adjustment menu and click Attribute Transfer Mapping.
   
The Attribute Transfer Mapping dialog box appears.

2. Click the Source layer drop-down arrow and choose a layer.
   
3. Click the Target layer drop-down arrow and choose a layer.
   
4. Click a field in the Source Layer's Field list box.
   
5. Click a corresponding field in the Target Layer's Field list box.
   
Both fields are highlighted.

6. Click the Add button.
   
7. Repeat the process for all other fields that are to be used as criteria for the attribute transfer.
   

Tips

You can use the Auto Match command to match multiple fields at once based on common field names. When one layer has m-values or z-values and the other does not, you can only transfer attributes between them. You won't be able to transfer geometry.

Using the Attribute Transfer tool

1. Click the Attribute Transfer button on the Spatial Adjustment toolbar.
   
2. Position the pointerover the source feature and click once.
   
This is the feature that contains the desired attribute data.

3. Position the pointer over the target feature and click once to transfer the attribute data of the source feature.
   
The target feature is now updated with the source feature's attribute data.

Tips

You can transfer attributes to multiple features by holding down Shift while selecting the target features with the Attribute Transfer tool . When one layer has m-values or z-values and the other does not, you can only transfer attributes between them. You won't be able to transfer geometry.

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