How Do I Change Data Type in ArcGIS Pro?

Changing the data type in ArcGIS Pro is a common task that allows you to modify the format of your data to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to convert a field from text to numeric or change the geometry type of a feature class, ArcGIS Pro provides several options to help you accomplish this. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to change the data type in ArcGIS Pro.

Method 1: Alter Field

If you want to change the data type of a field in an attribute table, the Alter Field tool is your go-to option. This tool allows you to modify the properties of an existing field, including its data type. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Step 1: Open ArcGIS Pro and navigate to the Catalog pane.
2. Step 2: Right-click on the feature class or table containing the field whose data type you want to change and select “Properties”.
3. Step 3: In the Properties dialog box, click on the “Fields” tab.
4. Step 4: Select the field that needs its data type changed from the list of fields.
5. Step 5: Click on the “Alter” button at the bottom-right corner of the dialog box.
6. Step 6: In the Alter Field dialog box, specify the new data type for the selected field.
7. Step 7: Click “OK” to apply changes and close both dialog boxes.

Method 2: Feature Class To Feature Class

If you want to change the geometry type of a feature class, you can use the Feature Class To Feature Class geoprocessing tool. This tool allows you to create a new feature class with a different geometry type based on an existing feature class. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Step 1: Open ArcGIS Pro and navigate to the Geoprocessing pane.
2. Step 2: Search for the “Feature Class To Feature Class” tool and open it.
3. Step 3: Specify the input feature class whose geometry type you want to change.
4. Step 4: Specify the output location and name for the new feature class.
5. Step 5: Select the desired output geometry type from the drop-down list.
6. Step 6: Click “Run” to execute the tool and create the new feature class with the modified geometry type.

Method 3: Field Calculator

The Field Calculator in ArcGIS Pro is a powerful tool that allows you to perform calculations on existing fields and create new ones. It can also be used to change the data type of a field by creating a new field with the desired data type and copying values from the old field. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Step 1: Open ArcGIS Pro and navigate to the attribute table of your feature class or table.
2. Step 2: Right-click on any column header and select “Add Field”.
• Note: Make sure to choose the appropriate data type for the new field.
3. Step 3: Right-click on the newly added field and select “Field Calculator”.
4. Step 4: In the Field Calculator window, specify the expression to copy values from the old field to the new field.
• Note: The expression could be as simple as [OldField], where “OldField” is the name of the original field.
5. Step 5: Click “OK” to apply changes and close the Field Calculator.
6. Step 6: Optionally, you can delete the old field from the attribute table if it is no longer needed.

In conclusion, changing the data type in ArcGIS Pro is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods such as Alter Field, Feature Class To Feature Class, and Field Calculator. By following these steps, you can modify your data to better suit your analysis requirements. Remember to always make a backup of your data before making any changes to avoid any unintentional loss of information.