Assignment of defaults to field not working

Question

I am using ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop.
I have assigned default values to some fields in a feature class, which is sitting in a file geodatabase.

I used the "Assign Default To Field Tool", which claims to have been successful, yet when I go to create a new feature none of the default values populate in the fields.
When I check the field properties it shows the default value that I assigned, it just doesn't use them.
I do have domains assigned to the fields in question, and the default values I have chosen do conform to the coded values within the domains.

I am also using a subtype within the feature class, but I can't see why that would be interfering.
I think I have covered all relevant information, just ask if I have missed something.

ianbroad · Accepted Answer

By global, I mean domains and default values that are shared between all subtypes.

What I've noticed is that if in the Fields tab you set all your global domains and default values BEFORE you create the subtypes, then these settings will be present for each subtype when you create them.

But, if you create the subtypes BEFORE you set the domains and default values in the Fields tab, they will not be present and you'll need to set them individually for each subtype.

Another way to do this is to set the Default Subtype in the Subtypes tab, and set all the global domains and default values for the default subtype. Then for each additional subtype other than the default, click the Use Defaults button. This will set the domains and default values equal to the ones in the default subtype. From there you can set any unique domains and default values for each subtype.

If you're creating a new feature class, I'd recommend setting all the global domains and default values in the Fields tab, then creating the subtypes, and then setting any unique domains and default values for each subtype.

But, of course, there's more than one way to do everything.

Assignment of defaults to field not working

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question