Check In/Check Out Shapefiles in ArcPad 10

[OliviaBrown]

I want to be able to check in/check out shapefiles in ArcPad 10, just like I was able to in 7.  The check in/check out function in 7 allowed me to add new data to my main database without overwriting any data.  I want to be able to do this again but 10 only allows check in/check out with geodatabases now.  Anyone know of a solution?

Thanks in advance for you help.

[ToddStuber]

Hi Olivia,

You are correct, shapefiles cannot be checked out for disconnected editing at ArcPad 10.  Right now the only way to directly edit a shapefile, outside of importing it into a geodatabase, is to manually move the shapefile onto the mobile unit via ActiveSync (XP) or the Mobile Device Center (Vista, 7).  You can then perform the field edits and copy it back to your desktop, overwriting the original file. 

One possible, albeit clunky, workaround is to create a blank geodatabase feature class that exactly matches the schema of your shapefile.  You can check out the feature class using the Schema Only option and at the same time copy out the shapefiles as background data matching the symbology between the two so they look like one seamless layer.  Since any data being collected is new, you can check the AXF back in and then Append the edited feature class to the shapefile, thereby only updating the shapefile with new features rather than overwriting the entire file each time.  Of course the downside to all of this is that you will not be able to edit existing features using this method.    

If you would like to see the option of being able to check out shapefiles for editing in a future release, I would suggest visiting Esri's Ideas website.  You can log in using your Global ID and post your idea on the ArcPad product page.

Thanks!

[TomBell1]

Hi Todd,

When performing this method, will it export the domains as well?  We're experiencing low memory errors on our GPS units using ArcPad 10, and our supplier recommended checking out shapefiles instead of .axf's.

Thanks,
Tom Bell
Hickory, NC

[ToddStuber]

Hi Tom,

Because domains are only supported in geodatabase tables and feature classes, they will not be maintained once you export the feature classes to shapefile format.  The resulting attribute table for the shapefile will, unfortunately, only have the original domain codes and not the associated descriptions. 

If you are looking to constrain the values of your shapefile attribute fields similar to the way a domain does for a feature class, one option worth looking at is working with a lookup table as part of your edit form.  This would be saved in an APL file which could then be applied to your shapefiles.  If you are unfamiliar on how to do this, Exercise 2 of the Customizing ArcPad Tutorial (Programs > ArcGIS > ArcPad 10 > Developer Help > Customizing ArcPad) goes through how to associate a standalone .dbf with an EditForm.  They won't be true domains, but will have a similar look and feel.

Thanks!

[TomBell1]

Thank you, Todd -- I may have to resort to that, and it's nice to know that it is possible.

-Tom