Importing a feature class having representations using ‘Import XML Workspace Document’ from SDE Geodatabase to a file/SDE Geodatabase returns an error – “Import xml data failed. The operation was attempted on an empty geometry”.

Description

Attempting to migrate data to the Local Government geodatabase, or importing a feature class with representations from an SDE geodatabase to a file/SDE geodatabase using the Import XML Workspace Document tool returns the following error:

Error:
Import XML data failed. The operation was attempted on an empty geometry.

The domain for the representation is successfully imported to the geodatabase, but importing the feature class fails.

Cause

This error occurs when importing an XML with feature class representations from an Oracle geodatabase.

Workaround

Use the Copy tool in the Data Management Tools toolbox to move the data. Refer to ArcMap: Copying feature datasets, classes, and table to another geodatabase for more information on how to do this.

Note:
Users with ArcGIS Desktop 10.6 and newer may encounter an issue where the Copy/Paste method drops representations. This is a bug and is documented in BUG-000084709. To circumvent this issue, downgrade and use ArcGIS Desktop 10.5.1.

Steps to Reproduce