BUG-000126855 for ArcGIS Pro

Bug ID Number	BUG-000126855
Submitted	November 19, 2019
Last Modified	June 5, 2024
Applies to	ArcGIS Pro
Version found	2.4.2
Operating System	N/A
Operating System Version	N/A
Status	Known Limit

Additional Information

This is a known limitation. The drivers make assumptions about the CSV field data types based on the first row of data. A blank (or null) value is to be translated as text. Create and modify a schema.ini file to 'force' a data type for a field in a CSV file. Additional help documentation can be found here in the following link, https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/help/data/tables/add-an-ascii-or-text-file-table.htm.

Workaround

In Excel, add a single integer to the column that should be entirely null.
After the integer is added, change the data type to Numeric, and add the appropriate number of decimal places.
Save the table as a CSV, and add it to ArcGIS Pro.
The data type for the field is listed as 'Double' or 'Long', depending on the type of numeric data type selected in Excel.
Perform an operation such as 'Copy Rows', which creates a copy of the data that can be edited.
Remove the integer from the field in question.
Check the data type using 'Field View'. Note that the data type retains the proper numeric format, either 'Double' or 'Long', depending on which was chosen.